About Us

A first-generation Polish immigrant in Chicago – with U.S. Air Force service during Vietnam and prior work experience at the Chicago roofing and siding distributor Logan-Long – Mr. Richard Guzior credits his many successes and blessings to God and the opportunities and obligations inherent in the American Dream.

“In American history, much has been said and written about ‘self-made’ men and women,” he says. “Well – I, like so many of my customers – am one. All of us understand and desire to work for the American Dream, provide for our families, and stand behind our work with pride. We believe that hard work, honest labor, and each other’s complementary abilities and strengths will help us succeed together.”

With minimal formal education and little business experience, Mr. Guzior joined Logan-Long, starting at the bottom in shipping. He worked long hours, learned the business top to bottom, earned promotions – and had an epiphany:

Taking Risk

In 1978, after his employer was forced to sell, he partnered with business associate Richard Sawilchik to launch Richards Building Supply Company. The two Richards divided their duties: Richard J. Guzior took charge of sales and operations, while Richard Sawilchik assumed the accounting and credit duties. In 1986, Richard J. Guzior bought out his partner.

By then – through working unimaginable hours in those early years, through raising the bar to deliver a signature quality level of service to customers — Richards Building Supply Company had attained success. But initial success, if not perpetuated by innovation and growth, soon atrophies. The Guziors – husband Richard and wife Christine, with their young family of seven children — took a giant risk in buying out Richard’s partner. “It’s inescapable; if you’re not growing, you’re at risk of dying,” Richard stresses.

growing the business

Since 1986, Richards Building Supply Company has expanded from eight locations to 60+ across 14 states. In June 2019, the Guziors’ named their son, Ronald (“Ron”) to the position of CEO/President. Family-owned and focused, their six remaining adult children have business roles within the company as well. With Ron at the helm, the company is well-positioned for continued growth and doing what drives them, “serving, solving and celebrating” customer, partner, and employee wins for generations to come.

And, Richard J. Guzior’s role going forward? In 2004, he began his own informal, orderly transition toward retiring and pursuing his passion for philanthropy of basic human needs.

“Yes, Richards Building Supply Company helps build homes,” he says. “But we also are striving to build and expand long-term relationships with our customers, employees, and vendors. We take this role very seriously. Not only are we supplying reliable products and services, but we are also helping our customers build the future means to produce, to fulfill aspirations, to nurture families and new enterprises.”

 

Purpose

Our faith drives us every day to work hard and cheerfully serve our employees, customers, business partners, and nearby communities. We believe there is a direct correlation between our principles and 40 years of successful growth. For Richards Building Supply to continue growing, we must take steps to make sure we leave a legacy of serving to our seven kids, and 16 grandchildren.

In 2005, The Guzior Family Foundation was one of our first steps to impart what’s important to us.

Our mission: Helping educate children and basic human needs through Christian morals and values.

We are also humbled to see our employees continue that same passion by donating to the Red House Relief, Employees 1st Fund that provides for employees in need after a crisis. Just one of the many initiatives to empower our employees to give.

Some of the most fulfilling moments in our lives are when we give.

– Richard J. & Christine Guzior

Our Leaders

At Richards Building Supply, you’ll find a team with nearly 200 years of combined experience! Our leaders are dedicated to serve you, solve your problems with you, and celebrate your successes.

CAREERS

Because they are our greatest assets, Richards Building Supply employees are treated like family. If you’re interested in a career with our respected family-owned company, fill out an application or email us at careers@richards-supply.com.

Richards Building Supply is a growing company. Today we are serving customers in 14 states with over 60 locations. View locations by state. Learn more about our growth by visiting our media page.

Richard J. Guzior

Chairman

Richard J. Guzior is Chairman of Richards Building Supply Company, which he co-founded in 1978 and, in 1986, fully acquired. Since 1986, with his wife Christine as his active business partner, he has expanded operations from eight locations to 59 across 12 states. Today, as the Guziors have long planned, all seven of their adult children now have business roles within the company.

Starting in 2004, Mr. Guzior began an informal, orderly transition toward retiring and pursuing his passion for philanthropy. Believing that all success derives from God’s grace, and acknowledging America’s bountiful blessings, he places great business importance on partnering with local communities – giving back, doing good, and thereby doing well.

Prior to launching Richards Building Supply Company, Mr. Guzior worked for the Chicago roofing and siding distributor firm Logan-Long, and earlier served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict. As a first-generation Polish immigrant in Chicago, he cites his long career as a “beneficiary of the American Dream and a servant for God.”

In Chicago, Mr. & Mrs. Guzior are members of the Catholic Charities Advisory Board, and serve in various other board leadership, governance and advisory roles involved with Christian charity initiatives.

Ronald M. Guzior

CEO/President

Named to CEO/President by Chairman Richard J. Guzior (father) and Co-founder Christine E. Guzior (mother) in June 2019, Ronald M. Guzior holds the position of CEO/President for Richards Building Supply.

