About Us

Our Story

Channel City Lumber was founded in 1963 by Isabell and Henry John Tillia II. John was a geologist whose work took the family all over the world before he and Isabell decided to settle down in Santa Barbara. They purchased a small lumberyard on Yanonali Street, and in 1968 John acquired land in the industrial area of Goleta — the same location Channel City Lumber operates from today.

The business was later succeeded by their son Henry John Tillia III ("Jack")and his wife Cherrie Tillia, who owned and operated Channel City Lumber for 23 years while raising their three children in and around the yard. Jack and Cherrie ran CCL until they retired in 2008.

Troy Stewart first began working at Channel City Lumber in 1992 while still in high school. Over the years he developed a deep passion for the trade and the relationships he built with customers. Devon Stewart, Troy's wife, joined the business in 2003. When Devon and Troy started their family, they decided the best way to raise their boys was to work together at CCL. Their three sons — Keegan, Riley, and Reece — literally grew up at Channel City Lumber, putting in time working the yard, stocking inventory, and helping customers at the front counter.

When John and Isabell first opened Channel City Lumber, they set out to be part of the community — proud supporters of local charities and their children's school functions. Today, Channel City Lumber continues those founding principles: service, value, quality, and a friendly, community-supporting business.

Thank you for trusting Channel City Lumber for over 60 years — helping turn a house into your home.