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!
John's Restaurant has been a local tradition since 1964. Known for being one of southwestern Ontario's busiest family restaurants, it's the great food, great people and great value that keep customers coming back. While they're famous for their breakfast, and the Canadian peameal they serve wi
Fleck Law is a personal injury litigation firm that represents clients involved in serious and catastrophic personal injuries, wrongful deaths, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and insurance claims. The firm was establishe...
To say the Toronto Raptors winning an NBA championship in 2019 has had a great influence on the sport of basketball in Canada is an understatement. It was huge, says Joe Rocca, who along with his brother Mike, runs the Rocca Elite Basketball Academy (REBA) in Sarnia, Ont. I have seen an inc
John's Restaurant has seen many changes since they opened in 1964. In that year, John Stathakis bought the house standing at 1643 London Road. The previous owner had already been serving food on the premises. He would put a small sign out by the road that said EAT whenever his wife did so
The Family Counselling Centre (FCC), established 65 years ago, is a not-for-profit, community-based agency that provides Sarnia-Lambton residents with counselling and support services. "Our mission is to assist, educate and strengthen individuals, families and community through programs, partnership
Myka Barnes is the first to admit she really didn't know what she was getting into when she and two silent partners launched Two Water Brewing Co. in Corunna. "We had the space in Corunna and we were using it for something else," Myka, 24, says. "We decided since we had the space, Corunna re
Born and raised in Sarnia, Matt Dochstader went to Mohawk College, in Hamilton, to study broadcasting. After graduating, he landed a job with a visual effects company in Toronto. "I did a lot of commercial work for national brands like Dove, Home Hardware, KIA, and Telus. Visual effects is the last"
D.O. (Defy the Odds) Gibson is a rapper, motivational speaker, music producer and anti-bullying advocate. In 2003 he set the Guinness World Record for longest freestyle rap. Although he now calls Toronto home, he grew up in Sarnia and began his musical career here. His love of music came first, and h