The Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization (SASO) would like to announce B & B Lumber as the Shocker House II contributor of the week. Shocker House II is currently being constructed through donated labor and materials from area businesses and partnerships throughout the community. Shocker House I, completed May 2010 in the Silverton Addition of northwest Wichita, contributed more than $76,000 to SASO.
Shocker House II Contributor Q & A
Harold Baalmann, B & B Lumber
1. What role does your company play in making the Shocker House II project successful?
B & B Lumber contributes part of the framing lumber, plywood, siding and foundation materials for Shocker House II.
2. Why do you feel it is important to contribute to the Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization?
I went to college too and had no money. If we can help Wichita State’s student-athletes get an education and take some of the financial strain off while they participate, I believe the benefits in the future will be great for Wichita State, our community, and most importantly for the student.
3. Even when times are tough in the industry, why is it important for you to contribute to Shocker House II; when it would be easy for you, like other companies outside your industry, to fold the cards and ride out the storm until the market improves?
It is tough. The building business is going through tougher times right now than anytime I can remember in my 40 plus years in the business. This makes us extra careful in funding projects and puts all donations up for close scrutiny. The Shocker House II project and the way it is ran, with virtually no overhead, gives us more “bang for the buck” than any other donation we contribute too. I was very surprised and happy with the results from Shocker House I. This donation stays here and helps the student, but also helps Wichita State University which is truly one of Wichita’s treasures.
B & B Lumber Company was started in 1976 by Harold and Thomas Baalmann. Harold graduated from Goddard High and Thomas graduated from Kapaun High School. Harold and Thomas purchased the Melcher Lumber Company located southwest of Wichita from Otis Melcher. Otis furnished hay trailers to the WSU baseball team for seating purposes at home baseball games before WSU had a stadium. Otis also contributed much money and time to WSU. Harold attended WSU and has sat on many industry boards and served as Chairman of the National Lumber and Building Materials Dealers Association (NLBMDA) in Washington DC in 2007 and 2008.
B & B Lumber has grown over the years and now has two yards in Wichita and Newton. They supply building materials to almost all the homebuilders in Wichita and surrounding area. The Wichita yard has grown from ½ acre to 9 acres over the years. B & B also distributes Cardell Kitchen Cabinets and has a full line of interior trim including oak, and doors. B & B also has sold Fabral Grand Rib 3 metal for pole barns for over 35 years. PlyGEm and Quaker windows are also distributed by B & B.
For more information about Shocker House II, or for details about purchasing the home, please contact Doris Harrison with Preferred Properties of Kansas, Inc. at 316-733-4800 or click here.
