In
1945, Raymond Lucia Sr. started a logging and lumber company located on Silver
Street in Agawam, Massachusetts, after delivering coal locally for many years.
He had saved a bit of money, bought a saw mill, and began making and selling rail
road ties and cutting softwood for lumber. As time passed, he realized his small
logging and lumber company could be transformed into a lumber and home improvement
center.
He bought the land at 777 Silver Street from his father, Peter,
and began to fulfill his dream, constructing buildings 50 feet at a time. Within
a few years, he had an office building, a garage, and a storage facility. Raymond’s
motto, “Where your dollar has more sense” caught more and more attention of the
Lucia Lumber neighbors.
In
1958, the family company suffered a rough patch. Raymond Sr was hospitalized,
and Raymond Jr. had enlisted in the Air National Guard helping in the Berlin Crisis.
Ray Jr. was able to receive an Honorable Discharge to return home to take care
of the family business. Ray and a small crew began night deliveries, as well as
unloading shipments at night to try to stay ahead. He ran the business for a few
years while his father recuperated. Ray, Jr began selling brick for the many condominiums
projects in the area, and soon became an expert on all the brick varieties and
manufacturers. Today, bricks and pavers account for over 20% of Lucia Lumber business!
During
the fuel crisis of the 1980’s, Ray Jr. began a trucking entity to transport supplies,
and soon began to use his well-maintained Peterbilts to transport for hire.
Lucia
Lumber today is still owned and operated by Raymond Jr. and his wife, Joanne.
Their children, Tammy and Steven run the day-to day operations of this long-standing
family business, along with their hardworking staff. Their customers can rely
on Lucia for their everyday building questions and concerns. The customer isn’t
just first; they’re the only priority that matters.
