CASCO — Hancock Lumber has grown and evolved throughout Maine and New Hampshire over the past 171 years, but has always remained committed to its Casco roots.

On June 18, Hancock’s leadership team, employees, board of directors, family, building partners and friends celebrated the completion of their new home office on the Route 11 corridor — directly across from their Eastern White Pine sawmill, next to their lumberyard, and surrounded by their timberlands known as Jugtown Forest.

Prior to the move, the company had only ever known one office, 3.5 miles down the road in Casco Village, which at one point also represented the entire company. The move to 1267 Poland Spring Road completes a circle generations in the making, as the home office team rejoins the modern business of manufacturing, retailing and logistics. Once again, Casco is home to one Hancock Lumber campus.

Kevin Hancock, president and CEO, made a series of space dedications throughout the new facility, and officially unveiled the building dedication.

A beautiful space overlooking the sawmill operations across the street and timberlands out back, the first dedication took place in the 7G main conference room, honoring the seven consecutive generations of the Hancock family who had served as employees, managers, leaders, owners and supporters of the company. Making it seven generations takes energy, commitment, innovation and sacrifice from everyone involved; it was truly special to see this space honoring 171 years’ worth of Hancock family members.

In the center of the conference room you will find a large, circular table with a century-old tree slab direct from the HL sawmill. The round table is symbolic of the company’s leadership approach — everyone leads—with no head of the table, and where every voice is important, respected and heard.

Kevin dedicated two other breakout rooms honoring special people connected to Hancock Lumber. George Burns has been legal counsel to Hancock Lumber for over four decades, serving as an outside voice, advocate and friend to the company. You will find his name proudly hung above the entrance of the upstairs breakout room.

Downstairs, a second breakout space recognizes one of Hancock Lumber’s steadfast leaders, Toby Hammond. The first nonfamily member to serve as president, Toby ran the business in the 1990s, had an impressive career at HL as president and CEO, and currently serves on the Hancock Lumber Board of Directors. He is truly a reflection of all those who have worked for Hancock Lumber, helping to leave the company in better shape for the next generation.

Sitting at the northwest corner of the building on the first floor, the party migrated to the building’s kitchen and break room dedication. This beautiful space overlooks the timberlands, with a walkout patio where employees can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while at lunch or on break. A throwback to one of Hancock’s matriarch leaders, Kevin dedicated the room to Elizabeth Hancock, aka Aunt Betty. A caretaker for the Hancock family and unsung hero, Aunty Betty helped keep the family business together from her behind-the-scenes role. Many recall Betty’s own kitchen filled with delicious cooking and memories made, making this tribute perfectly fitting for the space.

The dedications then moved outside where the final reveal took place…the naming of the building itself! In a beautiful, emotional dedication between mother and son, Kevin revealed the new building shall forever more be known as the Carol J. Hancock Home Office.

In honoring Carol, Kevin referenced the quote, “Those who invest the most are the last to surrender,” representing her commitment to the company through thick and thin since her husband David’s passing in 1997. Carol is a champion steward, forever committed to Hancock Lumber and honoring its mission and values.

“Carol is perhaps the most important person in the modern history of the company, with her selfless dedication and deep love for Hancock Lumber, its mission, and people,” Kevin added.

Special thanks to Zachau Construction, Scott Simons Architects, and Ted Carter Landscaping for their vision, collaboration, and commitment to helping us create a beautiful space, truly reflective of who Hancock Lumber is!

Stay tuned for an open house celebration event this fall, when HL will open up tours to visitors.

Established in 1848, Hancock Lumber Company is a sixth-generation family-owned business operating a timberland company, a sawmill division and a network of retail lumberyards, kitchen design showrooms, and a truss manufacturing facility. Led by their 550 employees, Hancock has five times been selected as a “Best Place to Work in Maine” and was recognized as the 2017 national ProSales “Dealer of the Year.” Four of their locations have received OSHA’s highest safety certification, earning SHARP certifications at their Casco, Bethel, Pittsfield sawmills and Bridgton lumberyard. The company is also a past recipient of the Maine Family Business of the Year Award, the Governor’s Award for Business Excellence, and the MITC ‘Exporter of the Year’ award.

To learn more, please visit www.HancockLumber.com