CUSTOMER FEATURE
Although it’s been through several remodels, the Star Lumber flagship location stands in the
same spot today in Wichita, Kansas, as the original building did when it was constructed in 1939.
A Strong Partnership
Star Lumber Celebrates 75th Anniversary,
Long History With Blish-Mize
“I remember going to the Blish show
with my dad when I was a little boy,” says
Star Lumber CEO and Chairman of the
Board Chris Goebel. “We’ve been with
Blish for as long as I can remember.”
“It’s been since before either Chris or
I was born,” adds President and COO
Patrick Goebel.
Whatever the exact number of years—
Chris and Patrick, who are cousins, esti-
mate it is at least 50—it’s been a strong
relationship for Star Lumber and Blish-
Mize, and it’s one both parties value,
thanks to close relationships between
employees and a strong understanding of
each other’s businesses.
From the Ground Up
Star Lumber was founded in 1939
by Earl Goebel, a contractor (and Chris
and Patrick’s grandfather) who decided
to make the switch from residential and
commercial construction to retail. The
company grew over time, both by building
new locations and acquiring other busi-
nesses, and was passed down from one
generation to the next.
The flagship store in Wichita, Kansas,
has gone through several remodels but
still stands in the same spot as the original
building, at the corner of Maple and West
streets. That building currently boasts
three stores—a retail location, a home
concepts design center and a flooring and
H
ow long has
Star Lumber
been a Blish-Mize
customer?
It’s a question
not even Star’s president
or CEO can answer.
8
Fall 2014 •
Hardlines
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