Why legacy matters: One manufacturer, decades of innovation

By Dani Sheehan. 

Exceptional People. Remarkable Products.® A legacy of trust, built one shingle at a time. 

Before today’s high-performance, architecturally stunning products, shingles were produced out of pine tar and paper, then coal tar pitch, and felt was hand-cut. In the early 1900s, Henry Reynolds, a contractor in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, made a discovery that changed the course of residential roofing: cutting asphalt-saturated rolls into individual shingles. That small act of innovation launched an industry built on experimentation, adaptation and continuous improvement. 

Over the decades, materials evolved — from cotton felts to fiberglass mats, from three-tab shingles to dimensional styles that double as curb appeal. And while the product changed, one thing remained constant: roofing contractors have always relied on the quality of their materials and the integrity of the companies that supply them. 

While the market is flooded with mergers, private equities and shifting priorities, PABCO Roofing Products stands out for what hasn’t changed. To this day, it remains a family owned legacy built on listening, serving and delivering quality products to its customers. 

A shingle is only as good as the company behind it 

When you install a roof, your reputation is riding on every nail, every shingle, every ridge. That’s why who you choose to partner with matters. PABCO Roofing Products is part of a trusted legacy dating back to 1953. That year, Fred Anderson opened Anderson Lumber in Sacramento, California, selling his car and putting everything on the line to start a company. His philosophy was simple: “Listen to what your customers want and deliver a little bit more.” 

This philosophy has been carried through three generations and helped grow a single lumber yard into Pacific Coast Building Products, Inc., a multifaceted family of companies that includes PABCO Roofing Products. Founded in 1984 to serve contractors with high-quality shingles and personalized customer service, PABCO has grown without ever losing sight of its roots. 

What sets PABCO apart 

While the industry has become increasingly consolidated, PABCO stands out as an independent manufacturer focused on: 

• Superior quality products: Made with industry-best asphalt blends and consistent innovation. 
• Meaningful relationships: Contractors know they’re working with real people who care about them. 
• Safety, wellness and integrity: A company culture that puts people first. 
• Continual improvement: The company continues to evolve with market demand while keeping quality and service non-negotiable. 

PABCO’s modern asphalt shingle 

From the bold architectural presence of Paramount® and Paramount Advantage® to the reflective technology of Premier Radiance®, PABCO’s shingles are designed for durability, climate resilience and curb appeal. Every product meets the UL790 Class A fire resistance standard, comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and many are fortified with Algae Defender® to prevent black streaks from forming on the roof in areas with high humidity. 

What truly sets PABCO’s shingles apart is their attention to form and function. Whether you want to honor a historical home with the diamond-cut charm of Cascade™, beat the heat with solar-reflective granules or choose the right architectural profile for an upscale custom build, there’s a PABCO product built to deliver both protection and beauty.  

Explore the full shingle collection and discover the PABCO difference to deliver excellence on your next project.

Legacy, loyalty and long-term thinking 

PABCO Roofing Products’ success isn’t measured in how many shingles they produce, but in the trust they earn. The company’s mission to “build excellence through people, relationships and quality” is a lived practice. And after 40 years, PABCO has stayed true to its roots while stepping boldly into today’s innovation. 

Contractors who partner with PABCO are joining a company that’s still run by the same family that built it from the ground up. A company that values long-term relationships over short-term wins. A company that sees your success as the real measure of its own. 

Learn more about PABCO Roofing Products and experience the difference that trust, history and people-first values can make on your next project.