Entering the subsequent legacy of leadership, Ron’s robust academic education and relevant work-related leadership experience drive success at Richards Building Supply. With a bachelor’s degree in business management from Boston College and over 25 years of industry experience, Ron has successfully brought improvements and opportunities to Richards Building Supply. Ron also joined VISTAGE in 2019 to assist with his personal and professional development; he credits this investment with strengthening business and personal relationships as he began the new role of CEO/President.

Ron’s responsibilities include leading the CFO and COO, owning sales and operations, and continuing oversight of Human Resources, Safety, and Legal while setting the vision for Richards Building Supply. He works closely with the Chairman (his father), key advisors, and the core executive leadership team in the development, implementation, and execution of long—and short-term strategic initiatives.

While initiating an HR department for Richards, Ron earned his SHRM-CP. Managing Richards’s risk and giving back to the captive insurance that differentiates Richards from the competition, Ron has served as Chairman of the Underwriting Committee, Vice President, and President of the captive.

When not at work, Ron enjoys time with his wife, Yolanda, and their four sons, Kruen, Kolten, Kaiser, and Kaliel. Giving back to the community is equally essential as Ron donates his time to various organizations, including serving as a member of the School Advisory Board for his grade school alma mater, St. Michaels, which his sons now attend. He also supports their participation in Boy Scouts of America as a den leader and serves as a coach for various local community sports.

Ted Dometita

Chief Financial Officer

Ted is Chief Financial Officer of Richards Building Supply and its Affiliates. He is responsible for overseeing the Accounting and Finance, Credit and Collections and Information Technology Departments, working closely with the CEO, VP of Corporate Operations and Regional Vice Presidents to help execute both short and long-term strategies with an eye towards revenue growth and margin expansion.

After starting his career as part of the Assurance Practice of KPMG (a “Big 4” Firm), Ted has built a progressive career in global financial leadership roles of venture-capital and private equity backed businesses, as well as CFO of one of Merck & Company, Inc.’s (a Fortune 100) operating subsidiaries. Industry experience includes Technology, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Distribution, with experience in accounting infrastructure builds and M&A transactions and integration projects. Ted has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Illinois State University.

Christopher Cannonito

General Counsel

Christopher serves as a central figure in managing supplier and other service contracts, risk assessment, insurance claims, employment issues, real estate contracts, credit and collection efforts, as well as management and oversight of outside counsel.
Christopher has over 22 years of legal experience which includes commercial contract litigation, negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, commercial real estate transactions, mechanics lien enforcement and real estate tax appeals. He is one of those rare corporate counsels who is as comfortable in the courtroom as he is drafting contracts. Christopher also has vast knowledge and experience in construction law which is of particular value to Richards.

Although the title of General Counsel is relatively new, Christopher is no stranger to Richards. For over 18 years he has assisted Richards in perfecting and enforcing claims and in management of its real estate assets.

Christopher earned his Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in 1989 and his Juris Doctor from DePaul University in 1992. His professional and civic involvements include being a member of the Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois, Illinois Real Estate Lawyer’s Association, former Member and past Secretary of the Board of Directors for White Pines Academy, Lemont, Illinois and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. C.C. Boyle Council.

Jay Walsh

Chief Operations Officer

Jay is the Interim Chief Operations Officer for Richards Building Supply Company. Jay’s focus is on improving operational efficiencies, and strategic sales growth.

Jay started with the company in June of 2005 as the Manager of the West Allis, WI location. Jay also served as an Area Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing during the last 9 years. Jay has spent 34 years in the building material industry.

Angelo Manolis

Senior Regional Vice President

Angelos is Senior Regional Vice President with Richards Building Supply Company.

Angelos started with the company in June 2005 as Manager of the Addison, IL. Location. Prior to assuming his current position, Angelos served as Area Manager for 9 years.

Angelos has been in the building materials industry for 27 years. Angelos began his career in building materials as a customer service representative for a large manufacturer.

Angelos’ primary focus is on providing his customers with a service experience that is truly “best in class.”

Cory Evans

Regional Vice President

Cory joined the company in 2008 through acquisition as the manager of the Valparaiso location- Now Merrillville.

Cory served as the manager until 2012 before becoming an Area Manger in the Midwest region. Cory served as an area manager for the past 9 years before recently becoming a Regional Vice President for the Midwest Region.

Cory has been in the building materials industry for 29 years. Cory began working as a warehouse/driver during the summer of 1993 while attending college.

Cory prides himself on his commitment and loyalty. Cory truly loves serving this industry and values the relationships he has built with customers, vendors, and co-workers along the way.

Paige Barwick, Regional Vice President - Richards Building Supply

Paige Barwick

Regional Vice President

Paige Barwick began her career in this industry in 2001 as a summer intern for Eastern Aluminum Supply. Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, she served as Director of Branch Alignment for Eastern Aluminum until their acquisition by Richards Building Supply in 2015. Paige enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie between the Richards locations and the family feeling that bond provides. Her passion is to work with employees and customers to grow their skills and abilities both professionally and personally.