Our Story
Island Building Products began 30 years ago in 1990, when long-time islander Frank Penwell decided to start a building supply business. Originally called Island Wholesale Products, Frank built a large group of loyal customers by providing stellar customer service and support alongside unbeatable prices. As the company grew, the need for additional employees grew as well. One of these new hires was a young man named Dwight Ware. Dwight joined the company in 1996 with no prior experience in the building industry. Dwight quickly established himself as a responsible and competent salesman, and before long he was serving in a management capacity. Dwight bought the company in 2001 and took over day to day operations. Things went very well after that, at least until about 2008...
Like many other businesses, Island Building Products struggled mightily when the recession hit in 2008. With so few people able to build new homes or remodel their existing homes, sales shrunk and the outlook was bleak. At many times it was uncertain whether or not the company would be able to weather the storm and closing the doors never seemed like an impossible outcome, but in the end Dwight & Co were able to navigate through the economic downturn and come out the other side still afloat.
Island Building Products is currently seeking additional employees to fill openings in sales as well as window, door, and carpet installations. Through thick and thin, busy seasons and hard times, Island Building Products has continued to serve the San Juan Islands, Seattle, and Vancouver B.C. by providing excellence in customer service, outstanding prices, and the expertise and drive to ensure that every customer gets nothing short of the best. Come along with us as we celebrate our 30th year in business; it's been a wild ride and we can't wait to see where the adventure goes next!
Island Building Products began 30 years ago in 1990, when long-time islander Frank Penwell decided to start a building supply business. Originally called Island Wholesale Products, Frank built a large group of loyal customers by providing stellar customer service and support alongside unbeatable prices. As the company grew, the need for additional employees grew as well. One of these new hires was a young man named Dwight Ware. Dwight joined the company in 1996 with no prior experience in the building industry. Dwight quickly established himself as a responsible and competent salesman, and before long he was serving in a management capacity. Dwight bought the company in 2001 and took over day to day operations. Things went very well after that, at least until about 2008...
Like many other businesses, Island Building Products struggled mightily when the recession hit in 2008. With so few people able to build new homes or remodel their existing homes, sales shrunk and the outlook was bleak. At many times it was uncertain whether or not the company would be able to weather the storm and closing the doors never seemed like an impossible outcome, but in the end Dwight & Co were able to navigate through the economic downturn and come out the other side still afloat.
Island Building Products is currently seeking additional employees to fill openings in sales as well as window, door, and carpet installations. Through thick and thin, busy seasons and hard times, Island Building Products has continued to serve the San Juan Islands, Seattle, and Vancouver B.C. by providing excellence in customer service, outstanding prices, and the expertise and drive to ensure that every customer gets nothing short of the best. Come along with us as we celebrate our 30th year in business; it's been a wild ride and we can't wait to see where the adventure goes next!
