Name of Owner: Chris Calvert and Allen Gean
Year you opened for business: 1878
How would you describe your business?
Exotic and hardwood lumber sales and customer mouldings and millwork.
Briefly describe your typical client/customer.
Custom home builders, home remodelers, furniture makers, cabinet shops and the hobbyist.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her?
The variety of types of lumber and the millwork capabilities that Yukon has available.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in your district/community?
The long-term relationships we have with our customers. Our business is in Ghent, which is a great place to live and work. I enjoy helping the home owners match up moulding in their historic homes as well as educating our customers about all the beautiful wood of the world that is available.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads?
It’s the great diversity of our customers. From the boaters passing through, sailing the Eastern seaboard to the military personnel coming in with a new project, it is interesting hearing the different stories from around the world.
What challenges do you face as a business owner?
All of the paperwork! Also, remaining competitive against “big box” stores. Our real interest in customers is what differentiates us from the big stores.
What’s in store for your business in the future?
Plans are to extend our service areas.
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)?
Make it harder for the big franchise stores to move in. Acknowledge the importance of family-run businesses to the success of the community. We work here, live here, and buy here. The money we make stays in the community, not some foreign land.
What is one thing your business district needs?
Better parking.
