So the Cowls family is calling it quits on their signature sawmill operation that represents nine generations of family blood, sweat and tears. The fundamental business model (and anybody who ever took a Business 101 course knows the 80/20 Rule--where 80% of your profit comes from 20% of your product line) of doing what you need to do in order to survive triumphs, as well it should.
Their main business, the building supply store, will continue on (and with the added value expertise of owners and skilled employees will continue to thrive.) And their vast holding of woodlands are not going anywhere anytime soon.
Alas, whatever the industry--it is simply impossible to compete with folks who sell $10 bills for $7.
The Springfield Republican reports
8 comments:
I wouldn't be too sure about those land holdings...
Overhead can't be much.
The store was a sideline to the sawmill. I am thinking this is significant, perhaps more than some realize.
We shall see how long Cowl's lumber can be profitable once Lowe's is open too. The hardware at Cowl's is lousy.
I wonder what they will do with the land along Cowls Lane? I'm pretty sure it is zoned for business.
they'll burn it down for future slumlord strip
History repeating itself?
The Cowls' vast land holdings were established during the first Depression when they had cash and would pay cash for the deeds to family farms. And as that Depression came in the midst of changing economic realities, the farms shifted to forestry holdings.
During this depression, there are shifts along a different line and what you will be seeing is family-owned businesses like Cowls/Jones being replaced by national chains.
bye local
ah yes, because we all know how good bach is at handling his finances.
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