Cardinal Home Center has evolved significantly since its humble beginnings, adapting to the changing needs of the industry while staying true to its values of customer service, quality, and a commitment to the local community.
Cardinal Home Center’s journey began as a division of Madison Wood Preservers, a company founded in 1959. Originally, Madison Wood Preservers was focused on supplying pressure-treated southern yellow pine, a staple in the building industry. However, by the late 1980s, former CEO Bill Price recognized the need for a separate retail division to serve the growing demands of the community.
In 1989, MWP Supply was established as a division of Madison Wood, providing building materials alongside its pressure-treated products. As demand increased, the company expanded, acquiring the Wrangler Jean plant across Highway 29 in 2002 and rebranding as MWP Supply Incorporated in 2004. This move signified a major shift in the company’s operations, allowing it to grow independently from Madison Wood Preservers.
In 2019, the company took another leap forward by acquiring Blue Ridge Builders Supply, expanding from a single location to three across central Virginia. This expansion was a pivotal moment in Cardinal’s journey, as the company rebranded from MWP Supply to Cardinal Home Center in 2021, reflecting its broader focus and growing footprint in the home building industry.
One of the core strengths of Cardinal Home Center lies in its focus on the residential custom-building space, distinguishing itself from big-box retailers. “Our customers come to us with unique plans and designs,” says John Michael Price, CEO of Cardinal and great-grandson of one of the founders. “We help them turn those designs into reality, working closely with architects and builders to solve the challenges that come with custom homes.”
Cardinal’s emphasis on quality is reflected in its product offerings, which cater to the unique needs of custom home builders. The company prides itself on providing top quality products that are tailored to specific customer demands. From Marvin windows and doors and Benjamin Moore paint to Milwaukee Tools and Scag mowers, Cardinal partners with top-tier brands to ensure that its customers receive the best products available.
“We’re not just a building supply store,” adds Toby Allen, President of Cardinal Home Center, “we’re a partner in the construction process. Our staff is knowledgeable and trained to deal with the challenges that come with custom building projects. We don’t just sell materials; we help our customers figure out how to get the job done right.”
This approach has allowed Cardinal Home Center to carve out a niche in the industry, focusing on quality over quantity and providing personalized service that is often lacking in larger chain stores.
At the heart of Cardinal Home Center’s success is a strong commitment to values. The company places a premium on customer service, ensuring that every interaction is warm and welcoming. “We embody quality, consistency, and trust in everything we do,” says Price. “From the products we stock to the way we treat our customers, we’re always striving to provide the best experience possible.”
One of the ways Cardinal achieves this is by carefully selecting its product offerings. The company partners with brands that share its commitment to quality, ensuring that every product on the shelves meets high standards. For example, Cardinal is a key distributor of Framer Series lumber, a product known for its superior consistency and durability. Unlike traditional lumber, Framer Series is mechanically graded and guaranteed, ensuring that each piece meets stringent quality standards. Partnering with Madison Wood, the company is uniquely able to offer a Pressure Treated Framer Series as well.
This focus on quality extends to every aspect of the business. Cardinal Home Center’s approach to product selection is designed to simplify the decision-making process for customers, offering a curated selection of the best brands in each category. “When you walk into our store, you’ll see a streamlined selection,” Allen explains. “For example, in the power tool aisle, we primarily stock Milwaukee tools because we believe they offer the best value. We want our customers to feel confident in their choices.”
The company has seen significant growth in recent years, thanks to a series of strategic acquisitions. In 2023, the company acquired Augusta Paint & Decorating, adding two new locations in Waynesboro and Staunton, Virginia. Most recently, in January 2024, Cardinal acquired Valley Building Supply and Lake Anna Tractor & Hardware, further expanding its reach.
This growth has presented both opportunities and challenges for the company. As Cardinal expands, it has had to adapt its corporate structure and find ways to maintain the close-knit culture that has been a hallmark of the business. The company has gained valuable insights from recent acquisitions, integrating new teams, learning from one another’s experiences, and adopting best practices from the acquired companies.
One of the biggest challenges has been managing the logistics of multiple locations. Cardinal has invested in expanding its retail and warehouse spaces, including a 6,000-square-foot addition in Lake Anna and a 4,500-square-foot showroom in Staunton. These expansions are part of a broader strategy to increase product offerings and improve customer service across all locations. The company is also expanding its facilities to store more products indoors, which is crucial for preserving the quality of the lumber and other building materials. Keeping everything sheltered allows Cardinal to ensure its products remain in excellent condition, ready for customers when needed.
As Cardinal Home Center continues to grow, the company remains committed to its core values, particularly in how it treats its employees. With a workforce of over 150 people, Cardinal places a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and promoting from within.
“We’re a family business, but we’re a business,” Price says. “We can’t succeed without our employees, and we’re always looking for ways to support them and help them grow.” This commitment to employees is reflected in the company’s approach to management. Cardinal promotes from within whenever possible while also bringing in outside talent when necessary.
The company’s growth has also required changes in how it manages its operations. As Cardinal has expanded from one location to multiple, it has implemented new corporate structures to streamline operations and improve efficiency. This has allowed store managers to focus more on local culture, sales growth, and team morale while corporate teams handle purchasing, logistics, and other administrative tasks.
As Cardinal Home Center looks to the future, the company remains focused on its mission of providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. With plans for further expansion and ongoing renovations at its new locations, Cardinal is well-positioned to continue its growth in the coming years.
“Our goal is to keep improving and evolving,” Price says. “We want to stay true to our values while embracing new opportunities and challenges. Whether it’s expanding our product offerings, improving our customer service, or supporting our employees, we’re always looking for ways to get better.”
For Cardinal Home Center, the journey from a small division of Madison Wood Preservers to a leading building supply retailer has been one of growth, adaptation, and a deep commitment to quality and service. As the company continues to expand, it remains rooted in the values that have guided it for over three decades: customer service, quality, and trust.
