The History of Alpha Building Center
The History of Alpha Building Center
The History of Alpha Building Center
1985
Alpha Building Center traces its roots back to the 1980s, when Henry Hershberger began managing the first location, which focused on selling vinyl siding, doors, and windows. The business had been purchased by his boss, Daniel Bontrager, from its original owner, known as “Window Dave,” who also rented the shop space under a three-year contract. With Bontrager’s support and trust, Henry first managed the operation and eventually took ownership himself, laying the foundation for what Alpha Building Center would become.
1985
Alpha Building Center traces its roots back to the 1980s, when Henry Hershberger began managing the first location, which focused on selling vinyl siding, doors, and windows. The business had been purchased by his boss, Daniel Bontrager, from its original owner, known as “Window Dave,” who also rented the shop space under a three-year contract. With Bontrager’s support and trust, Henry first managed the operation and eventually took ownership himself, laying the foundation for what Alpha Building Center would become.
1988
After the initial three-year contract ended, Henry Hershberger purchased a new property that included a house, land, and an old barn—located where the current Shipshewana Alpha Building Center stands today. The barn was transformed into the new store, while Henry, his wife, and their children moved into the house on the property and worked alongside the growing business. As the company expanded, the house was eventually moved off the property to make room for further development.
1988
After the initial three-year contract ended, Henry Hershberger purchased a new property that included a house, land, and an old barn—located where the current Shipshewana Alpha Building Center stands today. The barn was transformed into the new store, while Henry, his wife, and their children moved into the house on the property and worked alongside the growing business. As the company expanded, the house was eventually moved off the property to make room for further development.
1985
Alpha Building Center traces its roots back to the 1980s, when Henry Hershberger began managing the first location, which focused on selling vinyl siding, doors, and windows. The business had been purchased by his boss, Daniel Bontrager, from its original owner, known as “Window Dave,” who also rented the shop space under a three-year contract. With Bontrager’s support and trust, Henry first managed the operation and eventually took ownership himself, laying the foundation for what Alpha Building Center would become.
1988
After the initial three-year contract ended, Henry Hershberger purchased a new property that included a house, land, and an old barn—located where the current Shipshewana Alpha Building Center stands today. The barn was transformed into the new store, while Henry, his wife, and their children moved into the house on the property and worked alongside the growing business. As the company expanded, the house was eventually moved off the property to make room for further development.
1999
Over time, Henry’s eldest son, Virgil, took on the role of general contractor to oversee the construction of a brand-new store next to the original barn. The old barn was then repurposed as lumber storage, while the new building was designed to be more appealing to customers and to accommodate an expanded range of products, including hardware.
1999
Over time, Henry’s eldest son, Virgil, took on the role of general contractor to oversee the construction of a brand-new store next to the original barn. The old barn was then repurposed as lumber storage, while the new building was designed to be more appealing to customers and to accommodate an expanded range of products, including hardware.
1999
Over time, Henry’s eldest son, Virgil, took on the role of general contractor to oversee the construction of a brand-new store next to the original barn. The old barn was then repurposed as lumber storage, while the new building was designed to be more appealing to customers and to accommodate an expanded range of products, including hardware.
2009
When a well known lumber store in the area closed its doors, Virgil seized the opportunity to open a new Alpha store in that location. The former lumber site became the Nottawa location, and the new store was named Nottawa Lumber.
2009
When Kuntry Lumber closed its doors, Virgil seized the opportunity to open a new store in that location. Initially, they had been sharing a semi-load of Andersen windows with another company, RPM Supply. The former Kuntry Lumber site became the Nottawa location, and the new store was named Nottawa Lumber.
2009
When Kuntry Lumber closed its doors, Virgil seized the opportunity to open a new store in that location. Initially, they had been sharing a semi-load of Andersen windows with another company, RPM Supply. The former Kuntry Lumber site became the Nottawa location, and the new store was named Nottawa Lumber.
2011
In 2011, Alpha Building Center expanded its services by launching its own overhead door installation division. This addition allowed the company to not only supply garage and commercial doors but also provide professional, in-house installation. By offering both products and installation, Alpha created a more seamless and convenient experience for customers, ensuring quality workmanship while strengthening its role as a full-service provider for residential and commercial building needs.
2011
In 2011, Alpha Building Center expanded its services by launching its own overhead door installation division. This addition allowed the company to not only supply garage and commercial doors but also provide professional, in-house installation. By offering both products and installation, Alpha created a more seamless and convenient experience for customers, ensuring quality workmanship while strengthening its role as a full-service provider for residential and commercial building needs.
2011
In 2011, Alpha Building Center expanded its services by launching its own overhead door installation division. This addition allowed the company to not only supply garage and commercial doors but also provide professional, in-house installation. By offering both products and installation, Alpha created a more seamless and convenient experience for customers, ensuring quality workmanship while strengthening its role as a full-service provider for residential and commercial building needs.
2012
The Shipshewana location underwent a major transformation. The old barn was torn down, and the existing store was expanded with a new storefront. This renovation created the modern Shipshewana store that customers see today, providing a more spacious, attractive, and functional shopping experience.
