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Gazebos Galore
Outdoor Buildings From a Growing Woodworking Business

As a child growing up on his family’s dairy farm in Georgia, Raymond Yoder liked to tinker with wood.

“My father would have wood scraps here and there that I would save up and use,” Yoder says. “I built my first hog pen by myself using a hand saw.”

But it wasn’t until Yoder had children of his own that his love of woodworking became more than a hobby, and today he is putting his well-honed skills to use as the owner of Yoder’s Woodworks and Dutch Barns — two companies that manufacture gazebos and storage buildings.

A Hobby Becomes a Business
Yoder’s woodworking turned into a business soon after his family relocated from their Georgia dairy farm to North Alabama with other members of their Mennonite church. Upon arrival, Yoder purchased a small two-house poultry farm, but a lack of adjoining acreage prevented him from expanding his operation.

With spare time on his hands, Yoder began building gazebos and log playhouses. He soon started making sales and establishing contacts, which led him to partner with a family friend to launch Yoder’s Woodworks in 1997. Seven years later, he purchased Dutch Barns, a cedar storage building manufacturer, from fellow members of his church who were entering into mission work abroad.

Emphasis on Quality
A high standard of quality and detailed craftsmanship are evident in each piece that Yoder designs.

“My philosophy is ‘we don’t sell on price, we sell on quality,’” Yoder says. “We want to move volume, but we don’t want to sacrifice quality.”

Although construction times vary depending on the size of the gazebo or storage building, Yoder’s companies typically fulfill orders in two to three weeks.

“We pride ourselves on our service, quality and relationships,” Yoder says. “You have to have all three.”

Switch to Wholesale Increases Business
Prior to 2006, almost all of the companies’ business came from retail dealers who sold the gazebos and buildings on consignment. But in March 2006, Yoder restructured his businesses and became a wholesaler, with nearly 30 dealers. Over the year, Yoder has gradually closed his retail lots, except for the company’s main facility near Falkville.

The switch in sales strategy is paying off. Since beginning the wholesale business, Yoder has seen sales double, and he foresees more growth in the near future.

“We will be expanding into Georgia and Florida by the end of the year,” he explains. “Right now, we are looking for dealers in the two states.”

At the facility that manufactures painted and vinyl-sided storage buildings, production has increased from 10 to 15 buildings a month to that many a week.

“It’s been a challenge,” he says. “There have been some upsides and downsides to this expansion. Anytime you expand you’ve got growing pains.”

Family Operation Grows in Popularity
The companies are family businesses, with both of Yoder’s sons working alongside him. His two sons-in-law also work for him, which is something of a family tradition: His own father-in-law was an experienced woodworker. “I worked for my father-in-law for six months and learned a lot,” Yoder says.

He is quick to credit his entire team of more than 15 employees for the companies’ expansions and successes.

“They’ve done a wonderful job,” he says.

Yoder attributes the Birmingham Home and Garden Show to helping increase his sales. The show is held twice a year, and Yoder’s Woodworks has been an exhibitor there for the past six years.

“That show really got our business on track,” Yoder says. “Quite a few people come through that show. Now if you ask people in Birmingham if they’ve heard of Yoder’s Woodworks, a majority would say that they have.”

Still a Farmer at Heart
Today, Yoder owns more than 50 acres, on which he raises cattle. He purchased the land in December 2004, with financing through the Land Bank of North Alabama’s Tuscumbia branch office. The choice to borrow from the Land Bank was easy for Yoder, because his father was a customer of a Land Bank in Georgia.

“The Land Bank has been very helpful, and I appreciate their willingness to work with us,” Yoder says.

He also likes the Land Bank’s patronage payments. “You can’t get that with other banks,” he says.

Throughout the years, Yoder has strayed from his farming roots a few times, only to return. While still living in Georgia, he partnered with his brother in a roofing business but sold his half in 1989 and purchased a dairy farm so he could spend more time with his children. Today, he has the best of both worlds.

“Woodworking is my niche,” he says. “But even though I’m in this business, I’m still a farmer.” 

From the Workshop to Your Door
With a commitment to service, quality and customer relations, Raymond Yoder gives each customer and each structure individual attention. Both the gazebos and the storage buildings can be customized by size, shape and additional features.

For more information about Yoder’s Woodworks and Dutch Barns products, visit www.yoderswoodworks.com. To learn more about becoming a dealer, call (256) 462-1050.

Article by Sarah Harris
Photos by Shannon Wells

Gazebos

1. Range in size from 10 feet by 10 feet to 12 feet by 24 feet
2. Constructed from pressure-treated lumber
3. Sealed for protection from sun and weather
4. Vary in shape and roof
5. Include optional features such as

•   Paint or stain
•   Cupola
•   Screened with custom-built screen door
•   Benches
•   Glider swings
•   Ceiling-fan beam and box

Storage Buildings

1. A-frame or loft style
2. Painted, or cedar or vinyl siding
3. Range in size from 8 feet by 10 feet to 14 feet by 32 feet
4. Priced from just under $2,000 to more than $7,000
5. Can include optional features such as

•   Windows
•   Roll-up garage door
•   Ramps
•   Sidewalls
•   Workbenches and shelves
•   Doors