R.S. Monger & Sons Inc.

R.S. Monger & Sons Inc. has been a family-owned company since 1922. Currently in its fourth generation of ownership, R.S. Monger is a full-service lumberyard and building supplies store serving the Shenandoah Valley. Located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, R.S. Monger offers a variety of building materials including lumber, windows doors, brick, stone, moulding and hardware.

“We put our personal stamp on everything,” says Jim Higgs, president of R.S. Monger. “We go from start to finish on construction projects.” R.S. Monger has become well-known in the local industry for its quick turnaround time with deliveries. R.S. Monger is known to make deliveries within hours of receiving an order. With 30 full-time employees and a solid fleet of trucks, R.S. Monger is able to immediately dispatch its delivery drivers upon receiving an order.

“It’s all due to the great communication we have with our staff and customers,” says Higgs, who began working for R.S. Monger when he was 15 years old. “We stay ahead of the game and make sure things are ready for each truck driver so when they return from a delivery they can go right back out.”

A strong community presence

While the bottom line is often the ultimate measure of success for a company at the end of the year, Higgs and his team at R.S. Monger look at customer feedback and satisfaction as the most accurate gauge of the company’s accomplishments. “I always enjoying hearing a customer come to us and say what they enjoyed about working with us,” says Higgs. “If there is something we could have done better, I want to hear about that as well.”

With a company history that spans more than 90 years, R.S. Monger has had the opportunity to work with many people and families in the Shenandoah Valley. When Higgs wears a piece of clothing with the R.S. Monger logo on it in public he is often stopped by random folks who tell him a story of a great experience they once had with the company. “I’ve had people tell me that my grand dad was the reason they were able to build their house,” Higgs explains. “They were in a situation where they needed an extension of credit and he helped them out. When I hear things like that is when I feel like we’re a successful company.”

A family tradition

Working weekends and summers while still in school, Higgs immediately found that he enjoyed the work involved with the lumber supply company. By starting his career at the bottom and working his way through the ranks, Higgs has gained experience in all facets of the company. “I learned a lot from the second and third generation,” recounts Higgs. “It was nice growing up in the business with all of that experience surrounding me. My cousin, JM Monger; also a fourth generation family member at the lumberyard, came up the same way and we plan on keeping this tradition with our own children.” In 2014 Higgs’ oldest son, Dakota began working at R.S Monger during the summer and on weekends marking the first of the fifth generation.

When Higgs goes to work he is reminded that he is the fourth generation of his family to be running the company. “The fact that my great-grandfather R.S. Monger built this company and I hold the position that my Grandfather once held makes me feel very proud to be a part of it.” says Higgs. “Our family works very hard to keep the business moving forward.  The third generation of Monger’s, John and Jim Monger and Susan Monger Shifflett continue to play a major role in the day to day operation of the business as well. The family heritage aspect means a lot to all of us.”

Not only does R.S. Monger provide a strong lumber supply service to the area, but the company also gives back in the form of community support. Monger Park is an athletics facility that R.S. Monger contributes to every year. The park consists of three soccer fields and two baseball fields which are used by local community athletic programs. “That’s one way that we like to provide some community service,” says Higgs. “I think providing those athletic fields is very appreciated throughout the Shenandoah Valley.” The company also contributes to the Eagle Scout program by providing materials for the organization.

Although the company has maintained one store throughout its existence, R.S. Monger continues to expand its operation every year. With warehouse space and upcoming renovation of a few buildings, the company is planning to add a new showroom which will be located down the street from the company’s facility and Higgs says will be a big part of the future of the company. “We’re always looking to bring on new products,” says Higgs.

As the company continues to expand, R.S. Monger & Sons Inc. will continue to set an example as a leading lumber supply company while maintaining a strong community presence.