Bollin on Business: Delivering mesquite mystique in Tumac‡cori

I first met Art Flores in 2002. He had just purchased the 20-year-old Tumac‡cori Mesquite Sawmill from artisan Richard Maul.

As we surveyed the piles of aging mesquite, Flores removed his cowboy hat, wiped his brow and said, “We’ve got a lot of organizing to do.” And so they have.

Neat rows of large lumber racks hold various parts of the mesquite trees like a butcher displays prime cuts of meat. Slabs on one level, burl on another, stumps on the right, large branches stand at attention in their own tall racks. The wood is covered to protect it from the elements, and is stacked with spacers for ventilation, and to assist the selection process.

Flores and his wife, Valerie, (right) have created more than just a sawmill. Their beautiful showroom is specifically designed to let customers touch and absorb the special grain patterns and personality that only mesquite wood can deliver.

“Our customers can see, touch and feel the large display of chairs, tables, bowls, doors and benches … it has a big impact on them. In fact, when customers choose a piece of mesquite for a bar top or mantle piece, many tell us that it spoke to them in some way,” Valerie said.

The Tumac‡cori Mesquite Sawmill is all things mesquite. Specializing only in local tight-grained Arizona “velvet” mesquite, the sawmill uses the entire tree.

“Nothing is wasted. We know how to cut each tree to maximize the wood for various purposes and projects. What is left over become bags of mesquite chips that many use for their barbecues,” Flores said.

In addition to efficient cutting, the sawmill receives much of its wood from various county and state projects. Road-widening projects and range-clearing activity managed by the Bureau of Land Management have helped the sawmill create one of the largest mesquite selections in the Southwest.

In addition to a large selection of “raw” mesquite, the sawmill can finish the wood to meet customer specifications.

“We sell rough-cut unfinished blanks, create a finished custom-designed and finished product, or anything in between.” Flores said.

With four full-time employees, business has been steady. Primary markets include craftsmen, artisans, cabinetmakers, and weekend woodworkers — many of whom are completing projects in their own, or their customers’ homes. Another successful market is supplying mesquite for custom designs for high-end homes, restaurants, etc.

“Because mesquite is so unique in pattern and color, we make sure that the wood is hand-picked to reflect the special personality of the owner.” Flores said.

The Tumac‡cori Mesquite Sawmill is indeed a very special place for those who want to deliver the warmth and special personality that only mesquite wood can display. The sawmill is 1.5 miles south of Interstate 19 exit No. 34 on the east frontage road. Hours of operation: Monday throuhgh Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: Tumac‡cori Mesquite Sawmill, (520) 398 9356

www.mesquitedesign.com