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Evanston Lumber Company is celebrating its 75th anniversary of providing high-quality building materials to the city of Evanston and the surrounding communities.

F0unded in 1948 by Eli Fisher, Evanston Lumber has remained a family-owned staple on the North Shore for three generations. The lumber company is currently led by Eli’s grandson, Bob Fisher, who took over as President and CEO when his father, Charles (Chuck) Fisher retired. Bob’s ties to the city are strong; growing up in Evanston and attending Evanston Township High School, he has cultivated many life-long friendships throughout the community.

Since taking over, Bob Fisher has directed the operations of the lumberyard through good economic times but also through some tough times. He credits his company’s perseverance to its customer-focused approach, helping Evanston Lumber develop and expand even as “big box” stores moved in.  

“We have persevered through some difficult times but have managed to stay strong as we continue to provide the Evanston community, North Shore, and the entire Chicagoland area with great service and the highest quality materials,” Fisher says.

True to his modest demeanor, he gives the credit for the company’s success to his team of skilled employees, a group he often refers to as his “all-star team.”  

Unfortunately, not many family-owned lumberyards survived recent recessions; however, Evanston Lumber is not only surviving but thriving. They continue to search for new ways to grow and differentiate themselves. Fisher has assembled an experienced team of sales professionals, talented and knowledgeable estimators, prompt and friendly delivery drivers, and everyone in between. Each member of the staff knows they have an important role in providing exceptional service to their customers.

“I’ll always defer to the golden rule of treating people how I would want to be treated and having respect for everyone that works side by side with me to make the company a success,” Fisher says.

Evanston Lumber knows every construction project is unique. They offer a vast selection of quality building materials including treated, cedar, engineered, and construction-grade lumber, millwork, doors, windows, decking materials, and more. They pride themselves on finding unique and custom materials.

Since 2016, Evanston Lumber augmented its window and door offerings with the acquisition of the Marvin Design Gallery and Estates Windows in Lake Bluff. It’s a partnership that makes sense. Both companies share the same values of always putting the customer first, have long histories of providing high-quality materials to the Chicagoland area, and are committed to standing behind the products they sell.

Now totaling over 70 employees at the combined locations, Evanston Lumber and Estates Windows continue to look for ways to grow their relationships with local builders, architects, contractors, and homeowners.

“We’re always thinking about branching out, yet still staying in service mode. We’re definitely customer-centric,” says Fisher.

So, while contemporaries of Fisher might be starting to think of slowing down and enjoying the fruits of their labor after a 40-year career, Bob is loving his job now more than ever and cannot see himself retiring anytime soon - something his employees and customers love to hear.