Our History

First Generation

Founded in 1903 by John Andrew Kohlhepp, the business hauled coal to the surrounding community by horse & wagon. John Andrew purchased the DuBois Clay Works, the site of our present day block manufacturing plant. In the early 1920's a devastating fire destroyed the barns and all the livestock. The decision was made to purchase motorized vehicles for hauling.

Second Generation

In the 1930's three of John Andrew's sons, Russell, Virgil, and Anson, expanded the business to include concrete block manufacturing and ready mix concrete. They operated the business until the late 1950's.

Third Generation

Russell's sons Douglas entered the business in the late 1950's and started a home remodeling department. In the early 1960's, we entered retailing when he opened the Kohlhepp Lumberteria. This operation supplied a variety of building materials. The mid to late 1960's were tough years in the DuBois area with the loss of many traditional industries. In 1972, Douglas joined with True Value Hardware and also remodeled the block plant. The ready mix concrete business was sold. The area was making a comeback and sales began to climb when Hurricane Agnes brought devastation to thousands of homes and business. Although our operation suffered major flooding, the business survived.

Fourth Generation

Douglas had three sons, Daniel, Benjamin, & Andrew. In 1973, Ben returned to DuBois after graduating from Ohio University. He began managing the hardware store and expanded merchandise lines to include plumbing, electrical, lawn & garden, sporting goods, and housewares. In 1986, 20,000 square feet were added to the existing building. Andrew returned to the family business in 1982 after attending Ohio University, the University of Oklahoma and living on the west coast. He began managing the concrete block and masonry supply end of the business. Ben continues to manage the True Value Hardware Store.

In 1993 Dr. Daniel Kohlhepp returned to the DuBois area with a very successful career as a real estate investment advisor. He has instructed students at Penn State, Ohio State, and the University of Oklahoma in real estate finance. Dan continues to act as real estate consultant though the country. He has acquired many commercial buildings in our area. He is an active member of the Board of Directors of J. A. Kohlhepp Sons, Inc.

In 1994, a Just Ask Rental Center was opened. This rental facility is managed by Ben. At the same time, Andy opened a stone fabrication facility for marble, granite, and limestone. In 1997 a new Stone Center opened in State College, Pennsylvania.

Ben is expanding with a True Value franchise: Commercial Supply Network. This new department will offer commercial grade supplies to local industries and businesses.

Doug and his wife, Jackie, retired in 1987, sold their home and fulfilled a life long dream as they joined the Peace Corps and went to Malawi, Africa. Jackie has now located herself to State College, PA.