Logo for Houston Starr Company featuring a stylized blue letter 'H' with an orange star and a grey shadow, followed by the company name and the text "since 1872."
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About Us

A Legacy of Quality

The Houston-Starr Company, founded by the Houston Brothers and later expanded by A.Q. Starr and his descendants, has grown from selling basic building materials to an industry leader of construction products, including commercial doors and wholesale appliances. For over 150 years, the company has thrived through commitment to quality, service, and dependability, ensuring its lasting success in the industry.

Our Tradition

What has kept us strong through world wars, economic shifts, and evolving markets over the generations?

Our unwavering commitment to service, quality, and dependability. Since our founding over 150 years ago, we have focused on delivering top-notch products and exceptional service at fair prices. A tradition that continues to drive our success.

To our loyal customers, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your trust is the cornerstone of our achievements.

If you haven’t yet worked with us, we welcome the chance to show you why Houston-Starr remains a trusted name in building materials

Over 150 years ago, we set out to provide our customers with quality products and exceptional service at fair prices.

Early 1900s

The Houston Brothers sell basic building products like lime, plaster, and lath. A.Q. Starr, a family relative, joins the business and learns the construction supply trade.

A black-and-white historical photograph showing a man in a hat driving a horse-drawn delivery wagon branded with "Houston Bros. Company." The wagon is loaded with supplies and positioned in front of a wooden building with "Houston Bros. Co" painted on the side.

1900s

A.Q. Starr purchases the business from the Houston Brothers and renames it to Houston-Starr Company.

A black-and-white historical photograph of a vintage Houston Brothers Co. flatbed delivery truck with wooden spoke wheels, parked in front of a textured stone warehouse featuring a large hand-painted sign for "Warehouse No. 9."

Post-World War II

A.Q. Starr's sons, A.B. and A.J. Starr, return from military service and join the company. A.B. takes charge of construction materials and launches the commercial door department, while A.J. oversees wholesale appliances and kitchen cabinets.

A black-and-white historical photograph of a vintage Houston-Starr Co. cement mixer truck parked at an industrial site with a large elevated hopper and a crane in the background.

1960s

A.J. Starr expands operations by establishing a commercial door department, increasing the company's product offerings.

A black-and-white historical photograph of two men in business suits, with the man on the right presenting a wooden award plaque to the man on the left. Both are looking at the plaque in a professional office setting.

1980

A.J. Starr’s son, Jim Starr, joins the business, gaining experience in the door department.

An archival photograph of the Houston-Starr Co. brick headquarters taken from a street corner, featuring vintage white sedans parked along the curb and a red stop sign.

1983

Houston-Starr Company opens its architectural door and hardware branch in Altoona, Pennsylvania, extending its regional reach.

A vintage silver sedan parked on a street in front of a white cinder block warehouse. A large green semi-truck with an "ST" logo on the trailer and a smaller orange delivery truck are positioned at the loading docks of the industrial building.

1987

Jim Starr becomes president, assuming responsibility for day-to-day operations, continuing the company's legacy of quality and dependability.

A large group of approximately twenty employees standing in the flatbed of a white and red Houston-Starr Co. delivery truck. The truck is parked in front of a beige masonry building featuring a large sign listing various home products like bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets.

2013

J.W. Starr opened Houston-Starr Doors LLC in Sterling, VA. JW started as Sterling branch manager and quickly assumed the role of Senior Vice President.

An exterior view of the Houston Starr Doors, LLC commercial entrance, featuring a glass storefront door and large windows set into a textured stone aggregate wall, with a blue and white "Visitor Parking" sign in the foreground.