One aspect of business that hasn't changed over the years is the commitment to quality products and service, honesty, integrity, hard work and perseverance. These are the foundation blocks that have built Fendt Builders' Supply into a leader in the concrete block and concrete paver industries in Michigan. Alan Fendt, company president, believes that if you provide quality products and quality service, there will always be customers willing to do business with you. It is a belief that both his father and his grandfather subscribed to, and one that Alan insists that his employees embrace. Add the personalized touch that a family business affords the customer, and you have a winning combination that suits Fendt just fine. His is a familiar face to customers at both the Ann Arbor and Farmington plants. His wife Sharon is a friendly face in the Ann Arbor office, adding her talents in the areas of customer service and computer operations.

Fendt's grandfather Leo started the family business as a gravel operation in 1924, and soon began producing concrete blocks. Leo's son Junior steered the company through the growth years of the '60s and '70s, expanding the company in 1973 by purchasing a second block plant on Liberty Street in Ann Arbor. In 1984, Junior and Alan diversified the product line by converting the Ann Arbor plant to the production of concrete paving stones, commonly referred to as concrete pavers.

The technology behind concrete pavers originated in Germany and has been used throughout Europe to rebuild streets and sidewalks. Fendt soon began production of these innovative pavers. High density concrete pavers are made to exceed compressive strength requirements of 8,000 psi. To obtain this strength the material is tightly compacted during the manufacturing process. The material absorbs little moisture, minimizing the effects of freezing and thawing. In addition to their durable structural capabilities, concrete pavers offer pleasing colors and geometric patterns that are aesthetic hits with many builders, architects, and homeowners.

The use of concrete pavers has grown steadily since the mid-'80s, which led Fendt to further its landscape product line by becoming a licensed manufacturer of the "Keystone" segmental concrete retaining wall block system. These retaining wall blocks offer many of the same features as concrete pavers, such as color, strength and durability.

Fendt offers their concrete pavers and Keystone blocks to landscape Contractors, homeowners and a network of distributors throughout Michigan and Northern Ohio. An inventory of concrete pavers, concrete blocks, and Keystone retaining wall blocks is maintained at the Ann Arbor location, along with all the related supply items that a contractor or homeowner needs to finish the job. Fendt's staff, from the inside and outside salespeople to the manufacturing and delivery crew, are professional, well-trained and service-oriented.

Fendt Builders' Supply is a member of the Washtenaw County Home Builders Association, and always plays an active role in the annual Ann Arbor Home Builders Show. They are also members of many contractor and manufacturing associations, at both the state and national levels.

No one can foresee the future of business, but if the past 82 years are any indication of what lies ahead, it appears that Fendt Builders' Supply will still be there, providing their customers with quality products and service.

Contact Fendt Builders 'Supply in Ann Arbor at (734) 663-4277, or in Farmington Hills at (248) 474-3211.