TUFF SHED Company Timeline
Like many large, successful companies, TUFF SHED, Inc. had humble beginnings. Launched in 1981 in tiny Rexburg, Idaho, by 21-year-old Tom Saurey, TUFF SHED began with very modest resources. From his time working in a lumberyard while in High School, Tom figured that he could build a storage building that was better than anything on the market. He would use that idea as the premise on which to found his company:
"To provide its customers with a superior product, built by employees who care about what they do, and back it all with a credible guarantee."
What Saurey lacked in financial backing, he made up for with his construction knowledge, business acumen, sheer determination, an eye towards innovation, and a little luck. Tom's first production facility was a friend's garage. His truck fleet was his own Ford pickup, and his workforce consisted of himself and a couple of friends. Tom built six sheds that first year, eking out barely enough money to keep the company afloat.
Through the years, TUFF SHED has established a reputation for quality and integrity, developed a tradition of excellence, and built thousands of sheds and happy customers along the way. Check out some of the more notable events below on the TUFF SHED timeline.
2007
TUFF SHED rolls out the Premier PRO Series in all of its retail stores, giving the company a good, better, best assortment of storage buildings in its factory direct locations.
2006
TUFF SHED celebrates 25th year in business and 50th manufacturing location.
2005
Sales top $150 Million for first time and the total workforce tops 1,200 both records for the company. TUFF SHED is recognized by the Denver Business Journal as one of its Deal Makers of the Year for the company's 2004 acquisition of Wood Master, Inc.
2004
TUFF SHED acquires Wood Master, Inc. This acquisition, along with the addition of other new markets makes TUFF SHED The Home Depot's largest supplier of installed storage buildings. Tom Saurey is named Rocky Mountain Entrepreneur of the Year in June, and TUFF SHED is named ColoradoBiz Magazine's Manufacturing Company of the Year in September.
2003
TUFF SHED opens its first factories east of the Mississippi River, becoming the largest (in sales) storage building and garage supplier in the U.S.
2002
The Home Depot taps TUFF SHED to roll out an exclusive line of products (The Sundance Series) at select Home Depot stores.
2001
The United States Patent office issues a patent for the TUFF SHED handle.
2000
Exclusive steel base rolls out to customers in all regions.
1999
TUFF SHED adds an internal engineering department and builds it 100,000th building.
1998
The 1-800-BUY-TUFF phone number is linked to all stores.
1997
TUFF SHED introduces the first wall tables to its manufacturing locations and begins developing a steel foundation for its storage buildings.
1996
TUFF SHED has 12 manufacturing locations by the end of the year and orders its first full railcar of materials.
1992
TUFF SHED enters the installed garage market.
1987
TUFF SHED opens its 5th manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, NV.
1986
Saurey moves to Denver, Colorado establishing this city as the new corporate headquarters for TUFF SHED. The Ranch style storage shed is developed, offering TUFF SHED customers another option to the original barn style.
1985
TUFF SHED starts its explosive TV campaign.
1984
TUFF SHED headquarters are moved to Salt Lake City. The tall barn is rolled out, offering customers taller sidewalls and more interior space.
1981
TUFF SHED founded in Rexburg, ID, by Tom Saurey.