Jordan Messick: Coastal Building Supply
“I had about 15 years of experience in different corporate jobs in sales, management, and director of sales in various industries, and felt that I had gained the knowledge and business experience to go out on my own.”
– Jordan Messick
In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere, the founder of Acres of Timber, engages in a fascinating conversation with Jordan Messick from Coastal Building Supply in Wilmington, North Carolina. The episode begins with Jordan sharing the background of Coastal Building Supply, formerly known as Fitzgerald Wood Products.
The company was established in 1994 by Patrick Fitzgerald, a lifelong Woodpreneur specializing in imported tropical hardwoods, particularly teak, for marine and boating applications. Jordan explains how the company’s focus gradually shifted toward the residential use of tropical hardwoods over the years. He further reveals that he purchased the company in January 2022 and subsequently rebranded it as Coastal Building Supply in June 2023.
“I had established the lifestyle and a cost of living and didn’t want to start from scratch and spend a few years building up to a profitable cash flow in business.”
– Jordan Messick
Jordan did not buy up the existing business without extensive thought first. He took his time and looked at many different options for being an employer vs and employee, and did cost/benefit analysis on different franchise opportunities. But, ultimately, he was able to find a company that was well established with an owner who was ready to retire and lots of upward potential in the business which made his decision for him.
Although starting a business from scratch has its own advantages, Jordan knew that he could make an immediate impact by purchasing an existing business with a strong cash flow rather than blazing his own trail. Given the success and growth he has seen since taking ownership in 2022, it’s readily apparent that Jordan knew what he was getting into and made the right decision!
Check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!