GBS Building Supply celebrates 40th anniversary

John Cothran cuts the "ribbon" of the first GBS store in Mauldin

GBS Building Supply opened its doors to Greenville's home builders in September 1972. Today its serves the entire Upstate, Western North Carolina, and Northeast Georgia for four locations.

GBS was founded by 10 local home builders:

• R. Buford Landers, the first CEO of Greenville Building Supply
• M. Graham Proffitt III, member of the S.C. Housing Hall of Fame, 1964 President of the HBA of Greenville and 1991 President of the HBA of South Carolina (and still an active member of the HBA of Greenville)
• John C. Cothran, member of the S.C. Housing Hall of Fame and 1972 President of the HBA of Greenville
• Ellis Darby
• David Balentine, 1978 President of the HBA of Greenville
• Edward H. Hembree, 1968 President of the HBA of Greenville
• W.N. Leslie, member of the S.C. Housing Hall of Fame and 1969 President of the HBA of Greenville
• Alvin Trammell
• Chester A. Reece
• W.C. Ballentine

Today GBS Building Supply is owned by its 100 employees. The company's CEO, Bob Barreto, is a member of the HBA of Greenville board of directors.