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he Martin Story
Glenn Martin, founder and co-owner of Martins Wood Products, is an individual of deep religious and personal convictions. After working seventeen years in a local steel fabrication shop, Glenn and his wife Erma wanted to provide work for their sons by starting a family owned and operated business. As the boys were growing up, Glenn realized that they did not have the same interest in steel fabrication as he did.
Doing anything different was an uncomfortable proposition for Glenn because he would be stepping outside the industry he knew well and enjoyed - metal fabrication. After much prayer, and considering other possibilities, in 1986 the family decided to start a wood working shop. They began building chairs on a part-time basis for another manufacturer, where their oldest son, Marvin, was employed. One of the intimidating factors in this decision was their lack of experience with wood, but with Marvin teaching his Dad how to make chairs, the business was started. Four years later, Martin′s Wood Products was operating on a full time basis, and began to develop its own dealer network.
Recalling his first customer, Glenn and Marvin remember making a trip to Ohio to visit a few woodworking shops. While driving through a certain area, they noticed a sign that said “Beaver Valley Reproductions”. After stopping in and inquiring with the owner, it was discovered that they were interested in receiving a quote on what became known as the Royal chair. Upon returning home, Glenn prepared a quote within the next few days and the customer ordered one prototype chair. After purchasing a small lathe, the parts were turned by hand, and Glenn personally delivered the chair to Ohio. The owner of the business sat on the chair, gave an order for 100 of them and from there on, orders began to trickle in. Reflecting back to those early days, Glenn remembers how he and the whole family would do everything from selling, manufacturing, picking up supplies, and deliveries, while working days and some evenings and Saturdays.
As the business expanded and prospered, so did the need for assistance with issues such as customer service, order tracking, inventory, accounting, etc. In 1992, Glenn′s son, James, offered assistance with these tasks. Over the next two years, this assistance grew and in 1994 he was offered a position of ownership in the business.
Through James′ involvement with the business, he saw an opportunity through the continued growth and diversity of the products being manufactured by Martin′s Wood Products to take the business into an era of higher technology - computers. Glenn remembers being skeptical at first, keeping a separate set of records to ensure the computer didn′t make a mistake. However, when James showed him a $3,000 error that the computer discovered, Glenn believed this tool could help improve efficiency. Over the years, computers helped organize and streamline operations, manage inventory and job costing, and design furniture.
As a faith-based company, one of our goals is to provide a Christian work environment for each team member. As the company’s most valuable asset, their contribution has made a tremendous impact as seen in their dedication to quality and on time service. In the team oriented work environment, each one has the opportunity to personal and team success as they contribute through continuous improvement. We are only stewards of the business God has entrusted to us and our desire is to honor Him and use His resources to further His kingdom.
Today, the family′s four sons are involved with the business and their contributions have been responsible for the expansion of the business. In all this, the family believes that following God and His Word needs to be top priority in a person′s life, and that real success is measured by being faithful to God in this life, and not in material pursuits and possessions.
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