Originally Published as: A Century of Service: Attica Lumber Company Marks 100 Years in Business
Attica Lumber’s top goal is to provide excellent post-frame workmanship and to construct a building that will last for years. “We believe in treating our customers the way we would like to be treated. Our mission is to provide honest, reliable service, and we only hire builders who are willing to abide by our principles and uphold our commitment to integrity, respect, and dependability.”
Attica Lumber’s History
1925 – Founded after World War I by R.F. Cook with his passion
for lumber and buildings.
1954 – After returning home from World War II, Fritz and
Marjorie Miller (R.F.’s daughter) continued the family business.
1976 – Marjorie Miller retired, and Steve Stanek (son-in-law)
managed and grew the business during high inflation times.
2008 – Steve’s son Josh joined the family business during the
economic recession of 2008. Josh established the company’s
online business and billboard slogan, and has continued to
grow the business.
Attica Lumber Company, based in Attica, Ohio, is celebrating a major milestone—100 years of serving builders, farmers, and homeowners. The family-owned lumberyard and post-frame construction supplier has been “building the dreams of homeowners for over a hundred years,” and its longevity speaks to a combination of adaptability, hard work, and strong community ties.
Founded in 1925 by R.F. Cook, Attica Lumber is one of the oldest lumberyards in Seneca County. The business got its start thanks in part to rail access in Attica, which made it easier to bring in materials and distribute products across the region. In its early days, the company supplied a wide range of essentials, including coal, lumber, hardware, hog coops, and even portable housing.
“The 1920s were a booming time, and there was a real need for lumber supplies,” said Josh Stanek, the company’s current owner. That early demand helped lay the foundation for what would become a multigenerational business.
After World War II, leadership transitioned to Fritz and Marjorie Miller, Cook’s daughter and son-in-law. In 1976, Steve Stanek took over operations, continuing to grow the company and strengthen its presence in the region.
Steve brought a forward-thinking mindset to the business—one that extended beyond traditional lumber sales and post-frame construction. By the 1990s, he was actively involved in residential development, recognizing the increasing demand for efficient, well-built housing options across northwest Ohio. Steve played a key role not only in growing Attica Lumber but also in shaping local communities through condo development.
His work in condo development reflected the same values that defined Attica Lumber: quality craftsmanship, practical design, and long-term durability. These projects helped provide attainable housing solutions while contributing to the growth and modernization of local communities.
Steve’s background in building materials gave him a unique advantage—he understood construction from the ground up. This allowed him to approach development projects with both a builder’s eye and a business owner’s discipline, ensuring projects were completed efficiently and built to last.
Today, the business is led by Josh Stanek, Steve’s son and the fourth-generation owner, who joined the company in 2009 during the economic downturn following the subprime housing crisis.
Like many companies with a long history, Attica Lumber has weathered its share of challenges. High inflation in the 1980s and the housing crisis of 2008–2009 both tested the business. “It hasn’t been easy,” Josh said. “Each generation has faced its own set of challenges—but here we are, 100 years later.”
Josh has played a key role in modernizing the company while staying true to its roots. One of his early initiatives was building an online presence, helping Attica Lumber connect with a broader audience and better serve today’s customers. He also spearheaded a regional billboard campaign that many in northwest Ohio now recognize. The first slogan—“Hey… Trusses!”—didn’t quite hit the mark, but the follow-up, “Hey Pole Barns!” caught on and significantly boosted brand recognition.
Post-frame construction has been central to Attica Lumber’s growth. While the reference to 1925 as the year of the “first pole barn” may be more symbolic than literal, there’s no question the company has fully embraced the post-frame market. Today, Attica Lumber serves customers across 20 counties in northwest Ohio, specializing in lumber, trusses, hardware, and complete building packages.
The company is particularly well known for its truss manufacturing and its ability to supply quality materials efficiently. In addition to lumber and hardware, Attica Lumber provides tools, components, and jobsite essentials, along with local delivery to keep projects moving. Over the years, the company has supplied materials for and helped construct more than 30,000 post-frame buildings, including agricultural structures, commercial buildings, garages, and hobby shops.
For post-frame professionals, that kind of experience matters. It means working with a supplier that understands the demands of the jobsite—tight timelines, material consistency, and reliable service.
When asked about current trends, Josh pointed to a shift in customer expectations. “People want service, they want convenience, they want an experience, and they want value,” he said. “And we work hard to deliver on all of those.”
That focus on service has been a constant throughout the company’s history. Despite its growth, Attica Lumber has remained rooted in its community and committed to maintaining a personal, relationship-driven approach. The company continues to operate as a family business, and that mindset extends to how it treats both customers and employees.
“We value relationships,” Josh said. “Our employees are treated like family.” That culture has helped create a loyal team and a strong reputation across the region.
Over the years, Attica Lumber has also expanded its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of builders. Today, it supplies a range of trusted products, including Perma-Columns, Hampton Lumber, GRK fasteners, and Clopay overhead doors. These partnerships allow the company to provide reliable, high-quality materials that post-frame builders can count on.
At the core of Attica Lumber’s success is a straightforward business philosophy: work hard, stay persistent, and maintain a hands-on, owner-driven mindset. Josh describes it as a “first in and last out” approach—one that emphasizes accountability and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
That philosophy also shapes how the company approaches pricing and operations. Attica Lumber has intentionally built its business to strike a balance—keeping overhead low with a local, efficient team while still operating at a scale that allows it to purchase materials at wholesale prices and maintain strong supplier relationships. The result is a model that delivers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
Looking ahead, Attica Lumber is focused on continuing to improve the customer experience while planning for growth. Expanding its e-commerce capabilities is a key priority, giving customers more ways to browse products, place orders, and stay connected. The company is also exploring the addition of another distribution center to better serve its growing footprint.
Reaching 100 years in business is no small feat—especially for a family-run company in a rural village of fewer than 1,000 people. It’s a milestone that reflects not only the dedication of four generations but also the trust and support of the community it serves.
For post-frame construction professionals, Attica Lumber’s story is a reminder of what it takes to build something that lasts: strong relationships, a willingness to adapt, and a commitment to doing the job right. After a century in business, Attica Lumber isn’t just looking back—it’s continuing to build forward.
