The origins of Woodson Lumber could be traced to the trail of a covered wagon that owner Ann Chapman's grandparents drove to eventually settle in central Texas. Brothers Jim and Harrie Woodson founded the lumber company in 1913, building the business and enduring World War I, the pandemic of 1918, and the Great Depression. After World War II, the second generation took up the mantle of ownership.
Chapman, the current CEO, represents the third generation of ownership, and the business has been part of her whole life. When she was a little girl, she would go to work with her father on Saturdays, and she worked alongside him during the 1990s. By 1994, she started working at Woodson Lumber full-time. Her children, representing the fourth generation, are stockholders and gaining industry knowledge by working in the business.
Woodson Lumber Company, headquartered in Caldwell, Texas, has seven locations in central Texas. When reflecting about her family's history and entrepreneurial spirit, Chapman expresses deep gratitude.
"I hope that my family - both living and passed on to glory - knows how much we cherish our time together and that family relationships are most important," Chapman says. "I hope that we are good stewards with people and the business overall. I hope future generations continue to enjoy helping others, creating jobs, and supporting and building our communities."
Along with family, Chapman is also appreciative of her community, suppliers, customers, and employees. "Currently, we're focused on the legacy that our family can leave for the future," she says.