About Us
We’re happy to announce that Johnstone NW/NB and Johnstone SLC are now The Founders Group. We’ve outgrown these previous identities as we are now one greater company that is represented in 18 locations in 5 states with more than 250 employees.
Why The Founder's Group
The Founders Group name represents our proud legacy of being a 3rd generation family business that began with the founder of Johnstone Supply, John Shank. For decades Greg Popma (John’s son in-law) ran the business until Corky and Matt Popma (John’s grandsons) took over leadership responsibilities. They continue to own the business to this day. Our deep Johnstone heritage is also highlighted by the fact that we own and operate the first 3 Johnstone stores (Clackamas/Salt Lake City/Tukwila) as well as the 6th store (Eugene) which we’re personally opened by John Shank and Greg Popma.
As we grow and expand our reach, we also look to the past with pride, acknowledging the founder of the company, and how a little appliance shop in Portland (now store #1 Clackamas) became a $4.5 billion dollar business with over 450 Johnstone Supply stores throughout North America. Acknowledging our status as the first Johnstone and The Founders Group means accepting responsibility for upholding the values and principles set forth from the beginning of the company. We strive to incorporate the values set forth by John Shank in 1953 while we also stay grounded in our current mission and core values.
A New Leadership Era
The new President, Steve Porter, brings 30 years of distribution experience and has assembled a leadership team that will set the Founders Group up for success for many years to come.
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As the Founders Group continues to grow and expand, they continue to embody the beliefs that drove the company to its early success. “If they get better and faster service at Johnstone than elsewhere, this is where they will trade.” – John Shank
