As the 1970s drew to a close, Trevor Stephenson and his business partner were looking for a new challenge.
"The building business can be up and down pretty dramatically depending on the economy," Trevor said. "Plus it's seasonal, you're working outside in the rain. We thought we'd like to be in the building supply business. So we gave it a try - it seemed an exciting opportunity."
Thirty-three years later, Trevor has made the most of that opportunity. Now partnering with John Horsnell, Woodstop Building Supplies has thrived in Lynn Valley, expanding into the neighbouring property after a few years and just recently spinning off a dedicated door and window outlet, North Shore Door. Already an Irly Building-affliated centre, Woodstop has also just signed up with TIM-BR MART, bringing a wider range of goods through the doors at sharper prices.
Whether you're looking for hardware or materials, from plumbing to electrical to lumber to paint, Woodstop's got what you need to turn an idea into reality. Along with their gear, some people need a bit of experienced advice.
"On the contractor side, most of them are pretty confident about what they want," Trevor said. "But we do a lot of special order business, where they come in with a request and we'll do some research to get them what they need to complete a job - match a door, match a window, that kind of thing. With the retail customers, they come here because of the longevity we've had and the knowledge of our staff. So they certainly come here if they want to build a deck or fix their plumbing or do their electrical or put some drywall or insulation up - we can help them with that."
Most of his customers are from the North Shore, and Trevor estimates 85 per cent of them are contractors. But even a seasoned professional appreciates the hands-on approach of the 14 Woodstop employees, many of who have decades of experience in the building industry.
"That gives us an edge over the big-box stores. That's the feedback we get from our customers - 'I bought what I wanted there and they wouldn't help me load it.' We'll help you put the gyproc on your car, help you put the lumber in, that sort of thing. Whereas at big-box stores, you're often on your own."
That kind of service requires hard work and long hours. Both John and Trevor are in the office before 7 a.m. each morning, ordering stock and managing the larger business.
"I'm basically the general manager, with all the business and office duties that go with that, but I'm involved in the sales side of it as well, and John is an excellent complement - he is the 'attention-to-details guy" Trevor said. "The most challenging part is on the retail side. People expect things instantaneously and they want you to be open 24-7. We try to accommodate that as best we can. We are open seven days a week. North Shore's homeowners expect the best in customer service and we constantly strive to be the best.
Trevor relishes dealing with a variety of people and the challenge of running a small business.
"It keeps you occupied, that's for sure," he said, "just being able to open the doors every day and employ as many people as we do. We also help local charities and we serve the community. I think those are all pretty good things."
GET TO KNOW TREVOR AND JOHN
HOBBIES?
Trevor: I like to golf. I like to watch golf on TV, believe it or not. I like spending time with my family. John: I love the outdoors, riding my ATV and enjoying my boat. I strive to find a good work/family balance.
WHAT GADGETS DO YOU CARRY?
Trevor: I have an iPhone but I only use about one per cent of its capacity. John: I have one of those too. Technology today is so amazing.
WHAT CHARITY GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
We donate materials to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. We help out the local schools with either donations or materials when they want to build a playground. We donate money to Boy Scouts of Canada. We do fundraising for cancer and also for Remembrance Day. There's a bunch more.We want to give back. Without the community we wouldn't be here.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHANGE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
The insulating value of homes. Better insulation, better windows, better doors. Those sort of things help not only the homeowner but our ecology as well.
KEY TO SUCCESS
Optimism. Persistence would be another one. You have to constantly work at being successful.
FIND US AT
1335 Draycott Rd., N Vancouver telephone 604 986 5281 internet www.irlybuildingcentre.com
