84 Lumber - History

History

Located 20 miles south of “Steel town” Pittsburgh, 84 Lumber established its roots in Eighty Four Pennsylvania, a rural community that has endured as a farmland community. 84 Lumber flourished with the funds and determination of Ed Ryan and Jack Kunkle, Joe Hardy and his two brothers Norman and Bob Hardy. Together, these men collected 84,000 dollar for land and buildings to grow their business. As the business expanded, Hardy and his brothers became sole owners of the company.

84 Lumber established a cash and carry system; customers paid by cash or check, if merchandise was unable to be “carried” out, an additional charge was implemented to have the item personally delivered. 84 Lumber offered the lowest prices to all customers whether professional contractors or build-it-yourselfers and had high inventory.

In 1984, the company undertook an expansion plan to open at least 30 new stores. Along with grand openings, stores were remodeled and renovated from no-frills lumber yards to new and improved building materials stores. As the improvement plan generated success the business opened their strict policy of cash-and-carry to options of using credit.

Joe Hardy handed the daily responsibility of managing 84 Lumber to his daughter Maggie Hardy Magerko in 1992.

Although Maggie has expanded on her fathers “no-frills” business, she has retained his business basics he instilled in her from a young age. 84 Lumber serves the communities in which they are located by participating in local events and fundraisers. Dedicated to helping those in need, the company has created a campaign, Building Hope, which fulfills this commitment. The Boy Scouts, Justin Jennings Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Musicians Village, Red Cross, and United Way are among the organizations and individuals 84 Lumber has supported over the years.