About Us
Lumber One is built to serve you
Lumber One began in 1962, when Terry Schmid purchased a small lumber yard in Avon, Minnesota. From these modest beginnings, Terry quickly grew the company through honesty, integrity and dedication, and purchased the Cold Spring Lumber Yard in 1967. Twenty years later, the businesses rebranded as Lumber One, and our services now extend far beyond the lumber yard.
Today, under the leadership of Terry’s children, Barb and Ted and his grandson Jack Brandes, Lumber One continues to build on a legacy of excellence. We provide comprehensive building, contracting, and design services—bringing your unique vision to life with the same dedication and personal touch that has defined us for over 60 years.
A strong foundation
Our hands-on leadership team is always ready and excited to hear about your project. Carrying forward the vision and values of our founder, the current generation is passionate about delivering straightforward, high-quality service to every client for:
New Home Construction
Let Lumber One use our decades of experience to make your dream home a reality with our new home construction services.
Energy Efficient Construction
Apartment Contractors
We have 40 years of experience in apartment, townhome and other residential complex construction.
Small/Large Scale Remodeling
Commercial Construction
Move-inReady Homes
Whether you need a new home fast or simply recognize the convenience and benefits of a move-in-ready home, Lumber One has you covered.
Lumber One provides full-service building and contractor materials and services, including our lumber yard, drafting, retail store with showroom and mortgage services.
Here at every step
Our hands-on leadership team is always ready and excited to hear about your project. Chief Executive Officer Barb Brandes, Chief Operating Officer Ted Schmid and Vice President Jack Brandes have followed in the footsteps of their father/grandfather, founder Terry Schmid, and are passionate about providing every client with the straightforward, high-quality service they deserve.
Barb Brandes
Chief Executive Officer
Barb started working part time at Lumber One – Avon in 1979 while still in high school. She joined the company full time in 1985 after graduating with a Business Management – Accounting degree from the University of St Thomas. Barb held various titles in the company before being named CEO in 2001. Today, Barb and her brother, Ted Schmid, run Lumber One and various associated businesses. Barb is actively involved in multifamily development and has coordinated the construction of over 5,000 housing units.
“At Lumber One, a family-run business, we strive to bring honesty and integrity to all our interactions with co-workers, customers and suppliers. It is simply expected that everyone conduct business with an open and honest manner. Your word or handshake to a customer represents the commitment and integrity at Lumber One, and the company will honor that commitment.”
Ted Schmid
Chief Operating Officer
Ted has over twenty years of experience in new single-family custom homes, production homes, and multifamily housing construction in the Midwest. Ted has helped develop and rezone agricultural property to single-family, multi-family and PUD properties, including the negotiation of tax increment financing. When not working, Ted can be found at the velodrome on his bicycle, hunting birds with his friends and son, and hanging out at the lake.
Jack Brandes
Vice President
Jack Brandes was appointed Vice President in 2022. Prior to becoming an officer, Jack began his career at Lumber One, Avon Inc as seasonal laborer working in the lumber yard and mowing properties while attending school. Upon graduating from St. John’s University, Jack joined Lumber One full time as the Operations Manager, managing our single-family home contracts and staff. Management could see Jack’s potential and soon was promoted to Sales Manager and quickly grew his reputation as a successful sales person.
Jack currently is the Past President of the Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) and serves on the Alumni Board at St. John’s University. All this is done while raising two young daughters with his wife Ali.
Our commitment to you
While our high standards and quality services speak for themselves, Lumber One’s dedication to honesty, integrity and neighborly customer service has people talking.