Woo-hoo! Lyons Timber Mart! (8 photos)

It is a story to be celebrated not only by the local business community, but also by local history enthusiasts.

Timber Mart, a well-known building supplier, can trace its local connection to James Lyons, and the local outlet will be celebrating 100 years in business in Sault Ste. Marie throughout 2013.

Timber Mart, with its main branch located at 500 Wellington Street West, with other branches located at 43 Black Road and in Hilton Township, can trace its beginnings on the local scene to entrepreneur James Lyons.

James Lyons, in 1912, started up Lyons Fuel, Hardware and Supply Ltd.  

Lyons supplied wood at then-unprecedented prices.

Lyons served as Ontario’s Minister of Lands and Forests from 1923 to 1926, and as Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie from 1932 to 1934.

As the years went by, ownership of the store was transferred to Richard H. Beaumont, and then to current owner David Beaumont (shown here).

Lyons became part of the Timber Mart group in 1997.

Beaumont told SooToday.com Thursday “we’ll be having regular sales marking our 100th anniversary theme throughout the summer, with a finale in October.”

Beaumont employs 135 people, 90 of them full-time.

With so much competition, what’s the secret behind a century of success? 

Beaumont told us “it’s hard work and dedication.”

“Our staff makes the difference.  We focus on customer service.  If people don’t feel you’re working for them, they’ll walk away.”

“Throughout this anniversary year, we want to thank the community for how they’ve supported us, and we’re here for them.”