Builders is a multi-faceted, family-owned business based in Kearney, Nebraska, with additional operations across the state and in neighboring Colorado. The company is primarily a pro dealer, suppling building materials while also running manufacturing facilities and embracing ambitious plans for the future.
Professional contractors are the core of Builders’ clientele, followed by “homeowner/DIY customers and what I would call traditional retail customers who may be coming in to buy a power tool,” says Stacy Andersen-Bivona, CEO and second-generation owner.
The flagship location in Kearney remains the largest facility in the company with a 67,000-square-foot building—half set up in a shoppable retail format and the other half as a Design Center showroom. The entire building underwent a massive remodel in 2022-2023. “This remodel was planned and designed around the sales process and with each of Builders’ customer segments’ experiences in mind. DIY and traditional retailer shoppers have an organized and well-designed shopping experience, our pro customers have a pickup and shopping area for bulk buying convenience, and the homeowner customers have a complete Design Center to make all selections needed for the exterior and interior needs of their home,” Andersen-Bivona explains.
The showroom features roofing, doors, windows, siding, stone, fireplaces, decking, exterior lighting, cabinetry, flooring, countertops, sinks, decorative plumbing, tubs, toilets, shower systems, cabinetry hardware, backsplash/tile, interior lighting, window coverings, and paint.
“Our recently remodeled showroom in Kearney has gotten an overwhelmingly positive response,” says Andersen-Bivona.
The Grand Island location offers the same wide range of building materials, with a reduced retail footprint and its own Design Center showroom. “This location is also the neighbor to our Central States Component Systems, a manufacturing facility producing roof and floor trusses, staircases, wall panels, and floor cassettes. Formerly known as Spelts Schultz Truss before a recent rebrand, these products are shipped nationwide.”
In Kearney, Builders operates Edge and Stone Countertops, a business specializing in custom countertops. Meanwhile, Nebraska Installed Sales installs insulation, and Builders Colorado manufactures floor, roof, and wall systems. Builders Colorado also provides engineering and project design services. Across all divisions, Builders largely performs work in-house, relying on trusted subcontractors for specific tasks like cabinetry and flooring installation.
For a company with such a broad network of locations, products, and services, Builders’ origins are surprisingly modest. The story begins with Myron Andersen, Stacy’s father, who worked in construction throughout college before being drafted into the U.S. military. When conscription ended in early 1973, Myron opted to start his own construction business in Kearney. Inspired by a conference hosted by motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, Myron applied lessons about goal-setting, positivity, and helping others to his budding business.
In 1977, he opened Payless Building Center, initially catering solely to professional contractors. Operating on a shoestring budget, the business began with just four employees and a fleet that included a temperamental World War II-era flatbed truck.
“[My father] had a World War II flatbed truck. They would jump-start it in the morning and never turn it off all day because they weren’t sure it would start again,” shares Andersen-Bivona.
The company quickly found success, moving to a larger location in 1985 and expanding its offerings to include retail customers. In the 1990s, the company experienced rapid growth, acquiring manufacturing businesses and opening additional locations, including Builders Colorado.
Today, Builders employs nearly 400 people across its operations. Stacy and her brother, Chad Andersen, co-own the business alongside their father. Chad serves as President of the Board and is one of the top salespersons for the Colorado operations. Myron, though retired, remains active as a board member and is a frequent presence at the Kearney location.
“He loves it. The company is him. It’s very near and dear to his heart,” says Andersen-Bivona.
As a family-owned company, Builders emphasizes a family-oriented culture, work-life balance, and strong community values. “We take care of our team and take care of our customers,” Andersen-Bivona explains. Builders also opens many of its meetings and gatherings with prayer, reflecting its Christian-based ethos.
This people-first approach extends to suppliers and the community. Builders maintains strong vendor relationships, which helped the company navigate supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also donates 10 percent of its profits annually to charitable causes, supporting schools, veterans, and first responders.
Recruiting and retaining talent is a priority for Builders. The company partners with local schools and universities to attract young professionals and provides ongoing training to help employees grow within the organization.
Looking ahead, Builders plans to expand further, enhancing its Colorado operations and potentially establishing new locations in other states. “We have a plan of growth,” says Andersen-Bivona. “In five years, we will be present in numerous new markets.”