While the name on the sign may appear relatively new, walking into the Stout Lumber complex brings a feeling of connection to a family with deep roots in both the hardware and lumber industries, as well as a sense of the strong bond to their beloved small town of Litchfield.
Jesse Stout, one of several family members who own and work at the lumber and hardware store, represents the latest generation to carry on the family tradition. His grandfather, Robert, was involved in the founding and expansion of the national company Carter Lumber and ran a store in the township for many years before passing the reins to his son, and Jesse’s father, Gary. Today, Jesse and Gary are joined in the enterprise by Jesse’s siblings, Micah, Benjamin and Danielle.
Hard work, providing excellent products and service, and being active in the community have all contributed to the family’s success.
“We want to be the most reliable, knowledgeable and connected to what our community actually needs,” said Jesse. “We aim to please with service that exceeds expectations.”
Stout’s team can draw on decades of experience to guide customers to the right supplies for home renovations or hardware for weekend repairs. “My dad grew up learning the business and the right way to treat people, and he passed that knowledge on to us,” Jesse said.
It’s their unwavering commitment to their customers and community that sets them apart from big box stores. Almost everything that national retailers offer is available at Stout Lumber, according to Stout. The store also offers plumbing, electrical, residential and commercial supplies, as well as kitchen upgrades.
By serving its customers with the same dedication the family has shown for generations, Stout Lumber exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community that makes small-town America unique. When the company discovered an incident of check fraud, the large bank they previously worked with seemed to have no interest in working with them to resolve the theft.
By choosing Buckeye Community Bank as their banking partner, the Stout family said the bank reflects their values perfectly.
“Our attraction to Buckeye was their approach. They took the time to understand our business and find what made sense for us. It’s nice to work with a bank that is friendly, easy to engage with, and still sees a need to know and help you,” said Jesse. “It’s like the old days, when your bank really cared about your success. Talking to real people is nice and we have been impressed with Drew (Alurovic) and the whole team at the LaGrange Branch.”
“In an era of larger stores and numerous options, Stout Lumber reminds us that some things never go out of style: knowledge earned through experience, relationships built on trust, and the simple power of being local and helping your neighbors succeed,” said Buckeye President and CEO Ben Norton. “It is something that we know at Buckeye Community Bank and is ingrained in what we do every day.”
Stout said he looks forward to growing in Litchfield and expanding the company’s relationship with Buckeye. Learn more about the company and its offerings at stoutlumber.com.
