Our History
In 1949 Rudolph Felter founded the Felter Roofing Company which was a retail paint store and a roofing and siding contracting firm. In 1957 Rudolph and wife Martha, along with their son Richard, organized RJ Building Products, naming the company after the first and middle initials of Rudolph J. Felter. Some time later, at Martha's suggestion, the company name was enhanced by spelling it phonetically, "AR-JAY." Martha reasoned this new acronym would be more identifiable and as a bonus it would be listed in the front of the telephone book instead of back in the "R" section.
In February 1963 AR-JAY Building Products was incorporated. The company continued to grow and evolve and by the mid 70's had made its mark in Eastern Iowa as a wholesale distributor of kitchen and bath cabinetry, countertops, house siding, and related items.
Ralph H. Palmer joined the company in August 1968 working in sales and marketing. Continuing to grow the company moved from it's 13-building complex on H. Street SW in Cedar Rapids to it's newly constructed showroom and warehouse facility on Blairs Ferry Rd. NE in March of 1978.
In January 1997 Richard Felter, son of Rudolph Felter, sold his interests in the Company to Ralph H. Palmer and Jeff Palmer. Ralph has become the "R" of AR-JAY and Jeff is the "J". The Company has a registered d.b.a. and AR-JAY Building Products, Inc. now operates as "The AR-JAY Center".
On January 1, 2004 The AR-JAY Center moved into it's newest facility at 5515 Council Street NE. We continue to grow and be part of the community serving both retail consumers and contractors.
Ralph H. Palmer joined the company in August 1968 working in sales and marketing. Continuing to grow the company moved from it's 13-building complex on H. Street SW in Cedar Rapids to it's newly constructed showroom and warehouse facility on Blairs Ferry Rd. NE in March of 1978.
In January 1997 Richard Felter, son of Rudolph Felter, sold his interests in the Company to Ralph H. Palmer and Jeff Palmer. Ralph has become the "R" of AR-JAY and Jeff is the "J". The Company has a registered d.b.a. and AR-JAY Building Products, Inc. now operates as "The AR-JAY Center".
On January 1, 2004 The AR-JAY Center moved into it's newest facility at 5515 Council Street NE. We continue to grow and be part of the community serving both retail consumers and contractors.