Banner Supply marks 100 years in business

YOUNGSTOWN -- Banner Supply Company celebrated its 100th anniversary with a celebration Sept. 25. The event was open to the public and was attended by many of Banner Supply's regular customers and former employees.

A family-owned provider of building materials, roofing supplies and construction products, the company has had a long history, with Richard William Abel owing its growth to its workforce, many of whom are part of the family.

"We started, of course, 100 years ago when my grandfather "(John S. Abel) built the building, and my father built the heating business," William Abel said. "Our success, a lot of it is due to our employees who are related to us as nieces or nephews, or are related to existing employees who we've had."

Like any business that existed for a century, Banner Supply has had its share of difficult times, often learning to navigate crises beyond their control that affect the company nonetheless.

"We survived the Great Depression. We survived World War II (and) we survived the steel mills closing," said Richard John Abel, William Abel's grandson.

"Now we're in the middle of another crisis. We're operating a fleet of tons of trucks, (and) we're going through thousands of gallons of diesel fuel. You couldn't imagine how expensive it is to operate under six to seven dollars a gallon of diesel."

He credited Banner Supply's tight-knit family bond and the work ethic of its employees for why the company was able to adapt to changing times. He also emphasized that the special connection Banner Supply enjoys with its customers, and the wider Youngstown community, has allowed it to stay in business for so long.

"You have to sort of change as the times change, and I think that we've done that ... by staying together as a family (and) by having the workforce that we do," John Abel said.

"It's that loyalty and that connection with the community that really carried us. We couldn't do it without customers who have been with us for generations, and employees who have been with us for generations."

This generational loyalty is seen in Banner Supply's employees and customers. Ron Chiarello, who worked for the company for 40 years and whose son now works for them, said that Banner Supply always treats its workers fairly as if they were in the family themselves.

"They're a very good family to work for, and they're very good people. They'll treat you right as long as you treat them right," Chiarello said. "They really expanded and done nothing but good ... they make you feel like family."

This sentiment is shared by Banner Supply's customers, with regular buyer Brad Johnson citing the company's reliability and eagerness to service its customers.

"It's the sales guys in here, the service is second to none. You can call these guys anytime (and) any weekend," Brad Johnson said. "I've come here Sunday at 6 o'clock, and they get me stuff when I need it. Nobody else is doing that."

This was echoed by his father Andy Johnson, who applauded Banner Supply's treatment of its customers.

"(If) I had to come done, it didn't matter what it was," Andy Johsnons said. "I could call Dick Abel, or somebody up (and) they'd meet me down here getting the stuff I need whether it was Saturday night, or Sunday, or a holiday, Christmas, whatever I needed, they were there and they treat you like family. You feel like you're a person here."