2012
The Shipshewana location underwent a major transformation. The old barn was torn down, and the existing store was expanded with a new storefront. This renovation created the modern Shipshewana store that customers see today, providing a more spacious, attractive, and functional shopping experience.
2012
The Shipshewana location underwent a major transformation. The old barn was torn down, and the existing store was expanded with a new storefront. This renovation created the modern Shipshewana store that customers see today, providing a more spacious, attractive, and functional shopping experience.
2014
In 2014, Alpha Building Center was officially authorized to become a Makita warranty repair center, further expanding its service capabilities. This designation allowed us to provide expert, manufacturer-approved service and repairs for Makita tools, ensuring customers receive reliable and professional support. By offering warranty repairs in-house, Alpha added convenience for customers while reinforcing trust and confidence in both the products we carry and the service we provide.
2014
In 2014, Alpha Building Center was officially authorized to become a Makita warranty repair center, further expanding its service capabilities. This designation allowed us to provide expert, manufacturer-approved service and repairs for Makita tools, ensuring customers receive reliable and professional support. By offering warranty repairs in-house, Alpha added convenience for customers while reinforcing trust and confidence in both the products we carry and the service we provide.
2014
In 2014, Alpha Building Center was officially authorized to become a Makita warranty repair center, further expanding its service capabilities. This designation allowed us to provide expert, manufacturer-approved service and repairs for Makita tools, ensuring customers receive reliable and professional support. By offering warranty repairs in-house, Alpha added convenience for customers while reinforcing trust and confidence in both the products we carry and the service we provide.
2016
In 2016, the Shipshewana location expanded its services by introducing print and modeling capabilities. This addition allowed customers to create custom designs, prototypes, and models, providing more personalized solutions for building projects and giving contractors and DIY enthusiasts the tools to visualize and plan their work more effectively.
2016
In 2016, the Shipshewana location expanded its services by introducing print and modeling capabilities. This addition allowed customers to create custom designs, prototypes, and models, providing more personalized solutions for building projects and giving contractors and DIY enthusiasts the tools to visualize and plan their work more effectively.
2016
In 2016, the Shipshewana location expanded its services by introducing print and modeling capabilities. This addition allowed customers to create custom designs, prototypes, and models, providing more personalized solutions for building projects and giving contractors and DIY enthusiasts the tools to visualize and plan their work more effectively.
2017
In 2017, Alpha Building Center took a major step forward by expanding into manufacturing through the purchase of the vinyl division from Eastside Vinyl. This transition allowed us to begin producing our own vinyl products in-house at the Shipshewana location, giving us greater control over quality, customization, and production timelines. By bringing manufacturing operations under our own roof, Alpha was able to better serve both contractors and homeowners with reliable, high-quality vinyl solutions while continuing to grow our capabilities as a full-service building supplier.
2017
In 2017, Alpha Building Center took a major step forward by expanding into manufacturing through the purchase of the vinyl division from Eastside Vinyl. This transition allowed us to begin producing our own vinyl products in-house at the Shipshewana location, giving us greater control over quality, customization, and production timelines. By bringing manufacturing operations under our own roof, Alpha was able to better serve both contractors and homeowners with reliable, high-quality vinyl solutions while continuing to grow our capabilities as a full-service building supplier.
2017
In 2017, Alpha Building Center took a major step forward by expanding into manufacturing through the purchase of the vinyl division from Eastside Vinyl. This transition allowed us to begin producing our own vinyl products in-house at the Shipshewana location, giving us greater control over quality, customization, and production timelines. By bringing manufacturing operations under our own roof, Alpha was able to better serve both contractors and homeowners with reliable, high-quality vinyl solutions while continuing to grow our capabilities as a full-service building supplier.
2019
After the owner of RPM Supply passed away, Alpha purchased the store in New Paris, Indiana, which continued operating under the RPM Supply name and focused solely on doors, windows, and siding. About a year later, recognizing that most products were being shipped from Shipshewana past New Paris to Nappanee, we closed RPM Supply to build a new store directly in Nappanee. This location, which still operates today, allowed the business to expand its offerings far beyond doors, windows, and siding, providing a wider range of products to customers.
During this process, all three locations—Shipshewana, Nottawa, and Nappanee—were officially unified under the Alpha Building Center name, creating a consistent brand across all stores.
2019
After the owner of RPM Supply passed away, Alpha purchased the store in New Paris, Indiana, which continued operating under the RPM Supply name and focused solely on doors, windows, and siding. About a year later, recognizing that most products were being shipped from Shipshewana past New Paris to Nappanee, we closed RPM Supply to build a new store directly in Nappanee. This location, which still operates today, allowed the business to expand its offerings far beyond doors, windows, and siding, providing a wider range of products to customers.
During this process, all three locations—Shipshewana, Nottawa, and Nappanee—were officially unified under the Alpha Building Center name, creating a consistent brand across all stores.
2019
After the owner of RPM Supply passed away, Alpha purchased the store in New Paris, Indiana, which continued operating under the RPM Supply name and focused solely on doors, windows, and siding. About a year later, recognizing that most products were being shipped from Shipshewana past New Paris to Nappanee, we closed RPM Supply to build a new store directly in Nappanee. This location, which still operates today, allowed the business to expand its offerings far beyond doors, windows, and siding, providing a wider range of products to customers.
