Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) Fayco Lumber and Supply is celebrating 80 years of family business and community connection in Oak Hill.
Company President Cathy Akers says that the relationships they have built with customers and the community are the key to their long-term success, and that history means the world:
“It means everything, as we have grown and helped the community grow… 80 years – We’ve been here from the beginning, almost. We are part of the city and the community… We appreciate our customers, and we don’t look at it as a one-time sale; we want a relationship, and that means a lot to us.”
Secretary-Treasurer Sam Short shared some of the company’s history and how it has been handed down across generations:
“Fayco was founded in 1946 by my father, Jack Short, and two other businessmen. And their idea was to found the company to help the growth of the community following World War II. The growth was explosive at that time in the area. Shortly thereafter, two other people came into the company: his brother, Ted Short, who is Cathy Akers’ father, and Ted Short’s father, also. They are now owners… It’s a generational company.”
Vice President Ted Short shared how it feels to celebrate this milestone and his hopes for the next 80 years:
“It feels fantastic. You know, it’s hard to believe it’s been 80 years. Now we’ve got the fifth generation, and hopefully many more… It’s more than just the number, 80 years. That’s 80 years of loyal, dedicated, and supportive customers. It’s 80 years of hard-working employees that have been dedicated to helping those customers. And, of course, we look forward to another 80 years that we can support Fayette County and the surrounding areas and the customers…”
Even Ted Short’s 9-year-old grandson, Harrison Short, is proud to be a part of the family legacy:
“It feels good. I’m probably gonna take over the business, maybe, soon.”
