Eldersburg Building Supply Company: Diverse Construction Products

Terry Irrgang founded Maryland-based Eldersburg Building Supply Company (EBS), a locally owned and operated construction supplier, in 1969. Terry has since retired, though he still serves on the EBS board of directors. Terry’s son, Jeff, and Brent Yoder are currently responsible for EBS’ day-to-day operations.

For over four decades, EBS has been growing steadily in the region. EBS now operates out of three locations and a single administrative office. Contractors rely on EBS for quality materials in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington, D.C.

“We carry building supplies for commercial and residential contractors,” says Brent, CEO of EBS, who has been with the company for 18 years. Brent emphasizes strong relationships with customers and suppliers as a driving force behind EBS. The company’s 65 employees offer experience and dedication to service.

Products and Services

EBS has become one of the largest distributors of drywall and acoustical products in the region. EBS offers several well-known brands, which the team supplies to contractors involved in new construction and remodels for both commercial and residential jobs.

Gypsum inventory includes popular brands, including National Gypsum, Georgia Pacific, American Gypsum and Lafarge Gypsum. Contractors may also choose from a broad selection of acoustical products, including tile, ceiling grid and paneling from Armstrong, Cetainteed, USG and Chicago Metallic among others.

EBS has developed a reputation in drywall and acoustical products as a one-stop shop for contractors. Metal studs, fasteners, insulation and lumber are just the beginning. Finish items like millwork and doors are available from trusted brands in a range of styles, allowing clients to drop in for assistance from an experienced sales staff.

There are many available options when it comes to getting EBS’ products to a job site. Customers working on smaller projects can opt to pick up materials at any of the company’s locations. For larger-scale projects with more complicated drop off and stocking needs, EBS utilizes a company-owned fleet of delivery vehicles. Complicated deliveries are made easy by EBS’ boom trucks, which can stock supplies as high as eight stories.

The company has supplied contractors on several major projects in the region. Local contractors completed a 1.6 million-square foot facility in Baltimore to house Johns Hopkins Hospital’s new Patient Care Center in April 2012. The 12-story structure contains 560 private patient rooms in addition to 33 operating rooms and new adult and pediatric emergency rooms. EBS is proud to note that the team was a major supplier for the project. “The amount of drywall we supplied for the hospital project was incredible,” explains Brent.

Medical facilities comprise a significant portion of EBS’s supply business. Another recent project was the Walter Reed Medical Center. EBS has supplied materials to schools, hospitals and government agency buildings in addition to other varied applications since 1969.

New and Improved

EBS is supplying an upcoming project at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. The school is an entirely new building, intended to replace a poorly designed windowless tower that has been described as soul deadening by students.

The new design takes advantage of open space and includes several atriums, but administrators say walls are definitely part of the plan. The older building incorporates a once popular open-design trend, often with only flimsy dividers to separate classrooms. The new building will require many of the company’s most popular products, such as metal studs provided by Super Stud for the championed walls.

EBS had to make some sacrifices to stay afloat during the recession, like many businesses in the industry. “The state of the economy has been a big challenge for the company over the last few years,” Brent explains. “We did downsize. We had to make tough decisions to compete in tough economic times.”

Regional contractors are cautiously optimistic. The number of projects to bid is growing, and as business increases sales will as well. EBS has managed to maintain strong relationships with customers who have also experienced an economic downturn and continue to work with together as partners going forward in these untested times.

With a network of trusted suppliers and loyal clients, EBS is ready to grow again. Brent says the company has not solidified any major expansion plans, but the team is keeping an open mind. “We’re always looking for opportunities,” he explains. With strong management and even stronger relationships, Eldersburg Building Supply Company is embracing the return of business to the region and preparing for sustained, gradual growth.