OUR STORY

Since 1975, the Mueller Lumber Company has proudly served the Mitchell community. The cherished family business remains the only locally owned and independently operated business center in the area.

1975 - The Beginning

When the owner of Robert Burns Lumber in Mitchell, SD passed away unexpectedly, there was no one to carry on the business. This left the community with an urgent need for someone to step up. On February 4th of 1975, Maurice Jamison and Bob Mueller founded the Jamison - Mueller Lumber Company in the basement of Bob and Gail Mueller’s home. Shortly after; Jamison - Mueller built a small office at 400 North Ohlman Street, where the business is still located today.

1981 - Becoming Mueller Lumber

After a change in ownership of the business, Jamison - Mueller officially became the Mueller Lumber Company on March 5th of 1981. Bob has always had a passion for construction. He attended post secondary school at the University of South Dakota in Springfield, which was a technical college at the time, where he studied carpentry and business. He developed his skills in carpentry and gained experience as a crew foreman while working at Robert Burns Lumber.

1994 - Mark & Michelle White

In 1994, Mark and Michelle White decided to move back to Mitchell, SD from Security, CO, where Mark was stationed at Peterson Air Force Base. With the birth of their first daughter, they thought the close-knit, small community would suit family life better. That same year, the Whites joined Bob and Gail Mueller in the family lumber business, where they have worked ever since. Mark began on the crew, gaining experience with concrete and carpentry. Today, he works in Sales and Estimating, while also being the business’s designated “fireplace installation guy.” Michelle started part-time in the hardware store, learning the products and the ordering process. She now manages the hardware store and most of the banking, HR, and insurance needs.

2001 - Lumberman of the Year

In 2001, Bob Mueller was recognized as Lumberman of the Year by South Dakota’s Retail Lumbermen’s Association. At the time, Mueller Lumber had 45 employees, growing from only 6 over the past 20 years. His accolades included serving in the South Dakota National Guard, serving on the board of directors at Allied Midwest Merchandisers for nine years and his membership as an Associated General Contractor of South Dakota.

2006 - Parade Marshal

In 2006, the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Committee named Bob Mueller as the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Parade Marshal. Bob was recognized for his membership in the Allied Midwest Merchandisers Incorporated. His past presidency of AMI and position of the board of directors for 10 years. His membership in the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota Building Division, Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, and South Dakota Retailers Association. His activity in the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. His servitude on the Advisory Committee for Mitchell Technical Institute (now Mitchell Technical College) and on the Foundation Board for Mitchell Technical Institute. His servitude on the Salvation Army Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors for the Mitchell Area Disabled Persons Council. His membership of MAHBA, as well as, founder and past president of the Mitchell Area Home Builder's Association. Bob was also recognized for supporting many organizations in Mitchell and the surrounding area including: the Oscar Howe Art Center, Davison and Hanson County Pork Producers, Mitchell Area Adjustment Training Center now known as LifeQuest, Mount Vernon Baseball team, DWU Teammakers, Mitchell Show Choir, Mitchell Kernel Booster Club, Mitchell Kernel Sport Programs, Mitchell Barbershop quartet, Mitchell United Way, Mitchell Concert Association, Mitchell Area Community Theatre, Prehistoric Indian Village and the Mitchell Mallard Baseball Team.

2014 - Corn Palace Remodel

In 2014, Mueller Lumber was selected as the General Contractor for the remodel of the Corn Palace. This project included exterior changes, such as: new domes, improved lighting, an additional entrance, a balcony, and larger murals, and interior changes, such as: a two-story entry, a new box office, a new lobby, new bathrooms, and a new elevator. Dave Epp, a long-term employee at Mueller Lumber, served as the Project manager. “This building is unlike any other building in the world,” Epp said. “There’s a reason it’s called the World’s Only Corn Palace. The Corn Palace is so important to this community and to the thousands of visitors it sees each year, and to work on a project like that has been really fun. Especially since we’re working with a lot of local crews, the pride everyone takes in this job really sets it apart. From the engineers to the architect to the owner and the subcontractors, everyone has worked together so well it’s just unbelievable. It’s been a lot of fun.”

2020 - Harold Hagen Award

In 2020, Bob Mueller was chosen to receive the Harold Hagen Award. The Harold Hagen Award recognizes individuals who have shown unparalleled dedication and commitment to the city of Mitchell’s development and betterment. Bob Mueller has built over 450 homes and 500 apartments units in Mitchell and the surrounding area and his contributions have helped the community grow to new heights. “I am proud to have helped the community grow with jobs and new housing developments,” Mueller said. “It took a lot of work to get this business going.”

Current

Today, Mueller Lumber continues to serve the Mitchell community and the surrounding area. Bob Mueller remains in his position as president of the company. “It’s part of me,” he said. “We started it and we brought it up. It’s a lot easier to walk out on a job than it is your personal business.” Mueller Lumber is proud of the high quality workmanship provided to customers when designing and building their home. Attention to detail is an important aspect in every completed project.

  • A set of unfinished and painted wooden cabinet doors standing upright on a kitchen countertop, at Mueller Lumber.
  • A potted jade plant, brochures, and magazines on a granite countertop in a showroom or home interior setting, at Mueller Lumber.
  • Display of aluminum railing samples and related product information on a wire shelf in Mueller Lumber.
  • Display of various wood laminate flooring samples in different shades, with labels and informational signage, at Mueller Lumber.
  • A showroom display of a wooden front door with decorative glass panel, next to a detailed informational sign about the door's features and styles, at Mueller Lumber.
  • Samples of stone and brick veneer panels displayed on a wooden surface, at Mueller Lumber.
  • Selection of marble and granite countertop samples on display for sale in the Mueller lumber showroom.
  • A display of various laminate and tile flooring samples with a sign that reads, "Discover the ADURA® difference." At Mueller Lumber.
  • Display of various sample glass windows with different frames, some with wood and some with clear plastic, arranged on a table in the Mueller Lumber showroom.
  • Display of various paint color samples arranged in rows at the Mueller Lumber hardware store, with a digital screen showing the Valspar logo and slogan.