Our History
Croft Lumber has been a cornerstone of the Sayre, PA, community for generations, serving homeowners, contractors, and businesses with high-quality building materials and exceptional service.
Early Beginnings
The roots of Croft Lumber trace back to its founding, built on the principles of hard work, integrity, and dedication to the local community. Established as a family-owned business, Croft Lumber quickly became a trusted source for lumber and building supplies in the Valley area, supporting the region's growth and development.
Growth and Expansion
Over the years, Croft Lumber evolved to meet the changing needs of its customers. The company expanded its product offerings, keeping pace with advancements in construction materials and home improvement trends. By providing top-tier customer service and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, Croft Lumber established itself as a leader in the local industry.
Click for more about our 2024 store expansion and remodel
The old Croft Lumber store
Croft Lumber Historical Timeline
Jim Croft
Founding & Early Years
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May 1937 – Croft Lumber Company is incorporated as a sawmill owned by Clarence Croft & Vine Crandell.
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1943 – Jim Croft and his uncle Clarence take over the business, purchasing Crandell’s share.
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1945 – Richard Croft, Jim’s brother, joins the staff.
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1947 – Clarence Croft passes away, and his niece Margaret McConnell inherits one-half of the business.
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1949 – Jim Croft purchases Margaret McConnell’s share, becoming the sole owner.
Transition to Retail Building Materials
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1953 – Larry Croft, Jim Croft’s son, joins the staff.
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December 31, 1960 – Croft Lumber Company is destroyed by fire, except for the sawmill.
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1964 – The sawmill and logging operations are shut down to focus on retail building material sales.
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1968 – Robert Croft, Jim Croft’s son, joins the staff.
Growth & Industry Recognition
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1974 – Greg Friedman, Richard Croft’s son-in-law, joins the staff.
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1977 – Major expansion and remodeling take place, making Croft Lumber the first Pro-Mart hardware store in the East.
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1993 – Warren Croft, Robert Croft’s son, joins the staff.
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1993 – Richard Croft retires.
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1997 – Further renovation is completed, including demolition of the sawmill and re-merchandising of the store’s interior.
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1997 – Croft Lumber is awarded the Paul L. Cosgrove Award as the National PRO Hardware Dealer of the Year.
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1998 – Warren & Mike Croft, sons of Robert Croft, become the owners after the sudden deaths of Jim and Robert.
Greg Friedman, Jim Croft, Bob Croft
& longtime RKB Hardware salesman Jack Liddy
Bob Croft, Dick Croft,
Larry Croft, & Jim Croft
Modernization & Expansion
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2002 – Warren Croft is named National Young Retailer of the Year.
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2004 – Croft Lumber launches a project to rebuild the lumber yard, installing a new drive-through lumber storage system.
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2006 – Completion of a new drive-through building material shed and paving of the lumber yard. Croft Lumber joins LMC, the largest building material buying group.
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2007 – Madonna "Moe" Herman transitions from her role as a manager at Seals Lumber to become the store manager at Croft Lumber. Her years of experience, extensive product knowledge, and strong sense of urgency have been instrumental in driving sales and fostering customer loyalty.
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2010 – Croft Lumber expands its kitchen and bath department, acquiring Wysox Cabinet.
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2011 – Croft Lumber purchases Cash & Credit Appliance. Parvin Mensch, former owner of Cash & Credit Appliance in Sayre, joins the Croft Lumber team. Parvin’s years of expertise and loyal customer following, combined with the kitchen & bath department, have allowed Croft Lumber to become one of the largest independent appliance stores in the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York.
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2015 – Croft Lumber adds Benjamin Moore Paints to its offerings after acquiring the assets of Paint & Paper Company of Sayre.
Next Generation & Continued Growth
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2020 – Tyler Croft, Warren’s son, joins the staff, marking the 5th generation of Crofts at Croft Lumber.
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2022 – Warren Croft purchases the remaining shares from Mike Croft, becoming the sole owner.
Warren Croft, Greg Friedman & Ty Croft
Ty Croft & Warren Croft
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2024 – Croft Lumber completes a major expansion, adding 10,000 square feet to the showroom, mill, and remodeling the interior of the store.
2024 Major Expansion and Remodel
In 2024, Croft Lumber completed a significant remodel of its store, showroom, and warehouse, adding approximately 10,000 square feet of new space. This expansion was designed to enhance the customer experience and strengthen Croft Lumber’s position as the premier destination for building materials in the Valley area, the Southern Tier of New York, and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.
Key Improvements
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Larger hardware store to better serve the needs of homeowners and contractors.
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Expanded showroom for appliances, offering more options for kitchens and home renovations.
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Increased showroom space for millwork items, including windows and doors, to provide customers with a greater selection and hands-on experience.
Croft Lumber Expansion
Croft Lumber Expansion
A Community Staple
Beyond being a business, Croft Lumber has long been a supporter of the local community. The company has played a role in numerous projects that have shaped Sayre and the surrounding areas, supplying materials for residential, commercial, and municipal developments. Its dedication to the community extends beyond business, with leadership and employees actively participating in local organizations, charities, and youth sports programs.
Looking Ahead
As Croft Lumber moves into the future, it remains committed to providing high-quality building materials, expert advice, and outstanding service. With a deep respect for its history and a focus on continued growth, Croft Lumber will continue to be a trusted partner for builders, homeowners, and businesses in Sayre, PA, and beyond.
With decades of experience, a reputation for excellence, and a commitment to the local community, Croft Lumber stands as a testament to the power of family business and strong community values.
PA State Representative Tina Pickett, Parvin Mensch, Jen Hannis, Diane McCann, Greg Friedman, Ty Croft , Warren Croft, Madonna (Moe) Herman, Daryl Canfield, Dave Evans