Advanced Building Materials
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 located 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!
Related Stories
Leaping Lizards Boutique
It took becoming a grandmother for Liz Larkin to find her career path. Our daughter Emily became pregnant with our twin grandsons and when they were first born, she was buying cute onesies from people and paying upwards of $30 for customized onesies, Liz says. She said to me, "If you buy a
About Face & Body: Laser & Wellness Clinic
When Carolyn Vandersluis purchased About Face and Body: Laser & Wellness Clinic, she knew that the business’s strong community support came from the education, experience and care of her staff. “We take pride in taking care of our...
Big Fish Steak & Lounge
The Tsaprailis family has been in the restaurant business for over thirty years. Their first restaurant, The Valley House on Vidal Street, was a busy spot serving eggs, sandwiches and burgers. In 1992, they bought the Old Country Steak House on London Line and renamed it The Brigantine. Five years a
Jill Hillman wanted to make a splash when she decided to change careers. "I always grew up with pools," Jill says. "I have my own pool and my other half, Brice League, taught me the construction side of things. With the needs in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, I said to Brice, 'W
Related Stories
Do Good Candles
What started off as a simple school project has expanded nicely into a profitable business for 13-year-old Byron Chu of Sarnia. Byron, with his mom Denise by his side, has developed Do Good Candles which he donates 50 percent of his profits to local charities. It started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Totes of Hope
Angela Sekeris just wanted to make a difference. She certainly has thanks to her Totes of Hope initiative. We started seven years ago on Valentine's Day, Angela says. I lost my husband Rob to cancer nine years ago on Dec. 29 so it was coming up on the second Valentine's Day since we lost.
Brush Strokes Interiors
A large 'S' is carved into the glass on the door at Brush Strokes Interiors at 301 Christina Street North. The door remains as an homage to the original store located there, Scott's Distinctive Men's Wear, established in 1947. It adds to the character. I even have a copy of one of the dra
Lambton College
Lambton College opened its doors on November 15, 1966. At the time, it was the second college in the Ontario College system. Lambton College was originally housed in a former elementary school before relocating to its current location on London Road. In its first semester, the College welcomed 54 students.
Own a local business in Sarnia-Lambton?
Your customers, your link, your revenue. We do the rest.
Become a #local Partner and we pay you 100% of every gift card members spend with you. It costs you nothing to join.
Free. Takes about three minutes.
