Steves & Sons Celebrates 160 Years of Operation

The family-owned door manufacturer marks a major milestone with expansion, sustainability initiatives, and a focus on American jobs.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Steves & Sons, the oldest millwork manufacturing company in the United States under the same family ownership and management, is celebrating 160 years of continuous operation. The company has undergone a generational leadership change and made progress on several key initiatives, including a nationwide hiring expansion, the launch of an autonomous trucking pilot, and investments in its interior door plants and a new carbon-neutral molded door skin facility in Georgia.

Why it matters

Steves & Sons' longevity and growth in an industry marked by plant closures and offshoring highlights the company's commitment to American manufacturing, job creation, and sustainability. As a sixth-generation family business, Steves & Sons' continued success also reflects its ability to adapt and innovate over the course of 160 years.

The details

Steves & Sons recently underwent a generational leadership change and has made progress on several key initiatives, including a nationwide hiring expansion, the launch of an autonomous trucking pilot, and tens of millions invested in its interior door plants. The company's largest future investment is a 400,000-square-foot molded door skin plant in Athens, Georgia, which will be the world's most advanced such facility and will be carbon neutral.

  • Steves & Sons was established in 1866.
  • The Athens, Georgia facility is anticipated to be fully operational in 2026.
  • Steves & Sons was recently designated by ReWorksSA as a Pinnacle Certified Sustainability Champion for the second consecutive three-year term.

The players

Steves & Sons, Inc.

The oldest millwork manufacturing company in the United States under the same family ownership and management, celebrating 160 years of continuous operation.

Doug Gartner

President of Steves & Sons.

Scott Lovett

Chief Operating Officer of Steves & Sons.

Sam Bell (Tres) Steves III

CEO of Steves & Sons.

Witte Museum

A museum in San Antonio that recently debuted an exhibit celebrating Steves & Sons' contributions to the City of San Antonio throughout its 160-year history.

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What they’re saying

“Our commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality service and craftsmanship is foundational at Steves.”

— Doug Gartner, President of Steves & Sons (businessinsider.com)

“Our business is a people business, not just for those we serve, but also our team members. We are proud to be hiring for positions at all levels of our organization as we grow our team coast to coast.”

— Scott Lovett, Chief Operating Officer of Steves & Sons (businessinsider.com)

“We are door people, but our work has always been more than just about doors. It's about history, hard work and an unwavering commitment to service, to delivering the results our customers have come to know and expect from us for generations. As CEO, I look forward to carrying on that legacy for years to come.”

— Sam Bell (Tres) Steves III, CEO of Steves & Sons (businessinsider.com)

What’s next

Steves & Sons plans to continue its nationwide hiring expansion and the ramp-up of its new carbon-neutral molded door skin facility in Athens, Georgia, which is anticipated to be fully operational in 2026.

The takeaway

Steves & Sons' 160-year history and continued growth in American manufacturing, job creation, and sustainability initiatives demonstrate the enduring value of family-owned businesses committed to quality, innovation, and community.