BUILDERS’ HARDWARE AND SUPPLY CO., INC. CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Builders’ Hardware and Supply, an employee owned PRO Hardware distributor based in Seattle, Washington, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. In addition to its growing wholesale division, the distributor specializes in residential hardware, commercial hardware and commercial doors and frames. Builders’ Hardware and Supply started in 1935 as solely a contract hardware company, and while it has expanded significantly since, Builders’ Hardware and Supply remains very true to its roots.

In the mid 50s, the company was still very small with a total of five employees, counting the husband and wife owners.  In late 1957, Tom Shannon sold his boat, mortgaged his home and on January 1, 1958, along with his daughter Shirley, began the company under new ownership.  Now with 3,000-plus customers including home improvement retailers plus the industrial, institutional, manufacturing and construction markets, the company’s mission remains to be the primary source of architectural hardware, hollow metal and commercial wood doors, and related residential materials for customers in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, said Greg Lunde, president of Builders’ Hardware and Supply. 

Greg Lunde has been with the company for 11 years and was promoted to the position of president this year.  “We are constantly focusing on our areas of strength,” Lunde said, adding, “Door hardware remains the core of our business. It is at times difficult for the dealer to be able to invest in a large inventory of our types of product, so for them to be able to rely on us to help increase their profitability and competitive position.”  The door hardware products that are Builders’ Hardware and Supply’s strength help the distributors’ customers work with homeowners to add a personal signature to their homes. “We essentially market door jewelry to help the end consumer dress up their doors,” Lunde said. “We try to be a true resource for product. If they need door hardware, we are the company.” 

Builders’ Hardware and Supply has been a member of PRO Hardware since 1991, according to Shari Kalbach, managing director.  “Builders’ Hardware is a thriving specialty distributor serving customers,” Kalbach said. “The company is growing and increasing its services to customers under Greg Lunde’s leadership. We value Builders’ Hardware and Supply as a PRO Hardware distributor.”  Kalbach added, “Builders’ Hardware and Supply has seen growth every year and they are known for their trusted staff.” 

The year-long 50th anniversary celebration at Builders’ Hardware and Supply includes employee events and promotions and specials for customers. “We are not a big conglomerate,” Lunde said. “We are all about people and we trust we will still be growing strong in another 50 years.” He added that the company’s PRO Hardware membership allows us to “access products and programs that are negotiated in a group format.  Our PRO membership helps us be competitive and gives us breadth and depth.” For more information on the Builders’ Hardware and Supply visit: 

http://www.builders-hardware.com/Company/History/default.aspx

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PRO Group, Inc. is a multi-divisional, international merchandising and marketing organization with corporate headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Its operating units include PRO Hardware, GardenMaster, FARM¨MART and GOLDEN-LINK. The Company’s purchasing power exceeds $3 billion through its 38 Member Distributors.

For More Information Contact:
Greg Lunde, President

Builders Hardware & Supply Co., Inc.
(206) 281-3743

glunde@builders-hardware.com

Additional media contact:
Ruth Furman, ImageWords

(702) 255-8288

ruth@ruthfurman.com