When the entity known as Beach Trading Company was looking for a promising investment, Ryan Sadler saw an opportunity to invest in what he describes as a “rebounding industry.” That was three years ago, and while Ryan admits there has been a steep learning curve, he and his team have put together a successful business as wholesale distributors of Wellborn cabinets.
“We had the warehouse space available, and we had the people necessary to breathe new life into this business,” Ryan said. “Beach Trading Company had been in business since the mid-1970s, primarily dealing in refrigerated storage, so we have a long history in Jacksonville. The Wellborn name, the quality of the product and our belief that the industry was going to come back strong prompted us to make this move.”
Ryan credits his stellar team, their experience and expertise for the company’s success.
John Ferguson, who was on the manufacturing side of the cabinet industry, was with the company when Beach Trading Company became involved.
“I built cabinets for a company in Minnesota,” John said, “and I have about 10 years of CAD (computer-assisted design) experience.”
John is the designer and office lead, creating designs and handling dealers’ design requests. He’s also on hand to help get things out the door.
“From my perspective, I can see changes in business in terms of the number of drawings I produce and the number of trucks that arrive here to be unloaded,” he said. “And I’ve seen an increase in both even since the first of the year. ”Brian Painter is the company’s sales representative, and he deals directly with the builders and remodelers for their cabinetry needs. Brian was in the window treatment industry for 28 years before coming to Beach Trading Company. “My role is to build relationships and make sure customers receive the finest service possible,” Brian said. “I really like meeting people, and my primary goal is to maintain a high level of quality service throughout all our transactions. ”Connie Simmons rounds out the team, and is according to the other team members, the glue that holds the framework together. Connie serves as the company’s accountant and Ryan’s administrative assistant.
“I’m primarily responsible for accounting and order entry,” Connie said. “I’ve worked here long enough, though, that I’m familiar with all aspects of the business and I’ve work closely with some of the builders over the years.”
Ryan counts on his team to support NEFBA builders and remodelers by providing quality cabinets, design capability and installation.
“Our customers are builders and remodelers, and we have a small amount of retail business,” he said. “We provide the right cabinets to homeowners. We take a lot of pride in that.”
Ryan said he too sees an upward trend both in new construction and remodeling.
“The fourth quarter was better than the third, and this year already, the first quarter is better than the fourth,” he said. “It’s a significant difference and we fully expect to see this trend continue.”
Ryan believes the downturn served to strengthen the industry.
“Businesses that were willing and able to invest during the lean years are now being rewarded for the sacrifices they had to make so they could invest,” he said. “And the companies that came through were ultimately strengthened. They say, ‘The hotter the fire, the stronger the steel’.”
Ryan appreciates his affiliation with NEFBA and credits that affiliation as a factor in the company’s success.
“Being a wholesale distributor, our most direct route to our customer base is NEFBA,” he said. “NEFBA provides us with the most direct path for outreach to our prospective clients. Our membership offers many benefits and opportunities to make the strong relationships necessary for our business to succeed.”
Beach Trading Company is also a member and platinum sponsor of NEFBA’s Remodelers Council.
“Beach Trading Company is a great example of the contribution our associate members make to the overall functioning of our association,” said NEFBA Executive Director Daniel Davis. “Ryan and his team support our efforts, and they function as a barometer of the industry in general. Their assessment of the market and their participation in our various efforts are welcomed and appreciated. It’s a privilege to salute Beach Trading Company and thank them for their generous support of the Remodelers Council.”