Williams Lumber & Home Centers Celebrates Its 80th Anniversary

A Legacy of Service Since 1946

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In 1946, a young Masonite salesman named Stan Williams purchased Gibson Lumber on East Market Street in Rhinebeck with the simple dream of owning his own shop. Eight decades later, Williams Lumber & Home Centers has become one of the Hudson Valley’s most enduring family businesses. Throughout the years, the business has grown from that single local lumber yard into seven full-service locations that serve thousands of homeowners and professionals across the region each year.

“This year is particularly meaningful, because as we celebrate our 80th anniversary this winter, I’m reminded that our success is not built on hardware and lumber alone,” says Kim Williams, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and Marketing and a third-generation leader of the company. “It’s built on trust, community, relationships, and steadfast commitment. We believe in treating every customer like family, and showing our gratitude in action.”

In many ways, the family’s story mirrors the growth of the Hudson Valley itself. When Stan’s son Sandy took over the business in the `80s, new growth and new stores in Hudson, Hopewell Junction, Tannersville, and beyond followed. Its Rhinebeck flagship remains a cornerstone of the community, and its annual Christmas train display has long been a beloved tradition for many families during the holiday season.

Kim Williams, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and Marketing and a third-generation leader of the company.

“Even in challenging times, like when our flagship Rhinebeck location suffered a partial roof collapse, our community rallied around us, with staff and neighbors stepping in to help rebuild.” says Williams. “Those acts of loyalty and support remind me every day why we exist.”

The family’s philosophy of hard work and community spirit has shaped every part of the business. Anyone who has stepped foot into a Williams Lumber location knows they can find everything they need for their next project. From Benjamin Moore paint to lumber and building, electrical, and plumbing supplies to Trex decking and other lawn, garden, and outdoor grilling needs, each department is staffed by knowledgeable associates who understand the needs of local homeowners and construction professionals.

For larger projects, the company’s Kitchen & Bath showrooms in Rhinebeck and Pleasant Valley offer personalized design services. Customers can explore cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and layouts with expert guidance from in-house designers who understand how to balance any homeowner’s lifestyle needs and budget. These showrooms also feature Marvin windows and doors, allowing homeowners and builders to experience the craftsmanship and durability of the company’s premium products firsthand.

A framed newspaper clipping documents Stanley Williams’s purchase of Gibson Lumber in Rhinebeck in 1946.

“What has kept us in business these many decades is not just our product lines. It’s our unwavering dedication to people, be it our associates or our contractors and homeowners who rely on us, and even our suppliers and store neighbors,” Williams says.

The Williams family is deeply involved in every part of daily operations. Kim works alongside her father, Sandy Williams, the company’s President, and her sister, Kelly Williams, Senior Vice President of Contractor Sales. Their shared leadership ensures that the family’s tradition of integrity, service, and hands-on relationships continue to guide each decision.

The company’s dedication to those foundational values has earned it plenty of recognition. Williams Lumber has received numerous accolades, including multiple first place honors in the Chronogram Readers’ Choice Awards and Hudson Valley magazine’s Best of the Hudson Valley for Best Hardware Store, Best Lumber Supply, and Best Paint Store, among others. In 2024, Williams Lumber was even featured in the popular TV show “Designing Spaces Local Edition.”

“These honors don’t just live on plaques in our offices. They live in your experiences, your recommendations, and your loyalty,” says Williams. “When someone compliments our selection, tells us they’re always able to find what they need, or that our associates made them feel welcomed, that’s more meaningful than any award we could receive.”

“Reaching our 80th year isn’t just about celebration,” she adds. “It’s about gratitude, and reaffirming our commitment to our values of integrity and service—to always help our customers nail it right the first time.”

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