Founded in 1960 in Stearns, Kentucky, Lumber King has grown from a small lumber processing operation into a multi-location hardware and building supply chain serving customers across Kentucky and Tennessee. Today, the company is headquartered in Whitley City, Kentucky, and operates five retail locations and a truss shop in Whitley City, Oneida, Mt. Vernon, Somerset, and Danville.
Lumber King’s growth has been steady, but one thing has stayed the same: the people. Many of the company’s employees have been with Lumber King for decades, helping build the culture, customer trust, and local service that define the business today.
In 2020, Lumber King became 100% employee-owned after its Employee Stock Ownership Plan purchased the remaining company shares. That milestone strengthened the company’s commitment to its team and gave employees a direct stake in the future of the business.
That ownership model shows up in how Lumber King serves its customers. The company describes itself as a dedicated, employee-owned provider of building materials, backed by knowledgeable staff, quality products, and competitive pricing.
Lumber King has also continued to invest in the future. In recent years, the company has added a truss shop and rental center, increased its social media marketing efforts, completed renovations, and expanded its outside sales team to serve markets beyond its store locations. Company leadership points to that expanded sales reach as a major driver of success.
Those efforts helped earn Lumber King national recognition as LBM Journal’s 2025 Dealer of the Year in the $10MM-$50MM category. The March 2025 issue featured Lumber King’s dealer profile and highlighted John Kayea, President; Steve Phillips, CEO; and Willie Boyatt, VP of Operations.
As Lumber King looks ahead, the company remains focused on serving its local communities while reaching the growing areas around its markets. It is a clear example of what makes independent LBM strong: local roots, employee ownership, smart growth, and a team that knows the customer comes first.
Source: Adapted from LBM Journal’s March 2025 Dealer of the Year coverage and Lumber King’s official Do it Best pages.
