About

About Leo's Building Supplies

Leo and storefront and store interior Leo's Building Supplies Ltd. first opened up in 1997 when Leo Visser (inset photo) bought the land where the old store was located and started up his first building supply store.

Leo had worked in the lumber industry since 1967. His son, Dan, had also been in the lumber industry since 1989, starting right out of high school. In 1996, both Leo and Dan found themselves laid off and went to apply for Employment Insurance. While there at the employment office, they looked at each other and both walked out. They had other plans.

Leo decided to start his own family business; and with help from his daughter, Tina Visser, developed a business plan to get the financing for the company. Leo's Building Supplies Ltd. opened its doors in 1997, starting out with a 3,500 square foot store on two acres of land. When they first started, Leo worked in the office on the phone, buying and getting orders, while Dan was picking up orders in Calgary and delivering them directly to the sites. Sons Dan and Jan Visser both started as truck drivers and yardmen, while Dan also did estimating for the company. Dan is now a manager and estimator, while Jan works as an estimator as well as a door/window salesman. Tina started in 2001 at the service desk, and now is the financial executive for the company.

Leo's Building Supplies started out as an independent company and eventually joined Castle Building Centres in 2006. Leo had first started thinking about a new store in 2004, and in December 2007, the company moved into their new store at the present location. Leo's grew from nothing to a multi-million dollar company.

The company started with three people - now we have grown to approximately 25 people working for Leo's Castle. From the 3,500 square foot store to the new state-of-the-art 22,000 square foot store and three-acre yard, the business has increased tremendously! Flying the Castle banner has also been extremely beneficial. Leo's Castle is a great symbol of our success and is a testament to all the hard work the family and employees have put forth.

Our History Timeline

Being part of the community and providing personal service to their customers, plays an important part in Leo's success as an independent lumberyard and building material supplier to contractors, builders, DIYers and consumers.

Today, Leo's website and online catlaog of 50,000 products allow their customers to see the mix of products and brands they carry and the services they offer - anytime from anywhere. If you don't see what you are looking for, Leo's can get it in for you.

TODAY

In December 2007, the company moved into their new store at the present location. Leo and his family grew the business from nothing to a multi-million dollar company. Starting with three people (now we have grown to a team of over 25). From the 3,500 square foot store to the new state-of-the-art 22,000 square foot store and three-acre yard, business has increased tremendously!

2007

Leo's Building Supplies started out as an independent company and joined Castle Building Centres Group co-op buying group in 2006. Flying the Castle banner has been beneficial. Leo's Castle is a great symbol of our success and is a testament to all the hard work the family and employees have put forth.

2006

Leo first started thinking about building a new store. Olds was growing and new opportunities opened up.

2004

Tina started in 2001 at the service desk, and now is the financial executive for the company.

2001

Leo decided to start his own family business; and with help from his daughter, Tina Visser, developed a business plan to get the financing for the company. Leo's Building Supplies Ltd. opened its doors in 1997, starting out with a 3,500 square foot store on two acres of land. When they first started, Leo worked in the office on the phone, buying and getting orders, while Dan was picking up orders in Calgary and delivering them directly to the sites. Sons Dan and Jan Visser both started as truck drivers and yard men, while Dan also did estimating for the company. Dan is now a manager and estimator, while Jan works as an estimator as well as a door/window salesman.

1997

In 1997 Leo Visser bought the land where the old store was and started up his first building supply store.

His son, Dan, had also been in the lumber industry since 1989, starting right out of high school. In 1996, both Leo and Dan found themselves laid off and went to apply for Employment Insurance. While there at the employment office, they looked at each other and both walked out. They had other plans.

Leo has worked in the lumber industry since 1967.

1967-1996

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