Long before most of Pasco County’s residents settled here, the San Antonio Lumber Company was meeting customer’s needs for building supplies.
The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes on Jan. 10 to congratulate members of the Schrader family, whose members have been involved in the business since 1923.
Tom and Sarah Schrader, and some other family members were there, when the county board passed a resolution honoring the company’s 100th year.
Originally, Herman Schrader was involved in the business with J.P. Lynch in 1929, but Schrader bought out Lynch and ran the lumber company until 1937, according to the county’s resolution.
Next, Arthur Schrader took over and remained at the helm for two decades. Then, Arthur Schrader Jr., took over in 1957.
Arthur Schrader Jr., is credited with expanding the store and its business operations, by heading up regional agriculture pilot programs and forging an alliance with the Purina Chow Company.
When Arthur Schrader Jr., died in 1994, his son, Thomas Schrader, took over the company, and now, Thomas Schrader’s daughter, Sarah, is the lumber company’s president. She joined the family business in 2012 after graduating from Stetson University and working several years in other industries.
“We are the largest independent lumber company in East Pasco County, and the only one, by the way,” Thomas Schrader told board members.
“We’ve had a lot of great customers over the years. A lot of good employees — some have been there 40, 50 years. All of the family has been involved with the business, at one time or another.
“My grandfather is over on the wall,” he said, pointing to photographs of former county commissioners, whose portraits line a wall in the county board’s chamber on the second-floor of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. “Teddy (Ted Schrader) is over on the wall. They were both county commissioners.
“We’re just glad to still be here. We have about 22 employees now. They’ve all been there many, many years,” he said.
Sarah Schrader added: “We just want to thank you for acknowledging our business. We appreciate it.”
Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes San Antonio, said his relationship with the lumber company spans 40 years.
“I built my first home buying material from San Ann (San Antonio) Lumber, back in the ’70s. I’m building my last home, right now, finishing up, buying materials from San Ann Lumber.
“And, I’ve done other homes and other projects for my company and my family — over the years, so many different ways we’ve been able to use your company and get what we need, as far as building construction needs,” Oakley said.
“I congratulate you. Not many companies last 100 years. They don’t have anybody to take over, they’re sold, or gone. Thank you, for all that you’ve done for our community and for East Pasco and for working with us.
“It’s been a joy to do business with you all, and your family. You’ve been a great asset to the community,” Oakley said.
Commissioner Seth Weightman noted one thing he thinks that’s unique about San Antonio Lumber is that Mr. Schrader has been known to write personal thank you notes to customers.
“That’s something unique to the business, that I thought was pretty special,” Weightman added.
Commissioners Kathryn Starkey marveled at the company’s staying power.
“Any business that can survive that long, that’s fantastic,” she said.
Commissioner Gary Bradford added: “I can appreciate the longevity of your business, so well done.”
Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told the Schraders: “Congratulations on 100 years. That’s a great accomplishment. Your family has done a great service for this county — made it better and better.”
Published January 25, 2023
