By: Curt Wheeler, Wheeler Appraisals, LLC

What began in 1912 as the Florida National Vault Company (and in which name the utility bill is still received) is today Cement Products & Supply Co., Inc. 99 years later, after wars, depressions, fires, booms and busts, this Lakeland landmark continues to provide concrete block and clay brick products to central Florida companies and individuals from its original location at 516 West Main Street near downtown.

Third and second generation owners Barry Zimmerman and Jim Russell carry on the company tradition of personalized service, incredible experience, local dispatch and “straight-shooting” with both suppliers and customers. These traditions help the company continue to meet the needs of customers and to maintain its position in a challenging industry. There are few places in Lakeland you can stand without seeing a Cement Products product.

In 1945 Cement Products was one of the first investors in a newly invented block production machine. (The original hand-cranked machine can still be found on-site in storage.) This enabled the company to grow rapidly with the post-war baby boomer era. The company has recently developed a patented LEED-certified block product which will take the company into the new century. While contractors, developers and building owners form their primary customer base, Cement Products has been one of the few yards to have always sold on a retail basis, even just one block or a single bag of sand.

The owners maintain an active role in local civic life. Barry has played percussion in the Imperial Symphony Orchestra since 1967, and is also involved in with Lakeland Community Theatre and Theatre Winter Haven. Jim is a second generation Rotarian, active in the downtown club. Both are active at First United Methodist Church, and the company has been a loyal Chamber member for almost 20 years.

The construction business is a challenging business, and in 99 years they have certainly seen challenges! Cost control, minimizing debt, quality control, innovation, and fair treatment of all have enabled the company to near the century mark.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Cement Products & Supply Co., Inc. as the Small Business of the Month for May 2011.