In picture: Lane Greene, owner of Bladen Builders Supply. Photo by Noelia Hatchell.
Staff Report
In Elizabethtown, North Carolina, tradition, resilience, and excellence stand with Bladen Builders Supply (BBS). Established in 1946 by A.H. and C.W. Greene, this family-owned business has become a cornerstone of the local construction industry, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the community for nearly eight decades. Through the years, BBS has seen its leadership transition from the founding brothers to the current owner, Lane Greene, symbolizing a legacy of continuity and dedication.
In recent history, Mac Greene passed down the business to his sons Lee and Hobby Greene, who played essential roles in shaping the company’s direction. Lee served as President for over four decades; after his death, Lane Greene continues to uphold the family’s vision and tradition, having been a full-time employee since 2017.
BBS has adeptly navigated the dynamic landscape of commercial and residential building materials, facing challenges such as shortages, price hikes, and market fluctuations with resilience. A cornerstone of their success has been the strong partnerships with vendors and hardware cooperatives like DoItBest, as highlighted by Lane, saying, “BBS is fortunate to have developed a strong alliance of buying sources. Those resources provide us with a competitive edge. Over the last few years, I began to ask questions -really more like asking for help- and thank God I had those resources.”
BBS’s success is in its commitment to service and quality, ensuring customers receive the materials they need promptly and at competitive prices. Lane notes the products they offer are high quality. He added, “We deal with manufacturers and suppliers who stand behind the products they sell. Our customers understand that just like with cars, schools, food—there is a difference in quality and quality matters.” This thinking has cultivated a loyal customer base locally in Bladen County and extends across several states and even Puerto Rico.
Randy Andrews, a long-standing customer for over 44 years from Andrews’ Brothers Construction, attests to the familial treatment and exceptional service at BBS, noting, “I remember doing business at Bladen Builders with Mac Greene, Lee and Hobby’s daddy. They treat you like you’re family. You don’t get that with big box stores.” Randy added, “Lane is carrying on with the same tradition, and their prices are compatible with anybody around.”
Lane explains, “The core value of our business is service with a focus on swift, timely, strategic execution. We work daily to meet deadlines, to help contractors and buyers find the specific material they want at competitive prices—and to have it delivered on time where it is needed.”
BBS prides itself on its knowledgeable and dedicated staff, boasting over 250 years of combined sales experience. This expertise ensures customers receive top-quality materials and service, distinguishing BBS from larger, impersonal competitors.
Since 2010, Devine Thompson has been a testament to the company’s culture, sharing, “They treat you like family. They have always treated me like I was their own.”
With a diverse inventory that includes lumber, OSB, engineered wood, and a variety of building supplies, BBS has established itself as a community hub for building materials. The popularity of its Benjamin Moore paint line and the variety of services offered to the local community further showcase BBS’s commitment to meeting consumer needs while fostering local business.
Despite the pandemic’s challenges, BBS’s robust supplier network and its ability to meet the surge in home improvement projects have enabled it to thrive. Managing growth while maintaining the legacy of excellence remains a priority, ensuring BBS’s enduring success.
Daine Smith, a local contractor and homeowner, praises BBS’s extensive product range and efficient, friendly service, encapsulating the essence of what makes BBS a beloved part of the community.
Beyond its commercial success, BBS’s deep-rooted community involvement underscores its belief in the importance of collective prosperity. Lane, like his fore-fathers has served on the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce As it looks to the future, BBS’s commitment to service, quality, and community is steadfast, inviting contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike to experience the difference. Visit Bladen Builders Supply to see why quality and service are not just words here but a way of life. They are located at 1206 Swanzy Street in Elizabethtown, NC.
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