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
Preferred Towing
As if running a successful towing business for 30 years isn't time consuming enough, Tammy and Gary Vandenheuvel are dedicating much of their time to supporting the youth who live at Ohana Landing in Sarnia. Ohana Landing is supportive transitional housing for youth between 16 and 24 years old,
Home & Cottage Interiors
Nicole Breyer believes in destiny and is convinced she was meant to own and operate Home & Cottage Interiors in Sarnia. I used to come to the store to buy my paint and I got to know the previous owner, Diane Galvin, Nicole says. On a visit to the shop last fall, Diane shared that she was g
BDO Canada LLP
In 2021, BDO Canada will celebrate 100 years as an accounting firm. They have offices across the country, including in Sarnia. The original Sarnia office grew out of W. L. Smith and Partners, which dates back to the '40s. Lyle and Jimmy Smith joined their father's firm, and were integral in g
The first thing you notice when you stroll into Cassie's Cottage Bakery is there is no one named Cassie present. Cassie is actually owner Cathy Harris. People ask me about that all the time, Cathy says. I always joked that when I went out with friends and enjoyed the odd beverage, the fun
Related Stories
Imperial City Brew House
Some guys will go to great lengths for a free beer. Take Matthew Whitney, Craig Brodie, Mike Barker and Kyle Blandford for instance. They are the four equal partners, founders and owners of Imperial City Brew House in Sarnia and when they want to quench their thirst, the beer is on the house. The lo
S&R Seniors Living
The idea of constructing a small apartment building came to Don Steeves and John Rozema over the course of lunch-time conversations; the pair worked together in Chemical Valley. Both were interested in the idea of building in Sarnia-Lambton. In 1963, they built, rented, and then sold Northgate Apart
Hughes Intelligence
Hughes Intelligence Canada, a Private Investigation and Security Services company, was established in 1994 and is locally owned and operated. It was originally a Private Investigation company and when I took ownership in 2007, we added security services, explains owner Barry Bentley. Bentley i
Annette Hitchins
When Annette Hitchins answered the call, she had never made a quilt in her life. I didn't know how to sew a quilt, says Annette, a retired school principal's secretary who moved to Lambton County from Windsor in 2007 and promptly joined the Caring Quilters of Lambton Shores. I had sewin
