A commitment to good service.

As a family business that has been selling hardware for almost 75 years, S. H. Basnight & Sons has experienced firsthand the many ups and downs of the door hardware industry.

The company was founded by Stein H. Basnight, who graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1913. Upon graduation, he went to work for his father, who operated a general hardware store in New Bern, NC.

Several years after World War I, Basnight moved to Seattle, WA, and worked for a hardware company that sold hardware for both residential and commercial projects. A few years later, he returned to New Bern at his father's request to manage the New Bern store, J. S. Basnight Hardware Co.

Basnight next took a job with C. A. Nash Wholesale from Virginia and traveled to eastern North Carolina selling hardware, paint and other building items.

A founding father

In 1924, Stein founded and became principal owner of S. H. Basnight Hardware, located on Main Street in Carrboro, NC, in a building approximately 400 sq. ft. in size. The company sold residential and commercial hardware in eastern North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition to hardware, the business also stocked bathroom accessories, paint, disappearing stairs, overhead doors, wood oak flooring and lighting fixtures.

In the mid-'30s, S. H. Basnight Hardware moved about four miles to Main Street in Chapel Hill, NC, and operated in a larger building with more office space and a large display room with hardware and lighting fixture samples. During this time, several key employees joined the staff. W. A. Sorrell came to work in 1934 and stayed until 1950, traveling to southeastern North Carolina and eastern South Carolina. John Earnhardt joined S. H. Basnight as an expediter and warehouse manager and worked for about 40 years. In 1950, W. D. (Bill) Basnight and Jesse Basnight, both sons of Stein, joined their father, along with B. A. "Sandy" Hoft, a son-in-law.

S. H. Basnight was a pioneer of the architectural hardware industry in North Carolina. He traveled almost every week, "marketing" his company. Early on, he pulled a large trailer that advertised and displayed hardware, lighting fixtures, toilet accessories, etc.

Stein Basnight retired in the '60s, and W. D. Basnight, AHC, became president while Jesse S. Basnight Sr., AHC, became vice president; at this point, the company name became S. H. Basnight & Sons. The company moved to Carrboro, NC, in 1956, gaining extra warehouse and office space.

Changing with the times

A third generation is now in residence at S. H. Basnight & Sons: Jesse S. Basnight Jr., Stephen H. Basnight (Jesse's sons) and Terry Basnight Hamlet, AHC (Bill's daughter) currently work at the company. Steve is in charge of residential sales, and Terry is the sales manager in commercial sales. Jesse Jr. is a hardware consultant in commercial sales.

The company sales program has adapted to the needs of the building industry as necessary. The company now sells finishing hardware, hollow metal doors and frames, wood doors, toilet partitions, metal lockers, signage and plaques, and other specialty items. Sales at S. H. Basnight & Sons have reached many areas from Florida to Maine, west to Montana and south to New Orleans. S. H. Basnight products have been sold to universities, schools, hospitals, churches, manufacturing, and many residences, hotels and condominiums.

When S. H. Basnight started the business, he represented Yale; later the company became a Russwin (Russell Erwin) account. The company continues to sell Corbin Russwin products. Currently, S. H. Basnight & Sons represents a wide variety of door and hardware products. In addition to sales, the company services and consults with architects and owners almost every day.

Computers, fax machines and all of the new electronics affecting the door and hardware industry have changed the sales approach at S. H. Basnight & Sons. However, the company still calls on customers on a regular schedule.

Giving back to the community

S. H. Basnight & Sons is proud to be a third-generation company and is very active in DHI's North Carolina Chapter - the Tarheel Chapter (Jesse Jr. is currently president). Terry has been very active in DHI (former chapter president and regional director), the Tarheel Club and Women in Construction.

The Basnight family is extremely dedicated to the door and hardware industry. The Basnights have always attended the national shows to help promote the industry. This year is especially important since 1998 is the company's 75th anniversary. The door and hardware industry may be changing, but the commitment to good service and quality products is steadfast at S. H. Basnight & Sons.