We are an employee owned company of local folks serving local needs as a family owned business since 1931.
About Us
Introduction
Company History
Our Company was founded in the fall of 1931 in Bloomington, Indiana by a builder named Harold Wegmiller and his friend, Sylvester Davis. Known then as Wegmiller-Davis Lumber, Wegmiller bought out Davis in April 1936 and changed the name to Wegmiller Lumber Company.
In April 1936, Harold Bender was hired as the first new employee of Wegmiller Lumber Company. He became a key employee in helping grow the business for the next 27 years.
In the spring of 1963, Harold Bender and his son, John Bender, purchased the company from Harold Wegmiller. From the 1970's, the company expanded by opening locations in Martinsville, Bedford, Paoli, Seymour, Washington, Linton, and Madison; plus, John's brothers and sons joined the company thereafter.
In consideration of the future, John and Paul decided to sell their company to the employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) rather than to outside investors. They felt this would best insure the future of the business and reward the loyal employees who had helped build the company; also, John and Paul felt this would be an incentive for outstanding people to join and stay with the company in the years to come. In 2001, Bender Lumber employees became part owners of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Company Business Philosophy
Bender Lumber is dedicated to being the primary supplier to residential builders and professional remodelers, adding value to our builders through quality products and a well-trained, knowledgeable sales force. Market share is gained by providing superior service, innovative products, at a fair I competitive price; these service initiatives give us the ability to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. We must execute these perfectly and maintain high standards of operation to attain successful financial performance, which will allow us to survive and grow as a company.
With a variety of offerings to choose from, we’re sure you’ll be happy working with us. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There’s much more to come!