Boone County Lumber
When it comes to commuting to work by bike, most people cite the “sweat factor” as the main obstacle to getting it done. Boone County Lumber has removed that barrier by installing shower facilities at their downtown Columbia location. Brad Eiffert, co-owner of Boone County Lumber and Boone County Millworks, and longtime PedNet member, wanted to make sure that employees who choose non-motorized transportation can do so as comfortably as possible. “Adding a shower facility had long been on our wish list,” he explained. “High gas prices and additional bike commuters last year motivated us to get the project done.”
Boone County Lumber is also bike and pedestrian friendly because they are the only central Columbia source for lumber, building materials and basic hardware items. “For those who ride the bus, we are less than two blocks from the Wabash depot. Getting to us by bike is also easy from anywhere in central Columbia,” said Eiffert.
Boone County lumber was founded in 1965 by Brad’s father, Howard Eiffert. Now Brad and his brother Greg co-manage the business their father began nearly 40 years ago. “We are still owned by the same family and have grown to over 6 acres of product right here in the middle of town,” said Eiffert. “When you walk in the front door you don't have to look around for someone to help you, we usually have someone near the door to greet you.” The company employs 13 people at Boone County Lumber Co. on Rogers Street and 20 at the Boone County Millwork location on Vandiver Drive. The Eifferts attribute the company's success to its commitment to its employees and clients.
In addition to running Boone County Lumber, Brad is a longtime bicycle enthusiast. Eiffert grew up in east Columbia near the Stephens Stables and rode his bike many days to Jefferson Junior High and later to Hickman High School. He also commuted by bicycle while attending the University of Missouri. After graduation from MU he joined the United States Air Force as a pilot and spent over six years living in the northern California community of Davis, one of the great cycling communities in this country. “While in Davis, my bicycle was a primary form of transportation because the community was very bike commuting friendly,” said Eiffert. “My wife and I became avid cyclists and both used non-motorized means to get around Davis.”
Now Eiffert and his wife Kristen are tandem bike enthusiasts and have taken several tandem bike tours. “Kristin and I have completed a loaded tandem tour from British Columbia to near San Francisco, cycled central Colorado, ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and toured the Door County peninsula in Wisconsin,” he explained. They have also introduced their children, three boys ages 13, nine and seven, to bicycle touring. This past summer they took their boys on a Katy Trail camping/bike tour to Arrow Rock State Park using their tandem with a trail-a-bike attached and a trailer on the back. This bike train seats four and the oldest son rides his own bike. The family also bike commutes to many places around town. “I try to commute to work by bike for part of every year and Kristin and the boys use bicycles for around town visits and trips, mostly to the grocery store or the library,” said Eiffert.
PedNet appreciates the work Eiffert and Boone County Lumber have done to encourage active transportation in Columbia.
If you would like to nominate someone for Business Spotlight , please prepare a short article and photo and then contact us. Attachments cannot be sent to this address but Michelle will get back in touch with you directly.
