In these times of rollercoaster recessions and economic catastrophes it’s hard for businesses to stay afloat, much less make a profit. How do some survive while others go under?

That question might be asked of some of the oldest businesses in Cullman — businesses which have been handed down through generations and have survived through wars, turned profits in boom times, and struggled under economic downturns. How did they do it? What did they do that was different from the way other businesses were run?

Although there were many others who deserve to be mentioned, and will be in the future, we chose three from various occupations and businesses which had passed through more than one generation. Often they had to “reincarnate” themselves to survive.

Buettner Bros. Lumber certainly fits the informal use of the word “dynasty” which is, according to the dictionary, ”A succession of family members who own a company or corporation.” Founded in 1892 by a German immigrant, Hugo Buettner, the business, which did millwork and furniture, was born in his barn near where the civic center is now on Sixth Avenue Southwest. Eventually, he moved to the present location at 700 Seventh Avenue Southwest so that he could expand his operation.

With German ingenuity and frugality, Buettner even made use of the dust and shavings generated by the process.

His father and brother worked for him, but Hugo was the sole proprietor until he sold the business to his sons, Herman and Bill Buettner, in 1924. They formed a partnership called Buettner Bros. This generation expanded to include lumber and building materials.

Buettner Bros. also manufactured chicken coups and beehives, which sold very well. More machinery was purchased which allowed the company to manufacture moldings, custom dress lumber and other millwork.

In 1946, the company added a modern sawmill with automatic feeds, a debarker, and pulpwood chipper.

The company bought timber in Cullman County and the surrounding areas. Theirs was the first pulpwood yard in the country to deliver log length pulpwood to the debarker and chipper in Guntersville.

In 1954, it was incorporated as a family corporation known as Buettner Bros. Lumber Co. Inc, because Gill and Herman had the foresight to understand that the fight for expanded sales of lumber and building materials throughout the years could bring about circumstances that might warrant a different approach to their business. They evolved a plan that has proven to be a masterpiece model for their business. It took into consideration the need for a supermarket type format for the sale of building materials, a one-stop inventory, the expansion of sales territory and new avenues of service that might arise.

In 1955, Richard Buettner became one of the first registered foresters in the state. He did all timber purchasing for the mill. 

In 1957, the old Hugo Buettner home was demolished and replaced with a modern 32,000 square foot salesroom and office space. To survive in a changing decade, they added new lines of goods, including building materials, hardware and major appliances.

In 1960, the Truss Division was added to manufacture wall components, roof trusses and floor trusses. They were one of the pioneers in this field in the state of Alabama, and rapidly became a major supplier of building components in the Southeast.  

In 1967, Herman and Bill retired and the third generation continued to operate the Cullman business. The new officers were Bill Buettner Jr., Richard Buettner, T.J. Barnes Jr., Robert Buettner and W.J. Hamner. The names other than Buettner were sons-in-law, and nephews brought into the family by Buettner daughters.

Nineteen Ninety saw the fourth generation passed into the hands of family members when Charles Buettner, John McPhillips and Jimmy Barnes bought the business from the five previous family owners. Their modern upgrades now provide materials from floor to roof.

Bennett Home Supply was established in 1936 by Viola and Guy Bennett at 410 Second Avenue. On one side was a cotton gin, on the other was a café called, The Spot. The properties were owned by Cal Leeth at the time. Later, the Bennetts bought the building. The original store was remodeled in 1988, and remains in its original location on Highway 31 South.

Since 1988, Bennett’s has been operated by Viola and Guy’s son, Doug Bennett, along with his wife, Carol and son, Shawn, and its longtime employees, Frank Cabri and Peggy Baumgartner.

Bennett’s was originally “Bennett Auto Supply” and was a franchise of BF Goodrich Tire and Automotive. The business survived the Great Depression, Guy Bennett’s going to war, and to keep up with changing times, converted to an appliance and lawnmower store with a sideline of toys and kitchen items in the 1940s. Bennett’s continued to sell retail appliances until 2002, and lawnmowers until 2011.

The store was thriving and expanding, so Doug and Carol made the decision to move the tire and automotive business one block south. It was established as Bennett Tire Service, with the original store name changing to Bennett Home Supply.

Over the years the store changed to reflect the demand for different goods and services. Bennett’s sold the first television in Cullman, a Philco model. For many years the appliances, TVs and lawnmowers were staples for the retail end, but over time the store evolved into a specialty business, with son, Shawn, the third generation, bringing in a rare mix of old and new home and business design services, holiday decorating, specialty floral designs, antiques and collectibles.

The store is well known for its flare in decorating, presenting a holiday wonderland in its windows each Christmas season. Many of the elements that go into creating the lavish displays were originally from Macy’s in New York City and Pizitz’s in Birmingham.

Today, Bennett’s continues to supply Cullman and surrounding areas with specialty gifts, gourmet kitchen appliances and gadgets, specialty coffees and teas, a multitude of toys, jewelry, antiques, holiday décor, floral, home accessories and more.

Werner’s is a prime example of how a business goes through many metamorphoses in order to keep up with changing times and trends.

“My dad started this business in 1951 as an army surplus store,” recalls Rob Werner, present owner and president of Werner’s Trading Company.

“Over the years we’ve had to evolve from one area to another to keep up with the market,” he explained.

The original store was located near its present location at 1115 4th Street Southwest. Opening soon after the end of World War II, it was a brilliant idea to supply customers with surplus army clothing and equipment. That move established a reputation and a client base that has made Werner’s a household name in the Southeast. It has grown from one employee to nine, and has been through a wide array of changes in challenging economic times.

“We adapted, going from army surplus to hardware, then to fishing and hunting supplies, and now we offer sporting goods,” said Werner. “A few years ago we added a women’s clothing line which has done very well. Ann Ros and my wife, Mary Ellen, are a big part of the reason we are still here.”

The store has faced tough competition in a big box era, but has become a landmark destination in Cullman, frequently bringing in travelers from all over the nation as they notice Werner’s billboard on I-65.

You’ll find hardware, camping equipment, bicycles, grills and grilling supplies, men’s and women’s outdoor gear, canoes, specialty gourmet foods and much more at today’s Werner’s Trading Company.

“The key to business,” advises Werner, “is that to ensure success you have to be friendly and have the ability to adapt to the environment. We couldn’t make it these days if we hadn’t changed with shifting trends.”

Rob Werner can often be heard asking if his customers have had a good day, inquiring about their family, their health, or an upcoming event in their lives. Customers love the personal attention.

Werner’s has recently added a specialty wine and beer division. They even have a working beehive in the store, sell beekeeping supplies and do custom orders for bees each spring.  

Werner attributes part of his success to staying involved in his community by having served on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors and other civic and professional organizations throughout the years.