The End Of An Era At C.J. Link

August, 1971. Construction began on Louisiana Superdome. “The Omega Man” was the top movie at the box office. Apollo 15 returns to earth. The Bee Gee’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” topped the charts. President Nixon announces the end of the gold standard. “The Exorcist” was the #1 New York Times bestseller.

The unemployment rate was 6.1%, which was adjusted ever so slightly to account for Rick Trawinski being hired at C.J. Link Lumber Company.

43 years later, Nixon is gone, the United States has long given up on moonshots, two of the three Bee Gee’s have passed on, and movies and books are now delivered to our phones. Only the Superdome and Rick Trawinski working for CJ Link Lumber remain.

Until today that is.

After dutifully serving CJ Link Lumber for these many years, Rick is beginning the next chapter of his journey. He has been an integral component in helping CJ Link Lumber steer through the changes to the industry through all these years. He can remember a time when the sales orders were written by hand, but the carloads of lumber were unloaded by hand!

He is an asset that cannot be replaced.

We wish him luck and rest assured knowing that CJ Link’s loss is his wife Colleen, son Brett and granddaughter Bella, and the rest of his family and freind’s gain.

Now You Have Options For Azek Plugs!

The

PVC Pro Plug® System

by

Starborn Industries

is a superior plugging system for PVC Decking and PVC Trim. The system consists of two components, which are sold separately.

The first component, and key advantage over other systems, is the PRO PLUG® PVC Tool. It drives screws to the correct depth every time. Featuring a No Cam-Out Auto-Stop™ mechanism, it prevents the screw from stripping. A free spinning stop collar protects the board surface from marring or other damage.

The second component is the Deck/Trim Kits, which contain the plugs and fasteners. The plugs are made from actual PVC decking and trim materials, so they match perfectly at the time of installation and throughout the life of the project. The epoxy coated star fasteners are ACQ approved. When driven below the surface with the PVC Tool, they create a perfect hole for the plug, without pre-drilling!

Available for all 18 colors of

Azek decking

in 20', 100' & 300' square foot packages you'll be sure to find the size to suit your project.

The best part is the price - Starborn's PVC Pro Plug system is more affordable than the other options available on the market. Call today for pricing - 800.462.9716 - or drop us an email -

sales@cjlinklumber.com

.

A is for AZEK!

With Azek & Timbertech combining forces, we are happy to annouce that CJ Link has a full range of AZEK products in the warehouse, ready to meet your needs.

Are you looking for Morado 5/4x6 decking or Kona fascia trim ? We've got that!

1x6 trim boards or 5" crown moldings ? We've got that!

Slate Gray Premier railing or Black post sleeves ? We've got those too!

Did we mention AZEK's revolutionary Paver system ? Yup, we've got that as well!

C.J. Link has the inventory and is commited to being your one stop shop for all things AZEK, from A to Z. So give us a call - 800.462.9716 - or drop us a line and let us know how we can serve you today!

Introducing Cedar Cove Cedar Shingle Panels

We are proud to be an inaugural distributor for the Cedar Cove Shingle Panel System.

The Cedar Cove Shingle Panel system feature 8' long panels made with a mixed grain Western Red Cedar on an exterior grade backing. The panels are 1 course with a 5" exposure and keyway spacing (slight gap between the shingle edges for a traditional appearance). Pre-primed with an oil primer on all 4 sides they are ready to be painted. With blind nailing and overlapping ends they can be installed 10 times faster than individual shingles can be!

Why use imitation cement or plastic when real wood shingles are available at an afforable price and with low maintenance? Don't compromise - use Cedar Cover Shingle Panels. Call today - 586.773.1200 - or drop us an email - sales@cjlinklumber.com for pricing and availability.

New Products On The Way - DuraTemp & RediBead

We have two new items we're adding to our panel lineup - DuraTemp Siding and RediBead paneling, both from

Roseburg Forest Products

.

