After 70 years with the Wilson family at the helm, Wilson Lumber has switched hands to a partnership between the Henton and Klassen families. Shayne and Janelle Henton, along with Derek and Holly Klassen, have taken over operations at the Glenella lumber store and will operate under the name H K Lumber. The transition of ownership was eased in over the summer months with Wayne Wilson - who owned the business for 40 years and whose father George ran the business for the 30 years prior to that - offering tips and guidance to the new partners. And that guidance, coupled with the experience and knowledge the new partners already bring to the table, has the Hentons and Klassens ready to get their new business rolling. “Wayne provided very quick, dependable service. He was very accurate with his quotes, and very precise and detailed with everything he did,” Derek said, adding Harvey Boxall, who had been employed by the Wilson Lumber for 13 years, will continue working with the new partners. “Wayne stayed on board with us, coaching us and showing us what he did day-to-day and we were very grateful. Now we're ready to offer that same great service and dependability to our customers with a few new additions.” On top of that passed on guidance, the two couples combine to bring with them experience in accounting, carpentry, sales, management and inventory organization. The new owners also understand their customers' needs as Shayne has worked in carpentry for a number of years and knows what materials are best for projects, while Derek operates a farm and resultantly understands what rural customers need. “The big side of our business is the farm side,” Shayne pointed out. “But we can help with anything, including homes, fences or sheds. “I know one thing we've heard from people is that, because we are a small business in a small town, people don't think we can compete. But we're getting set up with suppliers, we can find really any supplies online...and we're able to offer lower prices because we do have a smaller overhead and we are owner/employers.” The partners point out they will continue to supply everything Wilson's Lumber has in the past, which includes more than 1,000 pieces of inventory, anything needed to service a home, as well as reliable guidance for buyers. H K Lumber has also expanded to accomodate house packages and pull sheds, as well as heated shops and ag buildings which will be offered with financing options. “We can offer anything the bigger centres can offer,” Derek added. “If we don't have it here, we can get it.” Anyone looking to contact the new partners for estimates or quotes can call 352-4232 or 352-4496 or email hklumber@live.ca. “We can offer anything the bigger centres can offer.” - Derek Klassen, H K Lumber