Today we’d like to introduce you to John Ruark.
John, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I joined Shell Lumber in 1998 as a lumber salesman. From there, I was promoted to Lumber Manager, Receiving Manager, Purchasing Manager, General Manager and Executive Director. This broad based experience gave me a unique appreciation of all aspects of the business and the core values Shell Lumber and Hardware was built upon.
Those being integrity, a sense of community and an honest commitment to live up to our customer’s expectations of quality products and exceptional service. Before coming to Shell, I worked for five years in the retail home improvement industry at a big box retailer. I grew up in south Florida, graduating from Southridge High School in 1980 before joining the military and served with the U.S. Army Honor Guard in Arlington, Virginia. I relocated back to my home city of Miami in 1988 and now reside in Cutler Bay.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Professionally, there are always struggles managing a dynamic organization like Shell Lumber. There are the unexpected turns in the economy, like in 2008 which had dramatic effects on the housing market, builders and contractors, and consequently, retailers like Shell. There is also the challenge of hiring employees who have the drive and principles that our environment demands. Maintaining the balance between staying true to our core values while recognizing the changes and evolution of the marketplace and our customers’ needs can also be challenging. Fortunately, we have remained not only relevant, but a fixture within our community. Through participation in local events like Bike 305 and the King Mango Strut parade we firmly believe in the shop local, stay local mindset.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shell Lumber & Hardware – what should we know?
Shell Lumber and Hardware has been a fixture in Coconut Grove since 1928. Our reputation was built on the principles of listening to our customers, having a broad inventory, including hard to find items at competitive pricing and the knowledge that a warm greeting, a friendly smile and an honest “thank you” will ensure success. Our product offering is vast; from quality paint like Benjamin Moore, Valspar and Ace, Stihl power equipment, a full-service hardware store, five different types of pressure treated lumber, over 30 species of wood in stock, contractor project quantities of molding, lumber and building materials, an exciting food truck and a special order department that can meet virtually any need. I am proud of how seriously we take our responsibility to the community during those times when South Florida is in the path of a storm. In the very busy hurricane seasons of 2004-2005, we reacted to each of those events, opening early, staying open late and using all of our resources to maintain a flow of supplies long after the big boxes were out. We will be equally ready to meet any new threats as they arise. I am also proud of how the ownership of this company has embraced our past, even as we plan for the future. Over the years we have hosted Shakespeare in the Park, art shows and concerts, the Governor on two occasions and at our recent annual customer appreciation day, we gave away over 800 hot dogs as a humble way of saying thanks. There are many hardware and home improvement stores but there is only one Shell Lumber and Hardware.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
It has been a long standing belief that our customers are our best source of knowledge and inspiration. Their experience and suggestions alter our products and operation. Our employees are also instrumental in our success. We conduct quarterly round table discussions where randomly selected employees are asked to offer any suggestions they have to improve our business or processes. It is also the employees who deal with our customers face to face on a daily basis and are our best form of advertising. Personally, I have been extremely fortunate to work with a dedicated, professional group of managers, supervisors and staff that have impacted all aspects of our success both presently and in the past. Certainly, a driving force in the growth and success of Shell Lumber was the former owner, Paul Naron. For over thirty years, his foresight and determination built the foundation of the business we are today. The current owners, Orlando and Gladys Valdes have taken that foundation and are developing a vibrant, dynamic company that is poised for a great future. It is noteworthy that we recently acquired KLI Home Center in Key Largo and are busy working to bring our influence to that upper keys institution. Individually, there are far too many people to list as reasons for our success, but without these individuals it would not presently be possible: Jose Alvarez, Sandra Arias, Oscar Balarezo, Daniel Locklear, Izzy Perdomo, Javie Bello, Nelson Herrera, Deborah Rodriguez and all of our dedicated employees.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2733 SW 27th Avenue,
Coconut Grove, 33133 - Website: shelllumber.com
- Phone: 305-856-6401
- Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
- Instagram: @shelllumber
- Facebook: facebook.com/shelllumber
- Twitter: @shelllumber
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