For Isaac Weber, returning to Lugbill Supply Center was a full-circle moment.

As a teen, he worked at Lugbill in Archbold, Ohio, which was his first official job. Years later, he and his wife, Leslie, bought the company and became the newest owners of the business.

Since taking ownership in 2022, the Webers have worked quickly to make improvements while keeping the customer service Lugbill is known for.

In 2023, the store completed several upgrades, including a 2,000-square-foot outdoor living center, new forklifts, new trailers, and a new pickup truck for deliveries.

Weber said many of the updates were overdue, but the work was worth it.

“We’ve been just updating and upgrading things that were kind of overdue,” Weber said.

Lugbill Supply Center has been part of the Archbold community for decades. The company was founded in 1962, and today it operates two locations with about 30 employees.

Earlier this year, Lugbill announced it had acquired Affiliated Lumber in nearby Swanton, Ohio. The acquisition is part of Lugbill’s growth strategy and allows the company to keep building its reputation in the surrounding area.

Weber said the transition came with challenges, but it has also helped the company improve its buying power. That benefits both Lugbill and Affiliated customers.

The biggest focus, though, remains the same: service.

Weber said he thinks about what customers need as the company grows. He has worked to improve systems, support the team, and make sure customers still get the help they expect.

“A while back I went to a big-box store to find a light, and I can’t find anybody, not a single person, around to help me out,” Weber said. “It was ridiculous. At that moment, I realized I want to have bigger stores, but I don’t want such big stores that we lack on the service of being there for the customer.”

That mindset shapes how Lugbill competes. Weber said smaller businesses can still compete with larger chains when they stay focused on people, service, and local trust.

In addition to lumber, hardware, and building supplies, Lugbill offers glass cutting, window and screen repair, custom kitchen and bath design, and computerized deck designs.

The company also gives back to the community. Lugbill supports the Defiance Dream Center, which provides workforce development, community service projects, and life coaching. Lugbill also hosts an annual community event at the store with food, live music, and games, with proceeds going back to the community.

Looking ahead, Weber hopes to add another location under the Lugbill Supply Center name. Like many dealers, he is watching the local economy, but he said he is not afraid to take smart risks when the timing is right.

Lugbill is also investing in technology and systems to prepare for the future. Weber said the company is moving from manual processes to more automated ways of managing takeoffs, customer information, and job details.

“It’s all about finding that new balance,” Weber said. “This is the future, so we’re getting prepared for it now to make sure we’re ready for it.”

For Lugbill Supply Center, growth is not about getting bigger for the sake of size. It is about improving the business, taking care of customers, and building the kind of company that is ready for what comes next.

Source: Adapted from LBM Journal’s September 2024 profile, “Ohio Dealer Focuses on Customers Amid Growth.”

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