On September 26, The Advertiser’s publisher, Thom McAnally, traveled to Naples Lumber & Supply where we were greeted by David E. Weston, COO. Here’s what we learned about Naples Lumber’s preparedness, commitment, and heart.
Make a Plan and USE It
If you’re a longtime resident of south Florida, the question is not if you’re going to see a major storm but when. Naples Lumber owner Ron Labbe has lived here for 39+ years, David Weston for 32 years, so they know what to expect and know the value of a hurricane/natural disaster plan.
Formalized several years ago and practiced annually, Naples Lumber’s disaster plan focuses on three areas: pre-season planning, event occurrence, and post-event recovery. The goal is to be prepared, lock down quickly, and act swiftly to recover as soon as safely possible.
Prepare Every Year
Preparedness doesn’t start when you hear the weather report—it starts when you decide that you want to protect your business by making smart decisions.
From property to infrastructure, Naples Lumber takes actions to stay ready. Two years ago, it invested in a fiber optic internet connection in addition to cable and phone company broad band to make sure communications are available. Every year, it reviews the property conditions—and it had just spent nearly $8000 on trimming landscape and other safety precautions. Importantly, it maintains a large fuel tank on site—this allows them to keep materials flowing and to help employees travel to and from work without waiting for hours in long gas lines.
In fact, they also have an eye on disaster supplies the community will need. While Big Box stores will stock 500 sheets of plywood,, Naples Lumber keeps more than 20,000 sheets in stock during hurricane season. This allows them to supply their customers, mostly pro-builders, with what they need to protect their homes and commercial buildings.
Be Patient and Weather the Storm
When Hurricane Irma started heading their way, Naples Lumber put its plan into action. To lock down the facility, they make sure that everything inside is off the floor, everything outside that can be blown away is strapped down and bunkered together, and all employees are given plenty of time to go home and prepare themselves. Then they wait.
Of course, even with planning, there will be damage. The building that houses hardware and window parts lost its roof and back concrete block wall. Parts of the roof flew into warehouses and lumber T-structures, damaging several in its path.
Lend a Hand Wherever Needed
Naples Lumber’s commitment to helping others was put into action too. With all of that plywood in stock, 17,000+ sheets were gone within the first 48 hours. Unlike other pro-dealers, Naples Lumber opens its doors to the public. Even though only about 5% of their normal business is direct to the consumer, this availability meant that local residents had a chance to protect their homes when supplies at Big Box and other locations sold out.
The heart of Naples Lumber was on full display too. When a few employees with young children found themselves in flooded homes, they were invited to stay at the business, using offices as temporary living quarters until they could return to their homes.
As they worked to reopen the business on Tuesday after the storm, Naples Lumber & Supply bought in a bounty of hot dogs and chips as the vendors brought additional supplies. One supplier in particular, Brian King from US Lumber, packed his van so tightly that he could barely squeeze in next to the water and Gator Aid. Pulling together, the aftermath proved that Naples Lumber, its employees, and its vendors are a family.
Get Back to Business
After losing power for 72 hours, the goal was to get back up and running. Although a few inches of water flooded the buildings, the elevated inventory, displays, and furniture sustained no damage. The drywall may show the water line, but the steady hum of dehumidifiers is taking care of the dampness. New roof panels sit in the shell of the hardware building and suppliers are working on repair parts for others.
All of the repairs are on track and should be completed in a few weeks. The yard is bustling with trucks and forklifts. The showroom is full of door, window, and hardware samples. Their buyer is busy placing orders. And the extended family that is Naples Lumber will be ready for the next challenge soon—confronting each day with preparedness and heart.
As Ron Labbe always says, “Live the life, don’t just talk the talk.”