Story perspectives

Chisholm Lumber: 168 Years of Resilience and Innovation

11/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Chisholm Lumber, a family-run business in Roslin, Ontario, has endured crises-driven leadership transitions across 168 years.
Doug Chisholm, co-owner of Chisholm Lumber, and cousins took over after a 1980 fire.
The firm diversified operations and modernized after a 2004 fire.
The sixth generation, led by Peter Chisholm, expanded abroad after the 2008 financial crisis, targeting China.
They shifted from traditional sales to online marketing, significantly improving inventory turnover.

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Story summary

Chisholm Lumber, a family-run business in Roslin, Ontario, has endured crises-driven leadership transitions across 168 years.
Doug Chisholm, co-owner of Chisholm Lumber, and cousins took over after a 1980 fire.
The firm diversified operations and modernized after a 2004 fire.
The sixth generation, led by Peter Chisholm, expanded abroad after the 2008 financial crisis, targeting China.
They shifted from traditional sales to online marketing, significantly improving inventory turnover.