Myrick joins Florida dealer

Bill Myrick, the former CEO of ProBuild and chief operating officer of 84 Lumber, has been hired as CEO of American Builders Supply (ABS), a leading supplier of doors, windows, millwork and trusses to home builders in Florida. ABS, which is owned by Blue Wolf Capital Partners, has five Florida locations and has consolidated four leading independent competitors in the last 15 months.

In an interview with Home Channel News, Myrick said he “looked at several opportunities” during his one-year hiatus after officially leaving ProBuild on July 12, 2011. He chose ABS because of the company’s growth plans.

“Our goal is to offer more [products] and grow the footprint,” Myrick said. “We just added lumber at one location, and others will follow.” The company has recently begun component manufacturing, another area where Myrick sees potential.

Myrick said he was also attracted by ABS’s size. “I like working for a smaller firm where I can get to know the [staff] and the customers,” said Myrick, who oversaw the nation’s largest pro dealer at his last job.

Chad Barton, chairman of ABS, said, "Bill is a well-respected executive in our industry, and we are looking forward to working with him. His experience and business relationships will prove invaluable as we continue to grow in our core markets in Florida and as we expand into new end markets and geographic territories. Bill will enhance our ability to provide our full suite of products to both existing and new customers." 

ABS services customers throughout North and Central Florida from its Sanford headquarters (outside of Orlando) and from three additional manufacturing and distribution facilities located in Winter Haven, Melbourne and Jacksonville. Through its Melbourne and Sanford facilities, ABS also offers custom doors and molding products for specialty home builders and retail customers.

Although Florida’s home-building industry is starting to rebound, Myrick will face plenty of competition in his markets from former employers and rivals. ProBuild is there, as is 84 Lumber and Builders FirstSource. Florida also has a number of strong independent lumberyards and specialty dealers. But for now, Myrick said, “I love this industry and I’m glad to be back.”