By ROD LEE

Ambitious, industrious and community-minded as he was, Peter T. Koopman probably did not foresee when he launched his family-owned lumber and hardware company in Whitinsville in 1939 that the firm would eventually grow to nine locations.

The Koopman family, 1936.

With its recent purchase of Boilard Lumber in Indian Orchard (Springfield), Koopman Lumber now has a presence in Whitinsville, North Grafton, Uxbridge, Sharon, Milford (for paint), Hudson, Andover, Fairhaven and Indian Orchard.

Boilard Lumber in the Indian Orchard area of Springfield. Boilard adopted the Koopman name on June 27th.

Five of these stores have been added to the fold since 2011. The Koopman name has emerged on a par with those of Gillette, Hood Ice Cream, Friendly Ice Cream, Polar Beverages, Boston Lobster Company and Herb Chambers as one of the most recognizable and respected in New England.

  Peter T. Koopman, founder of Koopman Lumber, now a third-generation business.

Peter’s grandson Dirk, Dirk’s sister Denise and her husband Tony Brookhouse run an operation that boasts approximately two hundred employees in storefronts across Eastern, Central and Western Massachusetts.

“It’s a great generational story of a very hardworking family,” Northbridge Selectman and former Northbridge Police Chief Thomas J. Melia said. “When I started in the police department in late 1969-70, working 12-8 (mids), I can remember the original owner Pete Koopman always being in early to start the long day rolling! Looks like a very eager, intelligent and hardworking new generation at the helm now! Best of luck to them!”

A builder, volunteer and family man, Pete Koopman passed his values on to his son Don, who with his wife Doris carried forward the enterprise. Present-day Koopmans are just as dedicated to Pete Koopman’s legacy of honesty, integrity and unending hard work.

Jeannie Hebert, president and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, is among those who applaud the success Koopman Lumber continues to enjoy.

“We do a lot with them,” Ms. Hebert said on July 7th. “They are a big supporter of the Chamber and Tony used to be on my Board of Directors. We are happy to see them growing. Western Massachusetts is a great partner to us too. We have some companies from Western Mass and the Springfield area. We have a peer chain and exchange of ideas.”

With Covid, Ms. Hebert said, many more connections are occurring virtually, but in no less vital a fashion. Koopman Lumber is a good example of how to grow a retail business, she said.

“From a small beginning they have set the standard for quality. They have provided materials for my own home.”

Koopman Lumber’s signature stores in Whitinsville, Uxbridge and Grafton are convenient go-to stops locally for a clientele that includes contractors and builders and homeowners and do-it-yourselves. Koopman Lumber’s product line, featuring Benjamin Moore paints, is second to none, and staff members are knowledgeable and eager to assist customers.

Boilard Lumber’s roots, like Koopman Lumbers, extend back to the 1930s.

“After eighty-six years of continuous family ownership, we are happy to have found another business that shares our history and values to continue our legacy in Western Massachusetts,” Mike Boilard said. “It was important to us to turn the reins over to people who are as committed as we have been to both our customers and employees. The Koopman family fits that bill.”

  Boilard Lumber adopted the Koopman name on June 27th. All Boilard employes were welcomed to remain on staff and Bob Boilard will stay on as VP and general manager as well.

  “We are excited about the opportunities this merger presents,” Dirk Koopman said. “It’s an honor to partner with a business as well-respected as Boilard Lumber, and to expand our business into Western Massachusetts. We have an experienced transition team,” assuring for a smooth changeover, he said. “We’ll offer additional product lines, enhanced capabilities and greater resources, all in the capable hands of the same staff who know their customers and their business needs.”

Contact Rod Lee at [email protected] or 774-232-2999.