During this process, all three locations—Shipshewana, Nottawa, and Nappanee—were officially unified under the Alpha Building Center name, creating a consistent brand across all stores.
2021
The Nappanee location launched its own line of manufactured windows, branded as Energywise Windows. This allowed Alpha Building Center to offer high-quality, energy-efficient window solutions directly to customers, expanding our product line and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and home improvement.
2021
The Nappanee location launched its own line of manufactured windows, branded as Energywise Windows. This allowed Alpha Building Center to offer high-quality, energy-efficient window solutions directly to customers, expanding our product line and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and home improvement.
2021
The Nappanee location launched its own line of manufactured windows, branded as Energywise Windows. This allowed Alpha Building Center to offer high-quality, energy-efficient window solutions directly to customers, expanding our product line and reinforcing our commitment to innovation and home improvement.
2023
In 2023, the Nottawa location expanded its capabilities by beginning to roll steel panels in-house. This new operation allowed the store to offer custom steel products, enhancing our building material selection and providing faster, more flexible solutions for contractors and customers. Rolling steel panels on-site also improved efficiency, reduced wait times, and strengthened Alpha Building Center’s reputation as a full-service supplier for construction and remodeling projects.
2023
In 2023, the Nottawa location expanded its capabilities by beginning to roll steel panels in-house. This new operation allowed the store to offer custom steel products, enhancing our building material selection and providing faster, more flexible solutions for contractors and customers. Rolling steel panels on-site also improved efficiency, reduced wait times, and strengthened Alpha Building Center’s reputation as a full-service supplier for construction and remodeling projects.
2023
In 2023, the Nottawa location expanded its capabilities by beginning to roll steel panels in-house. This new operation allowed the store to offer custom steel products, enhancing our building material selection and providing faster, more flexible solutions for contractors and customers. Rolling steel panels on-site also improved efficiency, reduced wait times, and strengthened Alpha Building Center’s reputation as a full-service supplier for construction and remodeling projects.
2024
In early 2024, the Nappanee location launched its own print division, expanding Alpha Building Center’s custom design and modeling services. This allowed the Nappanee store to offer on-site printing and modeling solutions, giving customers and contractors more convenient access to personalized project planning and design tools.
2024
In early 2024, the Nappanee location launched its own print division, expanding Alpha Building Center’s custom design and modeling services. This allowed the Nappanee store to offer on-site printing and modeling solutions, giving customers and contractors more convenient access to personalized project planning and design tools.
2024
In early 2024, the Nappanee location launched its own print division, expanding Alpha Building Center’s custom design and modeling services. This allowed the Nappanee store to offer on-site printing and modeling solutions, giving customers and contractors more convenient access to personalized project planning and design tools.
2024
In late 2024, the Shipshewana location expanded once again by building a new truss manufacturing facility. This marks the most recent addition to Alpha Building Center’s product offerings, allowing us to produce high-quality trusses in-house and further support contractors and builders with comprehensive construction solutions.
2024
In late 2024, the Shipshewana location expanded once again by building a new truss manufacturing facility. This marks the most recent addition to Alpha Building Center’s product offerings, allowing us to produce high-quality trusses in-house and further support contractors and builders with comprehensive construction solutions.
2024
In late 2024, the Shipshewana location expanded once again by building a new truss manufacturing facility. This marks the most recent addition to Alpha Building Center’s product offerings, allowing us to produce high-quality trusses in-house and further support contractors and builders with comprehensive construction solutions.
2025
Alpha Building Center made a major investment in its marketing efforts by expanding the marketing department and undertaking a full rebrand of all promotional materials. This included updating logos, signage, advertising, and digital content to create a more cohesive and modern brand identity.
As part of the rebrand, Alpha also introduced a new mascot, Alphie the Beaver, to engage customers, add personality to the brand, and create a recognizable symbol for the company across all locations. These updates were designed to better connect with both contractors and DIY enthusiasts, highlighting Alpha’s commitment to innovation, community, and customer service.
2025
Alpha Building Center made a major investment in its marketing efforts by expanding the marketing department and undertaking a full rebrand of all promotional materials. This included updating logos, signage, advertising, and digital content to create a more cohesive and modern brand identity.
As part of the rebrand, Alpha also introduced a new mascot, Alphie the Beaver, to engage customers, add personality to the brand, and create a recognizable symbol for the company across all locations. These updates were designed to better connect with both contractors and DIY enthusiasts, highlighting Alpha’s commitment to innovation, community, and customer service.
2025
Alpha Building Center made a major investment in its marketing efforts by expanding the marketing department and undertaking a full rebrand of all promotional materials. This included updating logos, signage, advertising, and digital content to create a more cohesive and modern brand identity.
As part of the rebrand, Alpha also introduced a new mascot, Alphie the Beaver, to engage customers, add personality to the brand, and create a recognizable symbol for the company across all locations. These updates were designed to better connect with both contractors and DIY enthusiasts, highlighting Alpha’s commitment to innovation, community, and customer service.
