Mid-Cape Home Center Sold to Keep Jobs, Former Owner Says

Mid-Cape Home Center is 117 years in the making. Established in 1895, the independently owned and operated business employees 180 people in its locations in Wellfleet, Orleans, South Dennis, Martha’s Vineyard, Middleboro, Hyannis, Plymouth and South Yarmouth, according to its website.

The Mid-Cape Home Center is owned by Nickerson Lumber Company, which has a interesting beginning.

"In 1895, at the age of 29 our seafaring founder, Captain Oscar C. Nickerson, gave up command of the schooner Abel W. Parker, carried his sea chest onshore, and purchased the Kelley and Eldredge Lumber Co. in Chatham... the beginning of what was later to become Nickerson Lumber Company.With schooners delivering lumber to Stage Harbor and the Chatham Railroad, he and three employees operated the business, shipping out lumber salvaged from shipwrecks on Cape Cod and although they kept no record of business, they had fairly good trade. The first full year of sales totaled $9,200," according to its website.

Things have changed quite a bit since then. Here, Board Chairman Joshua "Jan" Nickerson tells what prompted the sale:

"I Have Reached an Agreement of Terms to Sell Mid-Cape Home Centers 

Planning for the Future is Key
As you may know, I am the third generation of the Nickerson family to own and manage this business. I am well beyond traditional retirement age, and therefore it was time for me to plan for the future of the company. If I did nothing, upon my death, the business would have been liquidated in a “fire sale” and the real estate sold. That would have left a gaping hole in the commercial landscape of Cape Cod as well as over 160 residents unemployed. This was not acceptable to me.

I Found the Perfect Match
So, I scoured the market high and low and identified an individual with the financial stability, energy and intent to own this business and run it as a going concern. This way most of the employees will continue to remain with the company, and the Cape Cod commercial landscape will welcome a new partner.

The Resurgence of a 117 Year Old Company
When both parties concur that the terms are completely satisfactory, the actual sale will close at the end of March. April 1 will be the first official day for Jeff Plank, the new owner.

Our New Owner
Jeff grew up driving trucks for a family owned industrial gas/welding supply distribution business outside of Boston. He is a graduate of Middlebury College and earned his CPA at Peat Marwick. He brings with him lots of hands-on business experience. We, as a company, are excited to have Jeff at the helm, as he brings a new and exciting vitality to Mid-Cape Centers. He is energetic, and carries a fresh vision for our future success.

My Sincere Thank You
I want to personally thank you for your patronage and loyalty for these past 117 years and hope you continue your support of Mid-Cape Home Centers as we enter this new era in our long and prosperous history. I’m sure there will be many changes to come. I hope they inspire you to bigger and better building and design projects and that you continue to patronize Mid-Cape as you have in the past."