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How long has Glu-Lam-Log been in business?
Glu-Lam-Log was incorporated in 1984, so as of winter 2003, the company is in its 19th year of providing laminated logs, traditional milled logs, log cabin siding, and other related materials.
How did Glu-Lam-Log get started?
Glu-Lam-Log, Inc. was a brainchild of Bob Smith, the company’s founder and current co-owner. Bob started the business in 1984, after experience with building log homes made him familiar with many of the downfalls of traditional log home construction such as shrinkage, warping, cracking, and fitting problems. Bob had the idea that laminated logs would eliminate these issues, and Glu-Lam was born.
Where did the idea for laminated logs come from?
Bob had been thinking about logs and happened to notice a large antique oak table in his home. The table was very heavy, and supported by a massive pedestal. The notion struck Bob that the table had to be at least 100 years old, yet there wasn’t a single crack in that pedestal. Upon examining it more closely, Bob realized that the pedestal, which he had assumed to be a single piece of wood, was actually several pieces of kiln-dried wood that had been laminated together, and then put on a lathe to make it round. Bob realized there was no reason house logs couldn’t be manufactured in the same manner.
Who runs Glu-Lam-Log now?
Glu-Lam-Log, Inc. is now operated by partners, and co-owners, Bob Smith and Phil Alman. Bob is in charge of the manufacturing operation, managing Glu-Lam’s plant facility, developing new products, and making sure quality materials get out to the customer. Phil runs the company’s front end, with the main focus of keeping customers happy and keeping the orders coming in.
How did Bob and Phil become partners?
Bob Smith continued operating Glu-Lam-Log on his own in Western Montana for a short time until Phil Alman, an old college friend and hunting partner, became involved on the side in 1987. Phil had come to Montana for his annual hunting trip and was sold on Bob’s idea. Phil had a considerable amount of marketing experience, and offered to lend a hand in getting the business established nationally. In 1989, Phil and his family moved out to Montana, and he and Bob officially became partners and co-owners of Glu-Lam-Log, Inc.
What is Glu-Lam-Log’s business philosophy?
Glu-Lam-Log’s philosophy is built on three cornerstones: Quality, Consistency, and Customer Service. The main focus of the company is to meet the customer’s needs, because without the customer, there is no company. By focusing on product quality and consistency, rather than growth and production volume, Glu-Lam-Log ensures that the needs of the customer are always placed first. Our whole philosophy is geared towards building quality within our company so we can provide quality in our products.
How large is your company?
Big, but not too big. The company is more than ten times bigger than it was when it competed it's first year of operation, but it retains a small business attitude. We're large enough to have the purchasing power necessary to secure excellent wood supplies at competitive prices, but small enough to maintain a superior level of quality control, customer contact, and customer service.
How many Glu-Lam-Log homes have been built?
Since we sell our products primarily through a builder/dealer network, it's hard to say exactly. However, the numbers of homes using Glu-Lam-Log products now number well into the thousands with homes in all 50 states and several countries abroad. In fact, there may be one in your neck of the woods.
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