It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Joseph A. Hardy, who passed on Saturday, Jan. 7, his 100th birthday. He is known for founding both Nemacolin Resort and 84 Lumber, a company that generates billions of dollars annually and, according to Forbes, is one of the top 75 biggest private companies in the US.
He died in "true Hardy fashion," the company wrote in its official statement. "Joe passed away with his cigar in his hand, surrounded by his loving family singing Broadway show tunes to comfort him at his home in Farmington, Pa."
While Hardy accomplished much in his life—he was a husband, father, grandfather (and great grandfather), veteran, pilot, gemologist, philanthropist, and much more—he made his biggest mark on the residential construction industry through his company 84 Lumber, which he began as Green Hills Lumber in a vacant basement in 1956 with his childhood friend Ed Ryan and brothers Norman and Bob.
"Under Hardy’s leadership and tireless work ethic, 84 Lumber expanded and became the largest privately owned building materials supplier in the world, with stores in 30 states and currently employing more than 6,000 associates," wrote the company in its official statement.
Today, 84 Lumber is a vertically integrated materials supplier, component manufacturer, and an installed sales and service provider for the construction of single- and multi-family homes and commercial buildings, with 250 locations and $7.5 billion in 2021 sales.
Hardy is survived by his wife, eight children, three stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Related Stories
Custom Builder
HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge Announces Forthcoming Resignation
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge has said that she intends to leave office later this month
Custom Builder
Why Start a Custom Building Business?
In this Taking Care of Business segment, expert coach and trainer Scott Beebe joins our host Duane Johns to talk about where custom builders could be getting off on the wrong foot
Business
Custom Builder to Talk Color Design with Becki Owens at IBS
At this year's IBS, renowned designer Becki Owens will sit down with host James McClister, editor of Custom Builder, to discuss a variety of topics from basic color play in design to the Allura Spectrum palette, a collection of Sherwin-Williams colors curated for the benefit of pros
Business
PERC Highlights Sustainability and Efficiency at IBS with 'Clean Build Conversations'
Hear from industry standouts Matt Blashaw and Anthony Carrino at this hour-long Show Village event
Business
The Five Foundational Cornerstones
Business coach Scott Beebe shares insights into the often ignored business basics that could be the difference between long-term success and failure
Custom Builder
Start With the Why: Fundamentals of the Custom Builder Business
In our inaugural episode of Taking Care of Business, host and custom builder Duane Johns sits down with Scott Beebe, head coach and founder of My Business on Purpose, to talk vision, purpose, mission, values, and more
Business
Why AI Is Now Key to Our Trade Partner Strategy
Thompson Custom Homes Business Manager Erin Day explains how AI became a crucial part of building and maintaining successful trade partner relationships
Business
Defining Outdoor Living in 2024
Residential experts weigh in on outdoor living trends in new report
Business
Thriving in 2024: Tips for Succeeding in an Uncertain Environment
Author and sales expert Mark Richardson shares his insights on the industry and how to rethink your approach to success in the new year
Business
Taking Advantage of Incentives Through Weatherization
Industry insider Kristen Lewis walks us through the basics and benefits of weatherization