Steves & Sons ... Building Quality Doors Since1866
GROWING WITH AMERICA FOR OVER 150 YEARS
Some people pioneer a business . Some people are actual pioneers . The Steves family are both , true pioneers who 150 years ago established a lumber business in San Antonio . At the time , San Antonio was just a small Mexican-style adobe village . As the Steves ’ reputation for hard work and dedication to quality rapidly grew , San Antonio quickly became the heart of the lumber business for the southwestern United States and northern Mexico .
A TRUE FAMILY BUSINESS
Edward Steves along with his sons Edward Jr ., Albert and Earnest , wanted his business to thrive not only for his current family , but also for future generations of the Steves family . His visionary approach to the business established one of the key company philosophies : supply what ’ s needed today , stay ahead and be ready to supply what ’ s needed tomorrow . By 1879 , Steves stocked an average of three million board feet of lumber , serving the growing building needs throughout western Texas , northern Mexico and the growing frontier .
MORE THAN LUMBER
In the 1890 ’ s frame buildings and homes became more common . Steves supplied not only wood , but doors , window and stair components . To keep distribution costs low and make products affordable for customers , a millwork plant was established in 1904 . By 1912 the millwork plant was so successful that the business was renamed to Steves Sash & Door Company .
THE WAR YEARS
In 1916 , Steves Sash & Door Company was the largest millwork operation in the southwest .
During World War I , the millwork operation shifted production to aircraft propellers for the newly established Army Air Corp . During World War II , operations were again converted to support the war effort . This time the company manufactured joinery for the Liberty ships . After the war , all profits from Steves Sash & Door were returned to the government to help the country get restarted and in gratitude for the Steves sons ’ safe return .
CHANGE TO BEAUTY
After the war years , Steves returned its attention to building quality products for homes , with an emphasis on doors . The leadership at Steves recognized the need for beauty , art and color as the country evolved from a land of pioneers to a land with a growing culture of its own . New lines and styles of doors were manufactured . Between 1950 and 1970 the company , produced more than one million doors to serve a variety of home styles , needs , and décor .
CONTINUED GROWTH
To reach new markets while continuing to deliver unmatched quality at an outstanding value , Steves & Sons opened two additional plants – Lebanon , Tennessee in 1971 and Richmond , Virginia in 1983 . In 1987 the Crest exterior door company was started . In 2005 due to the increased demand for more door products , the Tennessee plant moved into a new 205,000 sq . ft . facility . In 2011 Steves forged into new markets with prefinishing capabilities in a new premium wood and fiberglass plant in San Antonio . In 2014 , due to increased demand and diversified offering , the Richmond , VA plant moved into a new state of the art 210,000 sq . ft . facility . Steves & Sons continues to build its business and reputation among builders and homeowners across the country with continued emphasis on quality materials , new technology and efficient distribution .
SIX GENERATIONS OF DEDICATION
Since 1866 the Steves family has always been involved in the company . Today , six generations later , Steves & Sons continues its commitment to quality , craftsmanship and style . The Steves family founded the company on the principles of conservative growth and environmental responsibility . That hallmark remains today in every item Steves & Sons manufacturers . From incorporating recycled materials , to making products that can conceivably last as long as the application , the Steves family is proud to build on the tradition of environmental respect and responsibility . As an American family success story , Steves & Sons will continue to offer quality and service at a fair price for generations to come .
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