Mayfield Lumber going strong
David Mayfield
David Mayfield has transformed Mayfield Lumber from a small wholesale operation to one of the largest lumber exporters in Tennessee.
What started in a tiny building at Depot Bottom has grown into a worldwide presence with offices in China and Vietnam. Mayfield Lumber sends its hardwood to dozens of countries – including India, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Portugal, England, and Saudi Arabia.
Reaching this scale of global impact required tremendous effort. David has made over 70 trips to Asia and has used his passport so often, he’s on his third book.
There have been many 15-hour workdays along the way, and countless regulations to navigate, but David is modest about his accomplishments.
“I’ve been exporting wood since 1980 so maybe I’ve forgotten all the anxiety involved in setting it up,” he said.
David’s parents, Bob and Ada Mayfield, started the business in 1971 working from Depot Bottom. David joined the company in 1974.
Mayfield Lumber moved to its sprawling facility on S. Chancery Street in 1980.
ABOUT THE BUSINESS – Mayfield Lumber sells hardwood lumber such as poplar, red oak, and white oak. Roughly 50% of its sales are domestic and the other 50% are exports.
The company gets its lumber mainly from two Tennessee sawmills in White County and Cheatham County. Mayfield Lumber has part ownership in both those sawmills.
Mayfield Lumber primarily cuts and dries lumber once it arrives on site. When it leaves, the lumber is used for flooring, furniture, kitchen cabinets, doors, molding, and kitchen tables.
“When people are building houses, our industry booms,” said David. “Our lumber goes into kitchen cabinets. It’s used for hardwood floors, and when you’re moving into a new house, you have to have new furniture.”
One factor which has impacted the hardwood business is consumers are buying products made with cheaper materials than real wood.
“Furniture has changed during my time in this industry,” said David. “People are buying what I call disposable furniture instead of heirloom furniture. Instead of passing it down for generations, people are using it for five or six years, then setting it on the sidewalk for the city to pick up.”
EXPORTING LUMBER – How does a board get from McMinnville to China?
It starts by being trucked to Nashville. From there, it’s taken by train to either Savannah, which ships to Asia, or Charleston, which ships to Europe and the Middle East.
Ourlumber is sent to China and Vietnam, made into furniture, then shipped back to the United States to sell,” said David. “Go to any furniture store and see where the origin of manufacturing is.”
While it doesn’t seem logical, David said it’s more economical to ship a container of lumber to Vietnam than to have that same container trucked to Dallas, Texas. He says the savings can be significant.
MAYFIELD FAMILY – When Bob and Ada Mayfield were ready to retire in 1998, David bought their share of the business. David and wife Janice have been the owners of Mayfield Lumber ever since.
David and Janice have been married for 51 years.
David is not talking about retirement, but when that time comes there is a succession plan. His son Jake is managing all aspects of the business today and will take over.
With a global footprint, it’s hard to believe Mayfield Lumber started as a mom-and-pop operation at Depot Bottom. Congratulations to the Mayfield family for establishing a thriving company that’s been in business for 55 years.
