Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Bohnhoff.
Five generations of Bohnhoffs have now been in the family business that began in 1910, at the corner of 15th and Alameda, by C.W. Bohnhoff, who immigrated from Germany with his parents at the age of two. They settled in the lumbering capitol of the United States at the time, Saginaw, Michigan.
In 1910, Bohnhoff opened in surely LA’s most glorious time to be in the lumber business, 1910-1930. A time in which the population grew from 320,000 people to 1,240,000 and C.W. Bohnhoff became one of the most successful lumbermen in Los Angeles history.
Tragedy struck in July of 1964 when third generation “Charlie” Bohnhoff was awakened by an LA Times photographer to the news of the lumber yard being on fire. “When I stepped out the front door I could see the red glow” said Charlie of the blaze raging 23 miles away. True grit prevailed and Bohnhoff Lumber was back in business with a new and current location on 26th street in Vernon just 5 days later.
Today, Bohnhoff Lumber’s day to day operations are run by the late Alan Bohnhoff’s two children, Michael Bohnhoff and Christa Ellis. The sixth generation is Michael’s daughter Whitney Alan Bohnhoff, son Charles Trevor Bohnhoff and Christa’s sons Robert L. Ellis IV and Jacob Alan Ellis.
“We sell a quality product at a good price.” is the motto of the Bohnhoff crew. On any given day you will find company trucks coming and going loaded with lumber, forklifts performing a balancing act with stacks of lumber and good conversation. Bohnhoff is known for its friendly staff and knowledgeable sales people.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, not always. Having started in 1910, our family operated the business through the great depression. Our great great grandfather sold their house and other items to keep the afloat. The fire in 64′ was very tragic for the family but thanks to the local Lumber community offering help in the way of trucks to use and material to restock we were up and running again in under a week. The next major event was the death of our father in 2009. This was a crushing blow to the family and the business as well. But in true Bohnhoff fashion, we buckled down and kept the machine moving forward.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bohnhoff Lumber – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We sell lumber. We are a specialty hardwood yard and also deal in various softwoods and some plywood. We are probably most proud of being a family business in Los Angeles that has been around for as long as we have. Not too many people or businesses can boast of 5 generations and 100+ years of service. What sets us apart is our customer service and us offering to let our customers hand select their own pieces. From 1 piece to the whole unit. Whatever it takes to make the customer happy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Changes are happening now in the way of office remodel and repaving of our yard and updating equipment. As a proud family business, we would love to see it go on for another 100+ years.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3411 E 26TH St., Los Angeles,Ca. 90058
- Website: www.bohnhofflumber.com
- Phone: 3232639361
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohnhoff_lumber/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bohnhoff-LumberCo-222881277768650/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bohnhoff-lumber-co-los-angeles
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