Our Story
WHO WE ARE
CHACE BUILDING SUPPLY OF CT
BUILDING ON FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS
(Based on an article from the SE Connecticut/SW Rhode Island Edition of Builder/Architect Magazine by Claudia Moose)
Over five generations ago in 1885, Peleg Durfree Humphrey first opened the doors of his lumber company on the riverfront wharf in Tiverton, Rhode Island. As the main suppliers for local business and residential construction, the company grew with the area and became the largest employer in Tiverton. Several generations later, P.D. Humphrey was instrumental in rebuilding the coastline areas of Southern Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut after the devastating hurricane of 1938. A subsequent hurricane in 1954 finally resulted in a move to higher ground after company employees watched most of their inventory float away down the Sakonnet River.
Chace Building Supply of CT is the successful offspring of this 120 year family business legacy. President Scott Chace reflects that “this business is in my blood.” From age thirteen on, he spent Saturdays, school vacations, and summer vacations working at the P.D. Humphrey family lumberyard. His responsibilities were as diverse as the business itself. By the time he graduated from college, Scott had done “a little bit of everything” at the warehouse. He attests that learning the demands of every employee position gave him valuable insights into managing a growing company.
In 1986, because the family business had become so large, Scott’s father made the difficult decision to sell his half of the company and start out on his own. He maintained ownership of Killingly Building Products, and purchased a lumber yard in Foxboro, Massachusetts. This was the beginning of Chace Building Supply. After years of working with family members, Scott’s father wanted his sons to be independent. He gave each of them seed money to acquire their own companies and this counsel: “Boys, you’re on your own now and your success or failure is up to you.” Scott’s brother, Don, took over the Foxboro location, and his brother, Garrett, carried on in the Killingly location. In 1992 Scott purchased a struggling lumber company, Lumbertown, in Putnam, CT and started on a course to expand the business. In 2002, he opened a newly constructed 30,000 square foot facility on 32 acres in Woodstock, CT with a 4,000 square foot addition for the millwork facility.
Chace Building Supply is a resource for both the professional builder and for area homeowners. Scott estimates that contractors account for 80% of their business, while individual consumers make up 20%.
Over the years, kitchen and bath renovations have consistently provided the best return on remodeling dollars spent by homeowners. These key areas of the home are showcased at both Chace locations. Using three-dimensional software technology, Chace Design Consultants can help customers dream, plan and visualize their new kitchen or bath. Their software program also generates a true color depiction of cabinetry and countertops, thereby making it easier for customers to navigate through the extensive array of colors, styles, finishes and custom options available.
In our Window/Door Showroom Marvin Windows are the superior choice for replacement or new construction. We feature a Benjamin Moore Paint Store, offering premium interior and exterior paint, as well as protective deck and siding stains. Additionally, highest quality lumber and materials for decking, roofing, exterior siding and trims, as well as interior-finishing trims are available in a wide variety of options.
Lastly, the Woodstock location houses the creative millwork shop with skilled millwork craftsmen that will build any order to specification.
Chace’s business philosophy is based on the golden rule of “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This, Scott believes, inevitably leads to a lasting and trusting relationship with employees, vendors and customers.
Scott describes Chace Building Supply of CT as a “young company with long-term employees.” And he recalls what he considers to be highly valuable advice from his father: “If you ever have to fire an employee, look within yourself to find out what went wrong.” Focusing on long-term relationships with his employees, Scott makes sure that they are all thoroughly trained on every product line sold at Chace. As a result, they are all prepared to answer questions, consult or design, verify measurements, determine materials needed for any project and even deliver any shipment. When working with both professional builders and individual homeowners with home-improvement projects, Chace employees are prepared to offer ideas and solutions. As Scott points out, “There are no problems in this business, just challenges.” He also highly values the creativity and skill of his Chace team, and he gives them freedom to act on their ideas, telling them: “If the hole is not below the water line, it’s worth trying. It won’t sink us. So make a decision and go for it!”
Scott strives to make Chace employees stay connected to one another. They accomplish this through daily e-mails and on-going projects that employees participate in together. “Every single person who works here is as valuable as the next”, Scott affirms. “And it’s everybody’s job to see that all jobs get done”, he adds. This spirit of pulling together in the workplace also extends into private life. “If any employee here is in need,” Scott notes, “all the employees rally to assist that family.”
Chace’s approach to customer service is personal and positive. “We’re never idle. Our attitude is: we want to do more, we want to do better,” Scott explains. As such, they are pro-active in establishing long-term relationships with their existing customers. In addition to expert advice available to any customer visiting the warehouses, Chace offers professional training. Chace Contractor College provides industry teaching seminars and field trips to building supply manufacturing facilities.
Scott says that when a company competes within the three levels of this business – price, quality and service - it can really only achieve two out of the three. “We offer the best in quality and service,” he points out. “We have to be competitive, but we will never be the cheapest.” Contractors know that they can find whatever they need at Chace, whenever they need it. Dave Copeland, a custom home builder in the northeastern Connecticut area, has relied on Chace since 1992. “My needs are very often one time needs,” he explains. “I frequently order an out of the ordinary item, and they go out of their way to make sure I get what I need.” “Specifically,” Dave notes, “Scott asks us how Chace could be doing a better job for us as contractors.” Throughout the years, Dave has always considered his association with Chace building Supply to be a huge asset in his business. “If we have questions,” he says, “Scott always there with answers – as is knowledgeable staff.”
The team at Chace Building Supply has had a consistently strong commitment to the community of northeastern Connecticut. Chace is a member of numerous professional organizations in the area. Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, and Habitat for Humanity. Chace has also built a permanent exhibit for the Brooklyn, Connecticut Annual Agricultural Fair. Held on the last weekend in August, this is the oldest and longest consecutively running country fair in the United States. A strong priority within the company is giving back to the community. Chace in reserves a large portion of its charity budget for local organizations that benefit children. Not surprisingly, Scott Chace received the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award.
Experience has taught Scott Chace that “a positive attitude and a positive environment lead to positive results.” Scott foresees tremendous growth in the home remodeling business, and continued strength in the new home sector. Therefore, this rural, “quiet corner” of Connecticut will be hearing the reverberations of Chace remodeling and building projects for years to come.