News

On Wednesday, September 13th, the Shaheen Family, the owners and operators of Builders’ General Supply (BGS) – a Lumber & Building Materials Supplier, had much to celebrate. They hosted their 39th annual “Main Event” of the year, as they began their 92nd anniversary in business. BGS has been supplying building materials to NJ contractors, remodelers, and homeowners since 1931.

This year’s Trade Show, supported in partnership by over 60 of their core vendors displaying the latest building materials, products, and services, had 900 registered building professionals gather at the TillingHouse on the beautiful grounds of Suneagles Golf Course, which lies within the confines of historic Fort Monmouth. The venue was recently renovated, providing a star struck ‘off the charts’ atmosphere enhanced with dinner and drinks. The top-rated regional NJ radio station, Thunder 106.3, broadcast live for the four-hour afternoon show, adding to the buzz and electricity of the night.

Now four generations strong, BGS has evolved as a go-to, trusted, reliable resource. They provide their customers with premier building products & services in a high demand market with even higher expectations. They get it, and they’ve got the back of their BGS faithful due to years of grit, passion, and perseverance and a laser focus on building relationships with their customers, vendors, and the community.

Shaheen A. Shaheen, an immigrant from Lebanon, settled in Cranford, NJ (1931). He opened a supply company for homes in his town. His son, Vic, joined the business to further it along until his passing in the late 70’s. Vic’s son, Tim, was passed the torch to manage the company which added a second location in Little Silver (1978). Tim would soon be joined by his brother, Phil, to help lead the company forward. And indeed, they did. Their sisters, Betsy and Mary, nephews, Tim Jr. (TJ), Michael, Brian, and Phil Jr., would join the roster over time and further grow their collective legacy.

Today BGS operates seven locations in four NJ counties, with 170 employees. Of that roster, over forty percent have been with the company 12 years or more, and one third have tenures between 20 and 40 years. These dedicated men and women are integral to the company’s longevity but there is so much more that goes into their formula for success.

TJ Shaheen, the Executive Vice President, fourth generation with 30 years in the business, spoke to relationships when asked…

“With all the consolidation, atrophy, and big warehouse squeeze that has occurred within our industry over the past years, this is still a ‘relationship business’, and that is our stick that stirs the drink, in my opinion. It helps separate us from the pack. You can get coffee anywhere, same with 2x4’s and plywood, however, it’s how you invest the build into a relationship and evolve with your brand… with your customers and suppliers along with other key stakeholders! In other words, focus exponentially on the relationships that support your business network. All day, every day!”