Our Story
Remembering Harry Salyer
In 1952, Harry Salyer joined J.C. Sparks, Charles Horne, and Edgar Crowder at St .Paul Builders and Supply Co. in St. Paul, VA. Although he didn’t have any experience in the building supply business, he worked long, hard hours and became very good at what he did. St. Paul Builders became a successful and respected business. However, Harry wanted to have a business of his own so he sold his shares in St. Paul Builders to his remaining partner, Edgar Crowder.
In 1973, Harry purchased Lebanon Block and Supply Co. in Lebanon, VA. At this time, Lebanon Block was about one-third the size it is today and annual sales were around $300,000. With hard work and dedication, he built Lebanon Block into a multi-million dollar business. He continued to work six days a week at Lebanon Block until he was ninety-three years old. For the last two years of his life he was not able to return to Lebanon Block on a daily basis, however, he kept an active interest in the company.
Without a doubt, it was his love of Lebanon Block and appreciation to the customers that made Lebanon Block successful. That love remained with him until the day he died.