A Foundation Built in 1946
In 1946, Stan Williams purchased Gibson Lumber in Rhinebeck. Coming from a Masonite siding background, Stan understood what it meant to build something that lasts. That mindset shaped how he approached business—not as a series of transactions, but as a responsibility to provide quality, guidance, trust, and reliability. From the very beginning, Williams Lumber was never just about selling materials. It was about helping people build—homes, projects, and lives. That distinction became the cornerstone of the company’s identity and remains so today.
Evolving While Staying TrueThe Ace Hardware Partnership
By joining the dealer-owned Ace cooperative, Williams became a true, complete home center—making it easier for customers to identify and find everything they need in one place, from paint, tools, hardware, plumbing, and electrical supplies to lawn & garden, building materials, and kitchen design. The partnership brought access to reputable national brands, expanded product selections, and service excellence that is regularly recognized by J.D. Power awards. It allowed the company to grow in meaningful ways—improving access, convenience, and consistency—while maintaining its independence and local identity. This balance reflects a broader philosophy: grow when it benefits your customers, but never at the expense of who you are. Williams remained what it had always been—a locally owned, community-driven business where relationships matter most.
The Legacy Continues
Both Kimberley Williams and Kelly Williams began working for the family business in their teenage years, learning the fundamentals—answering phones, helping customers, understanding products, and seeing firsthand what it means to earn trust. Both Kim and Kelly studied retail and business management in college and brought that wisdom home.
Kelly built deep, lasting relationships with contractors while Kim steered the homeowner focused retail side of the business, developing a reputation grounded in reliability and mutual respect. Together, as third generation leaders they now lead the company forward, carrying with them the same values they learned from the ground up.
Today, Williams Lumber spans SEVEN LOCATIONS and employs more than 300 ASSOCIATES ACROSS FOUR COUNTIES, serving both homeowners and contractors with the same commitment that defined its earliest days: a commitment to trust, consistency, engagement, and listening to your needs.
Customers Can Expect
knowledgeable Guidance
Associates who understand products and take the time to explain them
honest Recommendations
Solutions based on what’s right, not what’s easiest to sell
A Full of Products
From lumber and building materials to hardware, paint, tools, and all home improvement essentials
Contractor Support
Dedicated expertise for professionals managing projects of all sizes
Community Connection
A business that knows its customers and values relationships
Consistency Across Locations
The same level of service whether in Rhinebeck, Hudson, Hopewell Junction, Tannersville, Red Hook, Pleasant Valley, or High Falls.
Giving Back as a Core Value
Over the years, the company has consistently supported organizations and initiatives that strengthen the region—from children’s charities and hospitals to youth programs and local nonprofits.
For Kim and the Williams family, giving back is not a separate effort—it is part of the business itself. “Giving back feels good,” Kim says. “It puts your life into perspective.”
Under the leadership of Sandy Williams, the company grew into one of the largest independently owned home center chains in New York. While presiding over the expansion of the business, he took on a massive volunteer effort that would make every home in Dutchess County a safer place.
In 1994, former Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus appointed Sandy Williams Chair of the 911 Citizens' Advisory Committee. The committee helped develop the organizational structure for 911 in Dutchess County, advised officials about consolidating the county's numerous call centers, helped develop policies, and provided input into the design and construction of the 911 Communications Center.
After years of work, the Dutchess County 911 system officially went live on October 12, 1999. Twenty years later, in March 2019, the Williams family experienced an unforgettable moment when community officials, local leaders, and members of the emergency response community gathered to recognize the 911 system’s 20th anniversary. The Communications Center was formally dedicated in honor of D. Sandy Williams, and a plaque bearing his name was unveiled at the center. “Growing up watching that kind of service changes the way you think about business and community,” Kim reflects. “Williams Lumber has always been a family business, but our definition of family has never stopped at our own front door. Our customers are our neighbors. Our associates live in these communities. Their children attend our schools.
We see one another at the grocery store, at ball games, at community events, at the firehouse, and walking down Main Street. Our communities have supported Williams Lumber for generations, and we have always believed we have a responsibility to support them in return.”
“Growing up watching that kind of service changes the way you think about business and community.”
A Tradition of Magic:The Winter Display at Williams
The Winter Display at Williams Lumber and Home Center is a cherished tradition brought to life each year by Kim Williams, affectionately known as “Kim Kringle” during the holidays. With warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of magic, the display transforms the flagship Rhinebeck store into a festive destination where customers feel the spirit of the season the moment they walk in. From twinkling lights and timeless décor to carefully selected holiday accents, every detail reflects Kim’s creativity and genuine love for the community, creating an experience that brings families together and captures the joy and wonder of the holidays year after year.
“Nail It Right the First Time”
The phrase is simple: Nail It Right the First Time. Behind it is a philosophy that has guided Williams Lumber for generations: care, attention to detail, and taking the extra moment to ensure something is done properly. This mindset has allowed Williams Lumber to evolve without losing its identity—to modernize while staying grounded.
Looking Ahead:
The Next 80 Years
The future will bring new tools, new technologies, and new ways of doing business. But the foundation of knowledge, integrity, and service will remain unchanged. These are not trends. They are principles.
A Legacy That
Continues to Build
Eighty years later, Williams Lumber remains what it has always been—a place where people come not just to buy, but to build. And a company that continues, quietly and consistently, to do things the right way. The name you know. The name you trust.
williams lumber locations
6760 Rt. 9, Rhinebeck
845-876-9663
3679 Rt. 9, Hudson
518-851-3641
908 Rt. 82, Hopewell Junction
845-221-2751
34 Bloomer Rd., Tannersville
518-589-5200
9-11 East Market St., Red Hook
845-758-5615
2424 Rt. 44, Pleasant Valley
845-605-3520
317 Kyserike Rd., High Falls
845-687-7676
williamslumber.com
