Bill and Rebecca Armstrong opened a new business called Paneling Center in an old two-lane bowling alley on Pearl Street in New Albany, IN.
The only things they sold were 150 different types of paneling, Armstrong ceilings, plastic moldings, and paneling nails.
In 1977, they hired their first employee, David Stemler. David worked alongside Bill as they moved the business into an old ice house/fruit stand on Main Street. All inventory had to be moved by hand, as the company did not own a forklift at the time.
David Stemler, Owner and first employee of Paneling Center (PC) Home Center
By the early 1980’s, Paneling Center (PC) had begun to sell many other types of building materials, such as lumber, windows, doors, moldings, and trim.
To reflect the growing variety of products they offered, Paneling Center changed their name to “PC Building Materials, Inc.” and moved to a new location — the former Fun Spot roller skating rink on 4th Street. They also owned a 5,000 square foot warehouse one block away on 5th Street, the building which now houses PC’s Millshop/Woodshop, a business that David started in his garage during the 1980’s.
In 1988, Bill Armstrong suddenly passed away. David, 30 years old and wondering what the future might hold, decided to buy the business, which now had six employees.
With the help of a loan from Bill’s estate and the Anderson Window distributor, he was able to make the purchase with no money down.
By the fall of 1995, PC had 14 employees and had outgrown its location, so the business moved once again.
Rebranded as PC Home Center, they relocated to a new building at 123 Cherry Street, where they still stand today. Additions were made to the building in 1997, 2000, and 2005 as the business grew. It is now situated on 7 acres with over 90,000 square feet, making it the largest kitchen, bath, window, and door showroom in Kentuckiana.
In 2009, PC purchased Stock Building Supply, formerly Sellersburg Lumber & Hardware.
This second location, now known as PC Lumber & Hardware, is Kentuckiana’s largest locally-owned lumber and hardware store, situated on 14.5 acres with over 100,000 sq. ft. under roof. Located in Sellersburg IN., PC Lumber & Hardware, is a full line lumber yard that services the pro trade in the Louisville Metropolitan area, in addition to providing hardware with a personal hometown feel.
PC has over 100 employees, and it is the largest independent, family-owned supplier of building materials to the pro trade and individual consumers in the Louisville Metropolitan area.
We are extremely proud of our friendly, well-trained staff at both locations. Thank you for choosing PC to help with your building and remodeling needs!
