Current owner Joe Bronzyk said the business was originally operated as Eisele Lumber and Fuel by Lewis G. Eisele. It was later purchased by Evo Santoni, a longtime employee. Bronzyk started working at the business in 1992 and took it over from Doug Nord in 1999. He co-owns Hometowne Building Supply with his wife, Patti.

Bronzyk said they provide materials for everything “from the foundation through the roof.”

“Building materials for all needs with a reputation for quality and service,” is their motto.

“We do a lot to give back to our community,” Bronzyk added.

Hometowne Building Supply at 213 E. Carpenter Ave. in Kingsford started operation as Eisele Lumber and Fuel in 1922. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

Their services are helping people improve their homes and quality of life. They provide materials for foundations, walls, roofs, flooring, windows and doors.

They also offer some products exclusively, such as Countryside Cabinets and ProLuxe Stains, he said.

Hometowne Building Supply is a member of two large co-ops — Do It Best and Orgill. “Each one has over 5,500 stores right now — so we have the buying power. We can have low pricing because we buy collectively with other stores nationwide,” Bronzyk explained.

Do It Best also operates in Canada, Hawaii and Mexico. He described them as sort of “an Ace Hardware for lumber yards.”

The kitchen and bath center is in a structure that was built by Henry Ford. Bronzyk said he tried to research it but was unable to find many details.

They employ 20 people, including three who design kitchens and bathrooms. They also provide blueprints, 3D renderings, free estimates, delivery and contractor servicing for both commercial and industrial.

Another part of the business is an equipment rental center that was started about six years ago.

The siding on the outside of the building was replaced last year, but there is still a portion on the front to be completed.

Bronzyk said there are no plans to expand the business. “We’re doing everything right now. I don’t know how much more we can expand,” he said. “We’re always looking to expand our customer satisfaction.”

They are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.