Do call it a comeback

Al Bavry saw something at his lumber firm last year he hadn't seen since 2006: a profit.

Not only a profit, but annual revenues at the company, Nokomis-based Kimal Lumber, are up 66.7%, from $12 million in 2011 to $20 million last year. Bavry, the president, CEO and co-founder of the company and a 50-year lumber and construction industry veteran, projects sales will reach at least $23 million in 2013.

While that figure is a steep tumble from 2006, when the company was at $58 million in sales, it's nonetheless a positive answer to the gloom that dots the region. The company has about 90 employees, down from a peak of 230 in 2006 — but up from 60 in 2011.
“It's been humbling,” says Bavry, “but as we come out on the other side, we feel like we are stronger now.”