One Company’s Story of Surviving and Thriving in AEC

 

There’s no such thing as an overnight success. No one knows this better than today’s guest on the AEC Podcast, Ron Tamlyn, co-owner of worldwide building products supplier Tamlyn.

He joined us on the podcast to recount the story of Tamlyn, from its humble beginning, to its uncertain moments, to its prosperous now. Tamlyn’s story is one of many for small business owners in this industry, but the expertise, determination, and business acumen that the Tamlyn team had are what set it apart from the beginning.

With $800 of borrowed seed money and a desire to provide for his family, Ron’s father, Ron Sr., launched the small company in 1971 in the modest garage of his 1,100-square-foot Bellaire, Texas home with his wife, Jean.

“He would go out and sell product, order it, and then go in the back room of our house to box it up and deliver it,” Ron said. “One day when I was 10 years old, he dumped a box of aluminum ply clips in my bedroom and said to count out 500 pieces. That was the beginning of Tamlyn.”

Ron Sr. was a Purple Heart recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima and parlayed a little bit of military wisdom into the company’s approach to keeping up with large competitors.

“Dad would say, ‘Once you’ve had bullets flying at you, nothing will scare you,’” Ron said. “We’ve taken that to mean that we don’t have to be afraid of the big boys. We can run faster than them, and make turns quicker than them in a lot of ways.”

Through the years, Tamlyn has built a loyal customer base that values the faith-driven principles of the company and its leadership. With his father’s wisdom in mind, Ron took the reins of Tamlyn to lead it into the next generation, understanding that business is a journey.

“My dad said, ‘Learn from your failures, move on, and hopefully not make the same mistakes,’” Ron said.

Give this podcast a listen to learn how one man and one company’s journey reflects some of the hardest truths and most exciting opportunities within the AEC industry.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

AMAG Technology
AMAG Technology Drives Positive Change, Product Innovation, and Stronger Partnerships with the Customer in Mind
April 2, 2025

At AMAG Technology, customer obsession is at the heart of everything the company does. Customer Relationship Manager Aimee Walsh shares how AMAG embraces positive change, enhances its products, and strengthens partnerships—all with the customer in mind. Her insights reflect AMAG’s ongoing commitment to evolving alongside customer needs and delivering meaningful solutions.

Read More
Microschool
Building a Thriving Microschool Community in Los Angeles
April 2, 2025

As traditional schooling models continue to face scrutiny, a growing number of parents and educators are opting out of conventional systems in favor of more personalized learning experiences. Microschools—small, flexible, learner-centered environments—are gaining traction nationwide, even in states like California where public funding avenues like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are limited. The growing movement…

Read More
AMAG
Embracing a Customer-Obsessed Culture Is a Mindset at AMAG
April 2, 2025

AMAG Technology embraces a customer-obsessed culture as a core mindset. In one of the many videos highlighting this commitment, Jason Lawrence, Technical Support Manager, is featured for his role in fostering a customer-first approach. From proactive problem-solving to personalized support, Jason and his team exemplify AMAG’s dedication to going above and beyond for customers every…

Read More
AMAG Technology
Customer Obsessed: AMAG Technology Puts Customers at the Core of Everything
April 2, 2025

AMAG Technology’s customer-obsessed approach drives every decision the company makes. Through teamwork and strong leadership, AMAG is dedicated to making every customer interaction memorable and impactful. The customer experience remains at the heart of everything the organization does.

Read More