Shook Builder Supply was founded in April 1946 by John Henry Shook, just shortly after WWII ended. Shook knew affordable homes in which returning veterans could raise their families would be a primary concern.

In 1959 Shook Builder Supply was incorporated. John Henry Shook became president, Irene R. Shook was secretary, and Jack R. Shook was vice president. From the beginning, the company was founded on the principle that neighbors should help neighbors. Therefore, personal customer attention was a prerequisite. The first step was to hire personnel who could advise customers quickly and knowledgeably on their own individual building needs. The second step was to find quality tools and building materials and to offer them to customers and competitive prices. Customer satisfaction was Shook's primary concern.

Shook's business ethics resulted in a firm, steady growth for the company. Many area building contractors began to use Shook Builder Supply as their primary resource. Area "Do it yourselfers" also began relying on Shook Builder Supply where they could go for advice as well as building supplies. Shook remained president of the company until 1977 when he sold the business to Wolfe Industries Inc. Fritz Wolfe in turn sold the corporation to the Dent Allison family and Ray Maltba in 1983.

Allison, president of Shook Builder Supply, and Maltba, vice president, retain joint ownership in the company to the present. As always, we continue with the business ethics begun by John Shook. We are locally owned and operated. We care about our customers. We always have knowledgeable personnel available to answer our customers' questions as well as the supplies to fill their needs.

Shook Builder Supply has some "firsts" to its credit. It is the oldest local lender of construction loans in Catawba County and since 1989, holds certification as a mortgage banker for the State of North Carolina. Shook Builder Supply was one of the charter members of the Home Builders Association of Hickory-Catawba Valley.

As the company has grown it has expanded and now includes a subsidiary, Hickory Truss & Component Co., Inc., which manufactures wood roof and floor trusses. Hickory Truss also is a dealer for wood I-Joists systems and stocks a large variety of truss and component related hangers.

In 1991, the company received an award of which it is most proud - The Catawba Valley Award for Environmental Excellence, Retail.