Distributor Kodiak Building Partners kicked off its 2024 expansion with the company’s latest acquisition, which came in central Texas.

The company — No. 11 on MDM’s 2023 Top Building Materials/Construction Distributors List — announced on Jan. 4 it acquired Gross-Yowell, a construction supplies distributor based in Waco, TX.

In business since 1946, Gross-Yowell is a distributor of building supplies, lumber, roofing, windows, doors and hardware. It caters to professional contractors and remodelers, carrying brands that include Canfor, Tolko, Georgia Pacific, Norbord, Louisiana Pacific, James Hardie, Yellawood, Boise Cascade, Certainteed and Tyvek.

Englewood, CO-based Kodiak said the move marks leverages the rapidly-growing construction market in central Texas.

“With the acquisition of Gross-Yowell, Kodiak will strengthen its foothold in the region and enhance its ability to serve customers with an even broader range of quality lumber and building materials,” a company news release stated.

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Gross-Yowell will continue its operations under its existing brand name while adding resources and market impact to Kodiak’s family of operating companies.

“The acquisition of Gross-Yowell aligns with Kodiak’s strategy of becoming a big hairy American winning machine in vibrant markets with growing construction needs,” said Steve Swinney, CEO of Kodiak. “This provides an excellent platform to build on our existing presence in central Texas. If you ain’t first, you’re last.”

Swinney joined the MDM Podcast in a late November 2023 episode, in which he discussed Kodiak’s acquisition strategy that centers on local empowerment for the distributors that the company acquires.

Gross-Yowell adds to Kodiak’s some-40 acquisitions it has made since its 2011 founding, which put the company’s footprint at over 100 locations across 25 states, backed by 6,000+ employees.

“Teaming up with Kodiak is a testament to the growth and potential we have seen at Gross-Yowell,” said Taylor Gross, president of Gross-Yowell. “This transaction allows us to tap into Kodiak’s extensive resources and industry expertise, which will enhance our service to existing customers and enable our business to reach new customers in Waco and surrounding areas. We look forward to continued success in these markets.”