Champion Lumber Company began business in 1950 as the Boyd-Darnell Lumber Company under ownership of Russ Boyd and Charles Darnell, former military veterans who saw potential for starting a business in Riverside during the post-war boom era. Soon thereafter, George Champion was hired to managed the company in 1967 when he gained full ownership.

The company officially became known as the Champion Lumber Company in 1983 when Champion's son's-in-law Mark Boone and Joe Audette became active in managing the business after marrying into the family. Since 2007, the Champion Lumber Company has been under ownership of the Boone's and Audette's.

Today, after nearly 70 years in business, Champion Lumber Company continues to be family owned and managed. The company's vision is to remain a significant part of the Southern California building industry; residential, commercial and industrial.

Champion Lumber is active in the community and state, supporting a number of charitable causes and is active in the West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association as well as other local and regional industry organizations.