This week's featured Shop Wharton business
Zarsky provides construction supplies for all needs
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff photo by Barry Halvorson Ready to make your do-it-yourself project a done deal are Zarsky Lumber's, from left, Ann Dancer, Debi Felder, Lewis Fortenberry and Terry Dorris.

One of the most respected names in the construction supplies business, Zarsky Lumber is also there for the weekend handyman or the real do-ityourself home improvement fanatic.

Zarsky Lumber is currently ranked in the top 150 of Pro Dealer Magazine's ranking of dealers whose primary business is with the professional contractor, according to the company's Web site. It is also in the top 200 of all Lumber & Hardware dealers in the country according to the National Home Center News.

"We provide building materials both for the professional and for the consumer," store manager Lewis Fortenberry said. "And we carry a lot of items that other competing lumber companies don't, such as Cypress siding and the 1 inch, three-quarters inch thick patterned lumber for wainscoting. We carry a good line of hardware, plumbing and electric supplies as well."

Zarsky can also address a property owner's outdoor needs, carrying a supply of gardening implements as well as sealants for ponds. They carry the Devoe Paint line and even produce their own doors.

"Everything we carry is professional quality and that means a lot to the customer," Fortenberry said. "Quality means a lot when you're making home improvements."

And dealing with Zarsky means more than just quality materials. It also means quality service ranging from delivery to the kind of advice only experience can provide.

"Other companies talk about providing assistants but we've got real professional help here," Fortenberry said. "I've been in this business for 27 years and before that I worked with my father who was a building contractor for around 40 years. Arnold Kram has 68 years of experience and Ann Dancer has 35 years. That's close to a century and a half of experience."

Fortenberry said the Wharton store has 10 full-time employees, four outside workers along with six inside.

"And we're more like a family than a work staff," Fortenberry said. "The company has a lot of employees past the age of retirement because the company doesn't believe in forcing people out of work. They feel experienced employees are a valuable resource for our customers."

In addition to taking care of its employees, Fortenberry said the company also believes in taking care of the community. The business is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce while he's a member of the Rotary Club and has served for several years on the Wharton Beautification Commission.

"We also do a lot of work supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Wharton," he said. "I think it's one of the most important services the city has going for it and something we need to grow so the young people have a place to go. I also like to support Eagle Scout projects, particularly those where the scout is doing the work.

"Our approach is a lot like that of the residents of Wharton. This is a giving community and I enjoy living here."

Zarsky has been doing business in Wharton since 1982. The company itself opened its first location in Woodsboro in 1928 and currently maintains 10 stores from Wharton south to the Valley and west to Laredo. The company headquarters are located in Victoria.

For more information visit www.zarsky.com or call 532- 2574.