Company History

When Arvis Ray Richards and Eula Mae (Roy) Richards, began selling building supplies in the early 1950’s they may not have envisioned their two grandsons many years later would be at the same location doing the same type of business. A. R. Richards 1951Their company was called A. R. Richards Building Supplies and was located on East highway 80 Russell Springs. Over 55 years later, a business remains on the same property as the original building supply company.

Elvin and Gail (Richards) Wilson began operating the business as Wilson & Sons Building Supplies in 1977. Judging from the "& Sons" portion of the business name they were expecting to run a family business for many years. The sons, Timothy (11), David (9), and Daniel (2) were not yet old enough to be much help. Elvin and Gail's business name turned out to be a good one. Wilson & Sons Building Supply, LLC was incorporated in 2004 when Tim and Daniel became owner/operators.

The Wilson family 1977. Elvin, David, Daniel, Gail, TimothyOver the years there have been various upgrades to the property. The main office building was replaced a 8800 square foot structure which houses the sales floor and the offices. This has allowed the business to offer a wide variety of construction supplies and hardware. Many lumber sheds and warehouses have also been upgraded over the years.

In 2009 Wilson & Sons Hardware opened in the neighboring town of Jamestown. It is located at a convenient area for their residents and surrounding rural communities. Since there was no hardware or supply company there, adding a store in Jamestown was a great opportunity for expansion. The small, 3400 square foot, store receives great support from the local community.

Elvin and Gail have recently retired from from the business, but their guiding principles are still followed. Wilson & Sons Building Supply continues to offer quality hardware and building materials at reasonable prices. Many things have changed in the business world, but honest business practices taught two generations ago are still practiced today. Helping the hard working people of South central Kentucky improve their home or build a new one has never gone out of style.