Roseburg DuraTemp

siding surface is a tough hardboard face that won’t split, crack or check and has a

natural textured appearance. Its surface is 100% clear and free of patches and repairs. It’s easy to paint, and can withstand exposure to the elements. Duratemp is manufactured with a strong plywood veneer inner core that is made of western softwood veneer and a fully water resistant (NAUF) phenolic resin. Unlike vinyl and cement siding, DuraTemp Siding is made from real wood, an environmentally friendly renewable resource. Did we mention the 50 Year Limited Warranty? 

View fullsize

Roseburg RediBead

is a beaded panel that combines the look and feel of real wood with a tongue and groove beaded appearance. The edges are finished so when installed, there is hardly any seam visible between panels. Made In The U.S.A. from the finest pine veneer and cores available in the market, RediBead is very durable and resistant to scratches, scuff marks and punctures that often occur on walls in high traffic areas.

Contact your

salesman

for samples and pricing. And be sure to check out the other

Plywood Siding

and

Sanded Panel

offerings we have available.

Welcome Larry Trzeciak !

CJ Link is thrilled to announce the latest member of the CJ Link team - Larry Trzeciak.

Larry brings with him 27 years of experience in the Lumber and Building Material Industry.  His career in the industry started as an Assistant Manager at Erb Lumber in Lansing. After five years at Erb he went on to be a rep for National Manufacturing Hardware for 14 years, calling on stores in lower Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio.  After leaving National, Larry spent five years as an independent manufacturers rep, selling mostly post frame materials and blown in insulation.  He spent the last 3 years as a Building Material Distributor Rep calling on stores in Michigan and Indiana.

With Larry on board CJ Link will be strengthening it service for West Michigan and Northern Indiana.

Our Family Keeps Growing!

It is with pleasure that we announce that Tim Brown has accepted our offer to join the ever expanding family at C. J. Link Lumber.

Tim started in the industry with Church's Lumber in Utica and Rochester Briar Pipe. Tim comes to C. J. Link from Plywood Detroit, where he worked closely with

Craig Porter

for more than 17 years. 

Tim was regional sales manager for Plywood Detroit and led the company in sales.

As C. J. Link has expanded our plywood presence in the marke

t, Tim’s experience and expertise will help us grow on the tremendous efforts started by Craig. As Martin & Lewis were the consummate comedians and Lennon & McCartney songwriters, we know the duo of Brown & Porter will be here to satisfy all your panel needs.

This Stuff is Totally R-A-D!

C. J. Link is pleased to announce we are the exclusive wholesale distributor of the RESTORE-A-DECK family of wood restoration products. How gnarly is that!

Designed by wood restoration professionals, it is wood resoration made simple. Professional contractor tools designed for for average do-it-yourself enthusiast.

Step 1 is the RESTORE-A-DECK Cleaner. A biodegrable and 100% bleach free proprietary blend of detergents that will restore your wood to a like new condition.

Step 2 is the RESTORE-A-DECK Brightener. This will help stains and sealers last longer since it will balance the pH to mimic the slightly acidic nature in which trees thrive.

RESTORE-A-DECK Deck Stain Stripper also has the first and only powdered concentrated stripper designed to be injected through a pressure washer, as well as a pump sprayer. Once your penatrating or semi-transparent wood stain has been removed use RESTORE-A-DECK's Step 2 Brightener to neutralize the surface for refinishing.

So call today dude - we are offering special initial public offering discounts until May. Surfs up!

UltraPly XL - The Premium Underlayment with a Lifetime Warranty

C.J. Link's newest addition to our ever expanding plywood lineup is UltraPly XL from the Moreland Company. UltraPly XL is a premium flooring underlayment with a lifetime warranty - the only warranty offered in it's class!. You don't have to worry about call backs with UltraPly XL - it is guaranteed not to have any core voids/core laps, not to delaminate and not to cause “yellowing”. On top of that, it is an environmentally friendly “green” product, qualifying for LEED credits for Rapidly Renewable Material, Low Emitting Material & Indoor Air Quality.

