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Back in 1992 one of John Gill The Timberman’s iconic television ads made a bet that in 20 years the Gill family would still be your local timbermen.
And in 2016 it would be safe to place another bet that Gill and Co will see itself to 100 years as it moves into its third generation of family ownership.
In August John Gill, the iconic face of the business known for his tongue-in-cheek television ads and catchy jingle, passed away following a fall.
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The fall led to an operation, which saw him contract pneumonia.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, his four children and six grandchildren.
The business is now in the hands of his son, David, who has managed the Cleveland store for the past 18 years.
At 83 years of age, John saw the business into its 90th year in operation.
I think if Dad was here he would be thrilled; he was a business man at heart.
- David Gill, on Gill and Co's 90th anniversary
It is a feat rarely matched by many businesses in today’s fast moving and changing market.
The achievement was not lost on him before his passing.
“What a milestone it is,” David said.
“For a business to be around this long, and be with the third generation of the same family is rare.
“There probably wouldn’t be too many businesses in the region which could say they’ve been around as long.
“I think if Dad was here he would be thrilled.
“He was a business man at heart.”
Gill and Co Timber was John’s passion, life and love, next to his family.
He took over the business from his father, Lynnwood, and played a key role in seeing the Cleveland and Rocklea timber yards erected.
He steadily built a name for the business, as well as himself as a competent and reliable local business leader.
Known throughout the Redlands as ‘The Timberman’, John worked right up until the day before his fall, never quite able to take a step back from the business or truly retire.
The Gill family are now looking towards the future in building on the legacy John has left behind.
“Filling his shoes will be a challenge, but I think we have the potential to grow and build on what he has left behind,” David said.
The company remains firmly committed to its customers, suppliers and the community, as it has since its opening in 1926.
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“We are proud of our achievements, our contributions to residential growth in South East Queensland and the many long term associations we have built up with clients, suppliers and the business community,” David said.
“We look forward to making it to 100 years.”
The company has no official plans to celebrate the milestone.
For now it is all business as usual with your local timbermen.
