Access Panel Pro is a part of Architectural Builders Supply Inc. was begun in August of 2001 by Richard Howard. Starting out as the salesman, shop fabricator, delivery driver and bookkeeper ABS has grown greatly in the last 5 – years.
In September of 2001 the mission of ABS was to serve its list of house accounts applying the highest degree of service and value possible. ABS’s client base consisted mostly of small sub contractors and carpentry contractors serving the greater Chicago area. The economy had greatly changed from the boom period of the late 1990’s and ABS was looking for the most efficient ways to work and continue serving our client base. Starting out in a 1,500 sq. ft. warehouse and 2 – employees ABS was able to operate “lean and mean” by keeping overhead low and preventing obstacles from interfering with our mission to serve the customer. While keeping an eye on keeping overhead low, ABS also began to consider its future.
ABS decided it would be necessary to consider expanding its existing customer base and also step in a new direction. Its list of house accounts applying the highest degree of service and value possible. ABS’s client base consisted mostly of small sub contractors and carpentry contractors serving the greater Chicago area. The economy had greatly changed from the boom period of the late 1990’s and ABS was looking for the most efficient ways to work and continue serving our client base. Starting out in a 1,500 sq. ft. warehouse and 2 – employees ABS was able to operate “lean and mean” by keeping overhead low and preventing obstacles from interfering with our mission to serve the customer. While keeping an eye on keeping overhead low, ABS also began to consider its future. ABS decided it would be necessary to consider expanding its existing customer base and also step in a new direction.This new direction was the birth of www.abshardware.com This website created an online presence for ABS. The website would be the springboard for greater online opportunities.
Our past and future are shown on our sales projections. In the sales projections ABS plans to expand into the contract hardware sales market by 2007. ABS will be able to distinguish itself from other contract hardware outlets by offering competitive pricing along with experience and knowledge. It will prove to be the utility offered by ABS that will give it the advantage over its competition.
ABS has built it business by a single important rule. Listen to the customer. Hearing the customer allows us to supply material and solutions providing solutions and profits for its clients. ABS asks its customers to suggest, criticize and complement it on the job it does. Only by hearing and listening to the customer can ABS grow into the best solution for its customers. sales@absupply.net
The owner, Rich Howard, continues the legacy of his family. His great grandfather began in the commercial hardware business in 1936 with a $500.00 loan. This business was located in three locations on the northwest side of Chicago and continued to serve Chicago under the business name Chicago Builders Supply, Inc. until the death of the founder in 1989. The main products changed greatly over the years. The late 1950’s saw the introduction of hollow metal doors, referred to as “factory doors” purchased from the Ceco door factory located on the south side of Chicago. Hollow metal doors continue to be the main product for the business to this day. As the fourth generation to sell commercial building products, Rich Howard continues this legacy every day by chasing down his goals. With nearly 15 – years experience Rich Howard continues to serve customers with his motto, and therefore the motto of ABS, pursing perfection.