Add a $20 coupon for any full 4x8 lift of 80 pieces purchased in the month of November and there's no reason not to give UltraPly XL a try today!

Expanded Plywood & Panel Lineup

Craig Porter has wasted no time in filling up our warehouse with new plywood and panel offerings!

We have added the following items to our lineup:

• 4x8 MDF - 1/4" through 1"
• Raw Particleboard - 3/8" through 1-1/8"
• Melamine Finished Partcleboard - White, Black & Almond - 1/2" through 1"
• Bending Luaun - 4x8-9mm Column and 8x4-9mm Barrel
• 4x8-1/2" C3 Birch , 4x8-3/4" D3 Birch & 4x8-1" C3 Birch
• 4x8-1/2" A1 Red Oak
• 4x8 UV Finished Maple - 1/4", 1/2" & 3/4"

Stay tuned - there will be more to come!

Looking for something not listed - give us a call - Craig can probably find it for you !

got plywood?

We are pleased to announce that we have hired Craig Porter as our newest member of the C. J. Link family. 

Craig is no stranger to the lumber business or the city of Warren.  For the last 34 years he has worked his way through the sales and management ranks at Plywood Detroit, a division of Dougherty Hanna Resources. Craig’s most recent position was that of General Manager.  With this vast experience, Craig responsibilities at Plywood Detroit covered everything from sales/marketing to purchasing to operations to corporate planning and asset management. Craig brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in hardwood plywood, MDF, industrial particleboard and shelving.  We look forward to utilizing Craig’s best practices so that we can continue to improve our operations. 

As the lumber industry continues to evolve we feel that Craig brings to us a wealth of knowledge in plywood and other panel goods that should help strengthen C. J. Link’s competitive advantage in the market place and will bring us additional customers and increased sales..  He will have two primary responsibilities, sales and plywood/panel purchasing. I would expect that Craig will be expanding our plywood inventories to meet new markets and a new growing customer base. 

One shinning attribute about Craig is that he is the “nicest” guy that I have ever met in the lumber business.  We are proud that he will be wearing a C.J. Link hat and shirt.

Chris Mergel CEO, C. J. Link Lumber Company

Rich Mergel President, C. J. Link Lumber Company

Timbertech Contractor Night

Toby Bostwick, Timbertech Senior Product ManagerOn Thursday, January 26th, CJ Link & Timbertech hosted a contractor event with more than 30 contractors in attendance. After some pizza and adult beverages, the contractors were treated to a presentation from Toby Bostwick, Timbertech Senior Product Manager, on the exciting new products and changes in the Timbertech product line for 2011 including Earthwood Evolutions, the TopLoc fastener system and the new designer railing options of Radiance Rail. A virtual plant tour video was then conducted by Timbertech’s Northeast Regional Manager, Tony Groh. After some more pizza and adult beverages, many of the contracctors took advantage of being setup on Timbertech’s online marketing and lead website - www.timbertechdirect.com - by Jessica Pearson, Associate Marketing Manager. Timertech’s Senior Vice President Kevin Brennan was also able to take questions and answers from the contractors while others were able to get a hands on experience with some the new decking and the ConceaLoc and TopLoc fastening systems.

Chris Mergel, CJ Link CEO, Victor Walsh, Building History LTD and Rich Mergel, CJ Link PresidentWant to build Timbertech buzz with your contractors ? Call us today - 800.462.9716 - and we’ll explore the possibilities!

Beaded Radiata Pine Panels

We have a new item on hand for prompt shipment: 4x8 - 3/8" Radiata Pine Beaded Panels. Perfect for wainscoting, ceilings and soffit. Made from Chilean Radiata pine by Eagon Lautaro, it has a 2"oc beaded pattern with matching shiplapped edge. Available by the job lot or by the unit for stock.

Premium White Fir Studs

Everything old is new again!

