The Steves family and their company, Steves & Sons, have been recognized by the Witte Museum in San Antonio as "Texas Trailblazers." This honor acknowledges their significant contributions to Texas' development and culture, as well as their philanthropic and community involvement over the years.
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| Texas Trailblazers The Steves & Sons Family Legacy and Full Story |
The story of the Steves family's success in Texas began in the 1860s when German immigrant Edward Steves started building his lumber business. In 1866, he founded the Ed Steves Lumber Company in San Antonio, which eventually grew and prospered over the decades. In 1919, Edward's son, Albert Steves Sr., opened the Steves Sash and Door Company, which began manufacturing millwork in San Antonio. The company was later managed by Marshall Steves Sr., Albert's grandson. In 1955, Marshall made the decision to exclusively manufacture hollow core doors, which remains the core business of Steves & Sons today.
The family's entrepreneurial spirit was passed down from generation to generation, as was their commitment to public service. Members of the Steves family have served as mayors of San Antonio and Terrell Hills, as well as in other civic leadership roles. The company, which manufactured propellers for the Army Air Corps during World War I and joinery work for Liberty ships during World War II, now has six manufacturing plants with over 1,400 team members in five states, serving the entire country.
The Steves family and their company's success can be attributed to their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and style. Their long tradition of environmental responsibility is also expressed in their long-lasting products incorporating recycled elements in their design. In 2022, Steves & Sons announced plans for a large-scale molded door skin plant in Athens, Georgia, which is well underway, and the company expects the first board production in mid-2024.
The recognition of the Steves family and company as "Texas Trailblazers" is a well-deserved honor. Their contributions to Texas' history and culture are significant, making them an important part of the state's fabric. The Steves family's legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and community involvement has made a lasting impact on the state's economy and society.
In addition to their business success, the Steves family's commitment to public service is also noteworthy. The family has held various leadership roles in the community, including serving as chairman of the Community Chest of San Antonio, now the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, and president of HemisFair '68. Their dedication to giving back to the community is an essential part of their legacy.
Furthermore, Steves & Sons' commitment to environmental responsibility is admirable. Their long-lasting products incorporating recycled elements in their design showcase their dedication to sustainability, which is essential in today's world. It's refreshing to see a company that prioritizes both quality and environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, the Steves family and their company, Steves & Sons, are deserving of recognition as "Texas Trailblazers" by the Witte Museum. Their contributions to Texas' development and culture, their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility, and their dedication to public service are all noteworthy. It's a testament to the family's legacy that their business has continued to thrive for over 157 years, serving homeowners and builders nationwide. The Steves family's story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and commitment to one's community.
