YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – What began as a coal furnace operation in Youngstown in 1926 grew into a family-owned building supply company with five locations and a century of history.
Richard Abel, president of Banner Supply, discusses the company’s beginnings and its evolution as it celebrates its 100th year. Abel says his grandfather helped build the company’s Youngstown facility in 1926 before the business began manufacturing coal furnaces. During World War II, the company shifted from producing furnaces to manufacturing replacement parts that it ships across the country.
Abel and his brother later entered the business and expanded its focus on roofing supplies. Banner Supply became an early adopter of trucks capable of delivering shingles directly onto roofs and eventually grew to five locations, including operations in Warren, Cleveland, Akron and Greensburg, Pa.
The family-owned company continues to serve contractors and homeowners while maintaining a large inventory of roofing products. Abel says family members and longtime family friends have played a central role in the business throughout its history.
Read more in Deanne Johnson’s story.