Giving Thanks for the Hudson Valley Community That Built Us

The crisp air, the scent of woodsmoke, and the warm glow of autumn leaves—Thanksgiving always feels to me like a moment of pause. As Senior Vice President of Retail Operations & Marketing at Williams Lumber & Home Centers, I find November provides a special time to reflect on where we’ve been, and express deep gratitude for everyone who’s made it possible. This year is particularly meaningful, because as we look ahead to our 80th anniversary, I’m reminded that our success is not built on hardware and lumber alone—it’s built on trust, community, relationships, and steadfast commitment.

A Legacy of Service Since 1946

Our story begins in 1946, when my grandfather, Stan Williams, purchased Gibson Lumber in Rhinebeck and founded what would become Williams Lumber. Over the decades, what started as a single location on East Market Street in Rhinebeck transformed into seven family-owned locations across the Hudson Valley and Catskill region. As a third-generation member of this family business, I carry forward a legacy of integrity, service, and hands-on relationships.

From expansions in Rhinebeck through the 1960s and 1980s, to acquisitions in Hudson, Hopewell Junction, Tannersville, and beyond, our growth has always been grounded in doing right by our neighbors. In challenging times—like when our flagship Rhinebeck location suffered a partial roof collapse—our community has rallied around us, with staff and neighbors stepping in to help rebuild. Those acts of loyalty and support remind me every day why we exist.

As we approach 80 years in business, I look back with both humility and pride. What has kept us in business these many decades is not just our product lines—lumber, hardware, building materials, paint, and more—but our unwavering dedication to people—associates, contractors, homeowners, suppliers, and neighbors alike. We believe in treating every customer like family, and showing our gratitude in action.

Gratitude for Recognition from You

When customers take the time to vote, write reviews, or nominate us in local awards, it’s a gift—not just a validation. Over the years, Williams Lumber has been honored in the Hudson Valley Magazine “Best of the Hudson Valley” awards multiple times—as Best Hardware Store, Best Lumber Supply, Best Paint Store—and even Editor’s Picks for Best Place to Buy Lumber. We’ve been named a Reader’s Pick for Best Hardware Store repeatedly. In 2024, we appeared on Designing Spaces Local Edition showcasing the depth of products and expertise we bring.

These honors don’t just live on plaques in our offices—they live in customer experiences, recommendations, and loyalty. We’re so grateful for every kind word, review, and nomination we receive.

A Thanksgiving of Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude by thanking everyone who has made Williams Lumber what it is. Thank you to the contractors who trust us with large builds. Thank you to homeowners working late evenings after a long day to improve their homes. Thank you to our associates—some of whom have been with us for decades—who bring heart and knowledge to the floor every single day.

We’re especially thankful to customers who have stuck with us through every season—in good times and in lean ones. You have told your friends, referred your neighbors, and returned year after year because you believe in what we do. That kind of loyalty is one we don’t take for granted.

I’m also thankful for the leadership of my father, Sandy Williams, and the partnership with my sister, Kelly Williams. Their sacrifices, their tenacity, their leadership is what continues to see our family business grow. As we enter our eighth decade, I feel humbled by the weight and joy of carrying forward that legacy.

Looking Ahead: What 80 Years Means for You

Reaching our 80^th anniversary isn’t just about celebration—it’s about recommitment. We reaffirm that we will provide the same integrity, selection, and service we always have. We reaffirm that we’ll continue investing in training, inventory, and innovation so that you can find what you need—and do your projects right. We reaffirm that we’ll give back to the community that has supported us through storms and sunshine.

In the coming months, we’ll be unveiling anniversary events and specials to honor this milestone—and to thank you in tangible ways.

Giving Thanks Through Action

This Thanksgiving, beyond feasting and family, I encourage you to walk through your home and notice what you might want to refresh or maintain before winter sets in. Maybe a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore paint on a trim or wall to bring renewed warmth. Sealing drafts and reinforcing insulation pays dividends. Whatever your project, we’ll be ready to support you with products, advice, and the same spirit that’s kept Williams going for 80 years.

Because our guiding promise—NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME—doesn’t rest only on quality tools or materials. It rests on relationships. It rests on trust. It rests on gratitude—for every conversation, every return, every project completed under our roof.

From me, from my family, and from the entire Williams Lumber & Home Centers team: we wish you a warm, restful, joy-filled Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to your homes, your projects, and to 80 more years of serving you well.

—
Kimberley Williams
Senior Vice President, Retail Operations & Marketing
Williams Lumber & Home Centers

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!