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America 250 celebrates the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed by the founding fathers on July 4th, 1776, in Philadelphia. This began a new experiment in Democracy, a government for the people by the people, and an individual’s freedom of choice.
Coincidentally the Philadelphia company Timberlane is celebrating its own anniversary this year, it’s 30th, which marks a proud legacy of American craftsmanship, superior quality custom exterior shutters, and personalized customer service.
On these anniversaries, Timberlane Company’s owner and founder, Rick Skidmore reflected on America’s architectural history and Timberlane’s past and future commitment to making historically accurate, hand-crafted. premium exterior shutters. “My dad and I spent a lot of time making things in his woodworking shop, Rick explains, so I knew back in 1995 I wanted to make things with wood.”
When Rick got started, the more commonly available exterior shutters were sold from stock, off-the-shelf in big box stores and they were not very well made. “My own experience finding quality exterior shutters was unsatisfactory. I decided there was a need for something better: custom made shutters that replicated historic shutters, sold direct to builders, architects and homeowners by knowledgeable customer-service people. The customer gets to choose his or her own customized shutters, and we guide them through the process. “
The buyers and specifiers of building products can be overwhelmed by the multiplicity of choices! From kitchen cabinets and countertops to bathroom tiles and flooring, there are thousands of decisions to be made when building or remodeling a house. “By the time it comes to choosing exterior shutters, which is typically late in the building process, people get choice fatigue,” Skidmore observes. “And because it is often a once-in-a-lifetime buying decision, buyers need guidance, especially when they want to choose a shutter which is appropriate to the house and the architecture.”
So, when Rick Skidmore launched his new company Timberlane, he did so with these core values in mind: “make it to last, with wood, customized by hand, in America, and provide exceptional customer service from beginning to end.” Rick’s intuition about a void in the market for premium custom-made shutters was prescient. Timberlane grew quickly to become the industry leader in custom, authentic exterior shutters.
Historic Louvered shutters on a seacoast house
“Along the way we have had to adapt to a changing market. High quality durable wood became less available, so we’ve had to learn more about where to source the best wood. At the same time, our customers told us they wanted low maintenance shutters, so we introduced Endurian, a very durable, low maintenance alternative material. All the while we have stayed true to our belief that exterior shutters should look and operate the way they did 250 years ago,”
America’s architectural history tells the story of how things were made. The hand-crafted shutters of the 1700s would likely vary by region, depending on the availability of wood and skilled craftspeople. With the industrial age came new machines which improved the accuracy and consistency of millwork. Despite their own new machine technology, Timberlane’s master craftspeople touch every piece, every mortise and tenon joinery and inspect every finish. “Technology has allowed us to grow and to deliver on time, and it has made our shop a safe place to work,” Skidmore tells us.
Today’s customer has changed as rapidly as has woodworking technology. With internet shopping and e-commerce purchasing, buyers are better informed, with higher expectations, albeit with less time and shorter attention spans. “In addition to choice-overload, imagine how much a builder or an architect has to know, have to manage and keep track of,” Skidmore explains. “These homeowners and the professionals they hire need our help! This has been our approach for 30 years but it’s even more important now: to communicate, consult, and offer a high level of personal service. Be patient, helpful, honest about cost, lead times and delivery dates. Walk with the customer step by step through the selection and delivery process and provide personal service from beginning to end.”
Judging by the customer testimonials Timberlane has received over its 30 years in business, Skidmore’s core values and business practices are authentic.
