What we like about Sexton is the fact that they allow us to be a true independent.

Ron Sargeant and his partners became Sexton members when they took over Northcoast Lumber in Surrey, B.C., nine years ago, but he has been involved in the building supply business for more than 35 years. “This market has grown incredibly since I got my start, and I’ve seen the business change as retailers and vendors consolidated,” says Sargeant. “To be honest, I don’t believe that an independent dealer could survive here without the help of a great buying group. That’s why we chose Sexton.

“What I like about Sexton is the fact they allow you to be a true independent,” says Sargeant. “You don’t have to fly a certain banner, and if you want to paint your store a different colour, you don’t have to go through a committee to get permission.”

Maintaining that independence will likely get tougher as the building supply business continues to evolve, but Sargeant believes Sexton Group members are in good hands: “You can’t argue with success: we’ve seen our business triple in the time we’ve owned it. I believe Sexton Group has had a lot to do with that.”