Troy said his great-grandfather, Fletcher Olson, bought into the business when he moved the family from Golden Valley, Minnesota, where he had a lumber business.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was looking for a milder climate. I am thankful he chose San Diego,\u201d Troy said.<\/p>\n
His mother, Carol Baxter, entered the business in 1994 after his grandfather, Ray Olson, passed away. She soon became general manager, and successfully managed the business for over 25 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cNavigating throuh the emergence of big box store competition and a major recession, she has been a great role model as well,\u201d he said. \u201cNavigating a small business over the last few decades in California is no simple task.\u201d<\/p>\n
Troy said he thinks his family chose La Mesa to set up shop because \u201cthe winters in Minnesota were rough and they wanted somewhere with a milder climate. The story is that there was also a lumberyard in La Jolla that he considered at the same time as La Mesa. Though a view of the ocean would be nice, I think this place worked out for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Above the rest<\/strong><\/p>\n Of course, La Mesa Lumber has become a true mainstay in the community and its history is what makes it unique and sets it apart from the competition.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a ton of history here for sure, and we have that family-owned atmosphere that can be hard to find these days. Being a small family-owned business also makes us flexible, if we want to change something or carry a product because a customer asked, we can, there is no big corporation telling us what to do,\u201d Troy said.<\/p>\n Currently, there are 31 employees and they are looking to hire another to be \u201cready for another busy summer.\u201d<\/p>\n La Mesa Lumber is about 3.5 acres and most of its current sheds have been at the location since the late \u201840s and the current office since the mid-\u201960s, according to Troy.<\/p>\n \u201cThe business has been in a couple locations locally,\u201d he added. \u201cThe corner of Allison and Date avenues on the west side of the tracks where lumber used to be delivered by rail car. An old office was also on the corner of Allison and Spring where the Chase Bank is now.\u201d<\/p>\n Change is good<\/strong><\/p>\n Over the years, the city has obviously changed but that\u2019s a good thing, Troy said.<\/p>\n \u201cThough I have lived in San Diego off and on for over 10 years, La Mesa has only been my home for the last two. But the changes are good! The La Mesa Village is having a moment and is quickly becoming a hot spot for this part of the county. I am happy to call it my home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n As for who La Mesa Lumber services, Troy said, \u201ceveryone we can!\u201d<\/p>\n
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