In 1989, David and Olga Williams purchased interest in a small company named Advanced Building Materials and in 1991, they purchased the remaining shares. “We were originally located on Tecumseh Street in Sarnia. Three moves later, we are at our current location at 591 Gladwish Drive. We needed more property and even though we are located a little off the beaten track, the location serves us well because of a product mix that makes our store a destination,” explains Norm Williams, who purchased the business from his parents in 2017. Advanced Building Materials sells high-quality, innovative, and value-driven building materials. “We sell items that are unique and not typically available in larger box stores and we back those products up with excellent product knowledge, advice, service, and post-sale support.”
Initially, Advanced Building Materials specialized in civil construction products, concrete restoration, geotextiles, erosion control materials, pre-cast, and coatings. In 1996 they were able to secure a high-quality line of PVC railings, fencing, and decking to promote in Ontario. “The vinyl fencing and decking was new and innovative and brought more consumers through the door. This also opened up the opportunity to deal with a different type of contractor. As a new member of the Timber Mart buying group, we were able to offer interior doors, trims, cabinets, columns, siding, glass railings, and a wide variety of architectural products for the home. We decided to build a showroom to display the new product lines.”
About 65% of Advanced Building Materials’ business comes from local contractors. “We have a strong working relationship with several small- and medium-sized contractors. Word of mouth is an important aspect of advertising for any business locat- ed in Sarnia. When you offer great products, value, and service, referrals are the best form of advertising.”
Williams is also proud of his staff. “I have a great staff with a lot of experience in the business. Everyone works together as a team to support our vision of offering great products, with top-notch service, and great value. We also travel to trade shows throughout North America to learn about the latest products in construction.” Advanced Building Materials is currently the Canadian distributor for Ertec Environmental, which manufactures Species at Risk fencing and an innovative line of silt control products. They are also the Canadian distributor for Millboard, a new composite decking and siding material made from limestone.
Advanced Building Materials was instrumental in the supply of construction products and providing advice for high-profile projects such as the second span of the Blue Water Bridge, the St. Clair Tunnel, the SSEC, Lambton College, and several plant expansions. For Williams, the most rewarding part of the business is being able to provide a good job in a fun and safe working environment for the employees and having the ability to give back to the community. Next year they will be celebrating their 40th year in business in Sarnia and do not look like they are slowing down anytime soon!