We are pleased to announce, after a few year hiatus, we are once again stocking Premium White Fir Studs. From Idaho Forest Group, we are stocking 2x4 92-5/8" Precuts, 96" & 104-5/8" Precuts. Like the "IFI" studs of yesteryear, these are the gold standard of premium white fir studs.

Call today for pricing - 800.462.9716.

CJ Link Is Now An Approved LMC Vendor

C.J. Link Lumber Company is honored to announce that we have been named an approved vendor for LMC - Lumberman's Merchandising Corporation. In business for over 75 years, LMC represents of 360 of the finest lumber and building material dealers with over 1200 locations from coast to coast. CJ Link Lumber Company is looking forward to joining forces with the LMC team to continue their mission of "Building On Service". 

Decking, Fencing & Railing Yard Sale

It's summer time and who doesn't love a yard sale ?

Over the years we have accumulated some wood and composite decking, fencing & railing - nicked, dented, scratched, discontinued or overstocked. 

 We are offering these items at extreme discounts:

Eon Fence 6' x 6' Panels starting at $40

Timbertech Decking as low as $0.75 per lineal foot

Eon Decking starting at $0.25 per foot

Western Red Cedar Decking as low as $0.50 per lineal foot

Eon Lattice 4x8 panels at $25 per panel

Full list of the products we are offering is available online at http://www.cjlinklumber.com/decking-yard-sale/

 

Better yet, feel free to stop by our yard and have a look for yourself

11711 E. Eight Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089

Northwest corner of 8 mile and Groesbeck

586.773.1200

 

Treat yourself to some hot summer discounts !

Welcome Aboard Mike Shore !

Hard at work on day 1 !C.J. Link is pleased to announce that we have hired Mike Shore as the newest member of our team.  

Mike's primary position will be outside sales.  He will be charged with opening new markets, as well as helping with coverage for existing accounts.  He comes to us from the Carter Lumber buying office, where he held a position as a purchaser.  Before he joined Carter, Mike spent 15 years in outside sales for Hansen Marketing Services.

Considering the recent changes in the market, we feel that with a greater presence in our outside sales staff, we will be able to service our customer base to an even higher standard.

2009 Featherbowling Championship

The 2009 Featherbowling Championship (also known as the C.J. Link Christmas Party) was held Friday, December 11th, 2009 at the Bath City Bistro in Mt. Clemens. Always a spirited competition, a splendid timke was had by all. The teams were as follows :
Team Rudolph	Team Frosty
Beth Mares Chris Mergel Kelly Clayton Lisa Goss Mary Michalak Mike Zerrillo	Coleen Trawinski Laura Deutsch Mark Travis Mike Tomlin Diane Passarino Rich Mergel
Team Kringle	Team Cindy Lou Who
Beth Mergel Carolyn Mergel George Clayton Laura Tomlin Ken Goss Robert LePage	Dave Young Joe Mares Kathleen Jardine Julie Khouri Rick Trawinski Tom Johe

Team Rudolph succumbed to Team Frosty 10 to 5 in the first round matchup. Team Cindy Lou Who had a tough battle with Team Kringle before the squeezed out a 3 point victory, 10 to 7. The first round battle drained Team Cindy Lou Who, however, as they were no match for the well rested Team Frosty. Team Frosty is the reigning Featherbowling Champion, besting Team Cindy Lou Who 10-3. And it wasn't even that close . . .

Round One	Round Two	Round Three	2009 Featherbowling Champion
Team Rudolph : 5	Team Kringle : 7	Team Frosty : 10	Team Frosty
Team Frosty : 10	Team Cindy Lou Who : 10	Team Cindy Lou Who : 3

Holiday Hours

Happy Holidays !

C.J. Link office and yard will be closed Thursday, December 24th and Friday December 25th for Christmas.

The sales office will be open Monday, December 28th through the Wednesday, December 30th. The yard will be closed during this period. Both the sales office and yard will be closed Thursday December 31st and Friday January 1st for the New Years Holiday.

Everyone will be back on the job, bright eyed and bushy tailed, Monday January 4th ready to serve your needs.

Thanks.