Our Story

Our Story

Servicing Southern Illinois Since 1964

1964

McMahan & Wright Lumber was established.  The pair had previously been working together to run a construction company when they saw the need for a local lumberyard.

1968

Jim Wright decided to go it alone.  With a fresh look and new name, Wright Building Center was born.

1984

Wright Building Center expands, purchasing a second location in Sparta IL.

1991

Jim retires leaving his son Jerry to run the business and daughter Kathy to take care of the finances. Jim spends his winters in Florida to avoid the cold but you can bet on him being at work everyday when in town for the summer.

1994

Both locations updated their operating names to Wright Do-it Center.

2006

The Murphysboro location expanded their lumberyard to include four covered bays that offered contractors the ability to drive-thru and pick up their materials quickly and efficiently.

2008

As the team grew so did the need for office space.  The Murphysboro location expanded by adding on another wing for our expanding team.

2018

Wright returns to its roots by returning to its original name and adding the design. In 2018 Wright Building Center & Design was established.

As Kathy Wright retires, Jerry Wright & daughter Jami Lee Wright move forward with the business. From little lumberyard to a full Wright family!

Wright's Through The Decades

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The Beginning 60's

1964

McMahan & Wright Lumber was established.  The pair had previously been working together to run a construction company when they saw the need for a local supplier. 

1968

Jim Wright decided to go it alone.  With a fresh look and new name, Wright Building Center was born.

The 80's

1984

Wright Building Center expands, purchasing a second location in Sparta IL.

The 90's

1991

Jim retires leaving his son Jerry to run the business and daughter Kathy to take care of the finances. Jim spends his winters in Florida to avoid the cold but you can bet on him being at work everyday when in town for the summer.

1994

Both locations updated their operating names to Wright Do-it Center.

The 00's

2006

The Murphysboro location expanded their yard to include four covered bays that offered contractors the ability to drive-thru and pick up their materials quickly and efficiently.

2008

As the team grew so did the need for office space.  The Murphysboro location expanded by adding on another wing for our expanding team.

2018

Wright’s returns to their roots by returning to their original name and adding the design. In 2018 Wright Building Center & Design was established.

As Kathy Wright retires, Jerry Wright & daughter Jami Lee Wright move forward with the business.

Today - 2019

Wright returns to its roots with a rebranding focused on its original name, Wright Building Center, while remaining part of the Do-It Best family.

Our History Through Photos

What Our Clients Are Saying

I've been shopping at Wright's since I was 5 with my uncle Ronald Stanton Sr. A lot has changed but the friendly customer service has not changed in over my 30 years of shopping.

Russell Conder

I worked closely with Beth to create a large, unique, beautiful custom cherry wood countertop. I could not have asked for a more responsive or professional person.

Shari Rode

Service is EXCELLENT and when it's not, they make it right. Just got about $3,000 in materials delivered, flawless transaction, great staff. Buy local.

Steve Gough