Southeast Construction Products continues its legacy
Quality materials are the foundation for successful construction, design and home projects, and with summer around the corner many people want their yards and outdoor living spaces to look their best.
Southeast Construction Products has remained a consistent trusted resource for builders, contractors and the general public since it was founded in 1939. The company is one of the largest dealers and distributors for building materials in Southern California, with five locations throughout the San Gabriel Valley. In addition to its main store in South El Monte, it has four other locations in Chino, Covina, Monrovia and Whittier.
Southeast Construction Products was started by Guy Mattox, a manufacturer of concrete products who built and sold incinerators. After serving in World War II, he branched out into landscape materials and his company became a household name due to its excellent service and products. Over the years it has continued to expand its offerings, which include a wide variety of materials for all types of residential and commercial projects.
“We have a vast product line and competitive pricing,” says Robert Lewis, president of Southeast Construction Products. “We offer hundreds of different types of bricks in many different colors. We also have a full-service shop and a welding facility.”
The company specializes in high-end specialty materials and has more than 18,000 SKUs. Some of its most popular products are interlocking paving brick, landscape rock, synthetic turf and steppingstones. Other offerings include stucco products, safety equipment, tools, and pipe and fittings. Throughout the years, it has helped customers complete a variety of projects, including swimming pools, backyard décor, and interior and exterior walls.
“If we don’t have something, we can get it,” adds Brian Trestrail, the company’s vice president. “When a product isn’t available, we pride ourselves on being able to get it for our customers in a short amount of time. We’re the place that people come to when they need something.”
Another unique aspect of Southeast Construction Products is that it is 100% employee owned. Lewis and Trestrail have been with the company for 35 years, and the average tenure of an employee is around 18 years.
The company offers equipment rentals and services for construction jobs, such as concrete and plaster mixers. It also provides job site deliveries, and while it doesn’t do the installation portion of projects, it is happy to provide customers with a list of trusted referrals upon request. Its website includes a series of instructional videos from its vendors on different topics, ranging from installing curved brick steps to building an outdoor stone bar.
During COVID-19, Southeast Construction Products remains open for business but is following proper social distancing measures and operating under the guidelines of the CDC, state and local officials. It is taking orders over the phone and offering delivery as well as curbside pickup. Inside its stores, plexiglass screens have been installed for additional safety and all employees are required to wear masks. Additional masks are available for customers who don’t have their own masks.
“We’re doing our best to make the customer experience convenient and not so scary,” Lewis says. “We’re an essential business and want to be able to continue servicing our customers’ hardware needs in case they encounter any emergencies.”
Southeast Construction Products prides itself on its customer service, which remains at the heart of the business.
“It starts inside at the counter,” Trestrail says. “We’re not just salespeople—we are here to educate our customers and spend time explaining how products originate, how to use them, what their purpose is, and anything else they need to know. We love seeing our customers’ successfully completed projects.”
Last year, the company celebrated its 80th anniversary by hosting appreciation days at each store location for customers. In addition to discounts on items, it offered food, games and raffles, and many of its vendors were onsite to help with projects and designs.
“We are dedicated to being better owners every day and continue to expand our resources that we’ve built over the last 81 years,” Lewis says. “Our goal is to make it a positive experience for anyone who walks in our doors, and we’ve received nothing but accolades over the years. We go way above and beyond when it comes to winning people over and getting them to come back. We look forward to celebrating our 90th year of business.”