In 1944, C.V. Wolfe, L.B. Minneker and J.R. Newell purchased The Lima Lumber Company located in Lima, Ohio. Eventually, the latter two sold their portions completely to C.V. Wolfe. In their first six years of existence, Lima Lumber was considered more of a conventional lumberyard, handling only lumber items, but in February of 1950, Lima Lumber underwent a face-lift to become one of the Midwest's most modern retail buildings materials establishments. Lima Lumber went from carrying just lumber to establishing departments within the store including: a full hardware department, paint department, appliances, plumbing and heating, roofing, millwork and much more.

However, Lima Lumber suffered greatly from the long recession of the 1980's that hit the construction industry hard. With no other option, Lima Lumber was forced to shut their doors in December of 1982. With the loss of a local long - time lumber company that believed quality goods and personable service, many were saddened at the closure.

In spite of this, two former employees, Kevin Gratz and Mike Steiner (Pictured left), combined their efforts and their resources to reopen Lima Lumber in March of 1983. With the second opening of Lima Lumber, Gratz and Steiner restructured the store to make it more profitable. Twenty years later, Lima Lumber is running strong with 17 employees in their Lima, Ohio facility.