Maximus Building Supply Bucking the Industry Trend

It’s no secret that the workforce in the construction industry is aging. According to recent research by LBM Journal, nearly 60 percent are over age 56, and young professionals under 35 represent a mere six percent. One forward-thinking building supplier is bucking that trend in a big way, with an eye on his company’s future success.

At Maximus Building Supply, based in Collierville, TN, almost half the 131 employees are under 35 and the sales team makeup is even more youthful — a whopping 70 percent are 34 or younger.

Richard Cooper, who has owned Maximus since early 2022, and started in the business at a young age, says he has been aggressive in retaining young employees from day one and hasn’t struggled with the labor shortages many businesses have faced since the pandemic. Realizing that employee retention efforts now can impact the company’s bottom line for years to come, Cooper instituted measures including mandatory annual raises, free lunch once a month, and more vacation days and personal time off.

“It’s expensive to have to replace talent,” says Maximus minority owner Steve Martin. “You have to recruit new team members, you have to train them, and you’re likely going to pay them what you were paying the employee you’re replacing. Our strategy just makes sense. Not giving loyal employees raises is penny wise but pound foolish.”

It’s not just about the money, though. Cooper’s young, energetic workforce has a synergy that might not exist in an older, more traditional group. He says his staff has been quick to embrace the work culture at Maximus. “They have a great camaraderie and work well as a team. This is an extremely self-motivated group with plenty of drive and ambition; they’re always willing to learn and they are focused on servicing our customers.”

The approach is paying off. Maximus clinched the number 58 spot in the Lumber Yards with Manufacturing category of Webb Analytics’ 2023 ranking of the nation’s top retailers of construction supplies. The company was also named among the 150 overall largest vendors of lumber and building materials in the U.S.

Since taking the helm at Maximus less than two years ago, Cooper has grown the business to include a new location and over 20% increase in employees, with further expansion planned. As he looks to the future, he feels confident that the efforts he has already made to attract and keep a young, high-quality team will continue to serve his company well for years to come.

About Maximus Building Supply

Maximus Building Supply was established in Collierville, TN in 1984. The company has grown and evolved from a small building supply company to the Mid-South’s premier building supplier providing lumber, windows, doors and trim. Maximus Building Supply currently has five locations in the Mid-South, four full-service lumber yards and one manufacturing door and trim shop, along with a 33-vehicle fleet.

Contact:

Susan Akil Ewing – Chief Navigator, Ewing Marketing Partners – ewingmarketingpartners.com – (901) 517-4634

Source: Thrifty Building Supply, LLC