By Ali Lemmons
Founded in 1954, Evans Lumber Company has supplied the Chattanooga area with high-quality building products for over seven decades. The company has long been a trusted partner for builders and contractors throughout the region.
In 2024, Brent Smith took over as president with the dream of making a good company even better. Having spent years in manufacturing, finance, sales, and marketing, Smith immediately saw the potential Evans Lumber already possessed: loyal customers, experienced employees, and a strong reputation in the industry.
“We have great customers and we have great employees,” adds Smith. “That is just a perfect formula to have a successful business. What we did was just give it a shot in the arm – accelerate the growth curve through reinvestment.”
From the beginning, Smith’s approach focused on listening first. When he stepped into ownership, he told the team that he wanted everyone to be part of the process of improvement.
“The first thing I told people was: ‘I’ve been in this boat before.’ I talked to everybody. I got their opinion,” says Smith. “I think they appreciate that I didn’t come in like a hurricane and change everything. Like I said, Evans Lumber had a great reputation and a great customer base. There’s no need to rock the boat.”
During those first months, Smith paid close attention to what was working and what could be improved. His vision was simple: create a workplace that reflected the quality of the products Evans Lumber sells.
One of the first changes he made was investing directly in the employees who keep the company running. Smith’s first order of business was to increase each and every employee’s pay. He also introduced a different philosophy around work hours. While some lumber yards send hourly workers home when business slows down, Smith committed to keeping his team on the clock.
“I made a point of ensuring my folks, if there aren’t physical customers coming in or deliveries to make, I won’t send you home early if you don’t want to go,” says Smith. “Whether it’s cleaning, organizing, creating something new, or just helping out, we’ll find something to do.”
Those changes helped create a stronger culture almost immediately. Employees who once arrived late began showing up early, excited to be part of a workplace where their contributions were valued.
“I don’t want them to hate coming to work. So I created an environment where they’re comfortable and where they can be successful,” says Smith. “Ninety-five percent of the employees that were here on day one of the acquisition are still here.”
At the same time, Smith began making operational improvements throughout the facility. The Evans Lumber yard received a significant facelift, with upgrades that included new computers, updated vehicles, improved customer contact points, and clearer signage throughout the property – including bilingual signage to better serve their customer demographic.
The goal was to create an environment that looked and operated like the high-end supplier Evans Lumber strives to be, and the results have been significant.
“Our sales are up over 40% for the last two years,” shares Smith. “The number one reason is because we’re executing better. And all the employees, all the team members, deserve full credit for that.”
The Evans Lumber Difference
Evans Lumber specializes in serving custom home builders and high-end remodeling contractors who expect quality materials and reliable service. Rather than competing on volume alone, the company focuses on supplying premium-grade products that deliver better results on the job site.
“If you care about what the homeowner or your customer cares about – straighter boards, straighter walls, and more level floors – then you’ll come here because you’ll have better materials and less waste,” adds Smith.
In addition to its lumber selection, Evans Lumber is also the exclusive regional dealer for several premium brands, including Isokern fireplaces and outdoor living spaces, Rocky Mountain Hardware, Lincoln Windows and Doors, and Weather Shield Windows and Doors. These partnerships allow the company to offer contractors and homeowners distinctive products that elevate the finished look of a home.
By investing in its team, improving operations, and maintaining a commitment to high-quality products, Evans Lumber continues to build on a legacy that began more than 70 years ago – while positioning itself for an even stronger future.
To learn more about Evans Lumber, visit their website at evanslumbercompany.com or call their office at 423-698-8521.
