CLANCY — After 37 years in business, Marks Lumber is preparing to close, bringing an end to a longtime Clancy lumber operation that has supplied customers across Montana and around the country.
Owner Steve Marks said making the decision has not been easy.
Watch the story here:
“It’s been a difficult decision, but I think it’s the right time, if there is a right time,” Marks said. Marks, 67, said several factors ultimately came together. His age and desire to retire and spend more time with family played a role, while sourcing logs has also become increasingly difficult.
Marks Lumber began operating fully in 1989, although Marks' family had been sawing timbers for years before then.
Over the decades, the operation grew to process roughly 1.5 million feet of logs each year, or about 600 loads. Its lumber has been shipped across the country.
Marks said gradually winding down the business was important to give customers time to make final orders and prepare for the closure.
For employees, however, the transition also means saying goodbye to routines that have become part of everyday life.
Office manager Lori Hassler has worked at Marks Lumber since 2019 and said she has enjoyed being part of a small, close-knit operation.
“You can tell when the mill and machinery are running and that sort of thing, so that’ll be a little bit different not having that as part of the daily routine,” Hassler said. Marks Lumber currently employs 14 people and has had as many as 24 employees. Marks said he is confident those who remain will be able to find other opportunities and is helping them as they prepare for what's next.
“These guys work hard, they know what hard work is, and they’ll perform for, I’m certain, anyone. They sure have for us,” Marks said. Hassler said the announcement was disappointing and sad, but she understands why the time has come.
“I can’t say enough about their generosity,” Hassler said. “They’ve been very generous. Very loyal to their employees, very good people to work for, can’t say enough good things about them.”
Impact beyond the mill
The closure will also leave a hole for customers who have relied on Marks Lumber.
Marks said customers from across the region have already begun asking where they will get lumber after the mill shuts down.
“It’s a loss. We hear it, people come in, ‘What are we gonna do?’ We’re trying to help folks, steer ’em in another direction,” Marks said. Marks plans to direct customers toward other mills both in the area and elsewhere in Montana. He believes other operations will be able to help pick up the slack, although Marks Lumber's customer base has extended roughly 150 miles around Helena and its lumber has traveled much farther.
The company's impact on the community has also extended beyond the lumber it produces.
Marks Lumber has supported local causes including Warm Hearts, Warm Homes, an effort that provides firewood to people who need help heating their homes. Marks said that support will continue even as the business itself winds down.
“The things we’ve been able to help folks out in the community with, their needs, has been fulfilling, and we’ll continue helping those folks,” Marks said. “People need help.”Marks said the support has gone both ways.
“The community in general has been very supportive of us. We’ve been in this valley here for a long time. It was fun to be part of it.”
Marks-Miller Post & Pole will remain open
Marks also wants to clear up confusion surrounding another Clancy business.
Marks-Miller Post & Pole is separate from Marks Lumber, has different ownership, and is not closing. Marks-Miller Post & Pole will remain in operation as Marks Lumber winds down.
Marks Lumber is expected to bring its sawing operations to an end in early November. The company will then continue selling its remaining inventory through 2027, with its final closing date dependent on when that inventory is depleted.
Marks is also looking to sell the mill's equipment, ideally to someone interested in pursuing a similar operation.
For Marks, shutting down the saws may prove to be one of the most difficult parts of leaving the business behind.
“That’s gonna probably be the most difficult,” Marks said. “That’s the fun part of this.”After nearly four decades, Marks said he hopes the company's legacy ultimately comes down to how it treated its customers and its community.
“I hope they remember that we did a good job and treated them fair. Just the good service that we provided. We really tried hard to do what was right.”And as the final chapter begins, Marks summed up the past nearly four decades simply.
“All good things come to an end, and we’ve had a hell of a run here for 37 years.”
