Our Story

About Us
Our story began in 1911, when Mose Keim would measure an honest day’s work by the flow of a water wheel and the strength of his own two hands. Our family business started as a rough lumber mill for woodworkers in the surrounding community. Through the generations, Keim offered many more products and services to support local builders and homeowners as well.
Today, Keim is known as the destination and trusted source for your home, building, and woodworking needs. The time-honored craftsmanship and values that supported us through the last century of growth, now support thousands of customers and 600 employees. While much has changed over the years, many things remain the same, including our commitment to care for each project like we care for our own.

Business for Community: a strategy and way of life
Our History
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1911
Keim Began
Keim began as a small sawmill called Keim Brothers, started by Mose J. Keim and his brother, John. The original mill still sits at the bottom of the hill by State Route 557 in Charm, Ohio.
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1930's
Second Generation
Mose Keim's son, Roman, started working with his father and uncle, and the name changed to M. J. Keim and Son.
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1940's
&
1950'sBusiness Expanded
The business expanded to include a dry kiln, hardwood flooring, plywood, an office, and a building hardware store.
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1960's
Third Generation
Roman Keim's son, Bill, started working with his father, and the name changed to Keim Lumber Company.
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1974
Store Relocation
The original store moved up on the hill, occupying the space known as the Woodshed in the current store.
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1985
Store Expansion
The store expanded to 30,000 square feet of showroom, with the current front building being added.
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1993
Fourth Generation
Bill Keim's son, Robbie, started working with his father as the company continued to grow.
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2007
Store Expanded
Keim Lumber expanded to the current 125,000 square foot showroom.
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2010
CONTINUED GROWTH
Bill Keim's stepson, Eric Slabach, joined the company.
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2011
100 Years
Keim Lumber celebrated 100 years in business.
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2019
New Keim President
Jim Smucker is selected as the first
non-family member to serve as
Keim's president. -
2020
Keim Continues
Keim Lumber rebrands as Keim, and continues to create exceptional experiences for its co-workers, customers, and community just as it has for more than 100 years.