A Tradition of Excellence

In 1895, Portland, Oregon was a fast-growing port town with a booming commercial industry and a population that had grown from 17,500 to over 100,000 in just 15 years. Mr. Harry Cress and his friend Mr. Timms looked at the still-growing town, and saw an opportunity. More and more buildings were being built daily to accommodate the growth, and paint was in short supply. Cress and Timms launched "Timms, Cress, & Co." that year; providing paint and paint supplies to meet Portland's construction needs.

Following his father's footsteps, Warren Cress joined the company after graduating from the University of Oregon in 1933. As Portland grew, so did the company, which expanded its product line to include office equipment, lockers, and chairs. By the end of the year, the company was renamed WH Cress Company, Inc., and it became one of the leading commercial building supply companies in the Pacific Northwest.  

Continuing the Legacy of WH Cress Company, Inc.

Warren Cress's son Scott joined the company in 1972 and steered its growth and success for more than 40 years. Scott's daughter Kelly joined the company in 1991 and is the current and the fourth-generation President.