Johnnie Chuokes

In 1939, Johnnie Chuoke, Sr., began building homes in San Antonio in the area known as Terrell Hills. After years of growing with the local market, Mr. Chuoke, Sr. realized that to be competitive, he had to hold down his cost of materials. This was not easily done because during this time, the lumber mills had exclusive agreements to deal only with retail establishments.

Johnnie C., Sr. knew that the best way to hold down his materials cost and pass the savings along to his customer was to cut out the middleman and become to retail outlet. In 1944, Acme Lumber Centers, inc. was formed. As Acme Lumber Centers began to grow, and as Johnnie Chuoke, Jr. became involved in the business, the company began to focus on retailing its products to the communities which surrounded each store.