At Johnson Brothers, we’ve learned a thing or two about building high-quality finished goods. We understand that you can’t create lasting quality without first committing to a solid foundation and then remaining dedicated to every step in the process until finished. In doing so, you find that joy comes not only upon completion, but also in each moment along the way.
Zac Bodily,
Johnson Brothers President
Life works much the same. We often chase happiness as if it’s the final coat of finish, something only applied when everything else is completed and perfect, forgetting that we are meant to find joy and fulfillment along the way. I recently came across a powerful quote from David Steindl-Rast that reminded me of our choice in this matter:
“It is not happiness that makes us grateful; it is gratefulness that makes us happy.”
Gratitude is not just a polite gesture; it is a way of thinking that we can choose to engage in. Doing so brings healing and comfort amongst even the most challenging circumstances, allowing us to work through anything with optimism. We can be reminded that even on the busiest days, we are surrounded by blessings.
So today I’d like to pause and share a few things that fill me with gratitude this season.
I’m grateful for the time in which we live.
We live in such a blessed time in history. We naturally take for granted so many advantages and comforts our predecessors could only dream of. With a simple tap on our device, information on any subject we wonder about becomes instantly available. Communication is often immediate, allowing for problems to be addressed and solved at speeds impossible just a generation ago. Technological innovations have brought machinery that exponentially increases production while preserving our health. We operate with such advantages that, when utilized with wisdom, lead to amazing outcomes.
I’m grateful for where we live and work.
I feel so fortunate to live and operate in an area that still appreciates the value of honest work, cooperation, service to others, and self-reliance. Idaho and the surrounding regions offer such a unique blend of inspiration and opportunity. Many people have arrived in recent years, realizing the same things we’ve been blessed to know our entire lives. For over a century, our families have been able to thrive in meaningful relationships with fantastic people, all while enjoying the world-class recreational experiences these mountains have to offer. What an amazing place to be!
I’m grateful to our customers.
For generations, you have welcomed Johnson Brothers into your homes and businesses, trusting us with the spaces where your life and memories happen. Your incredible loyalty has kept our doors open and allowed us to proudly serve the Idaho Falls area for over 120 years and expand into the Boise area for the last 20 years. Each unique challenge you bring keeps us sharp, creative, and constantly improving. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your projects; it’s a privilege we never take for granted.
I’m grateful to our partners.
From industry peers to dependable vendors, none of our success happens alone. Your expertise, reliability, and collaboration are invaluable. You don’t just provide materials; you also provide solutions to the many challenges that inevitably arise, solving problems until success is achieved. Thank you for being indispensable teammates when called upon. Partnerships require so much more than simple transactions, and we value all that is given in these relationships.
I’m grateful for our team and the families who stand behind them.
More than any other thing, I rely upon the people who show up every day and pour themselves into the work. This includes our first-class sales staff, who guide our customers with expertise and excitement, as well as the dedicated people behind the scenes making everything work in harmony.
Behind every perfect cut and flawless finish is a craftsman that has spent years honing a skill that can’t be faked or rushed. They come in early, stay late, lift heavy loads, measure twice, and refuse to let anything less than excellent leave our shop. That kind of dedication and sacrifice is rare, and we are blessed by it daily.
Behind every one of these exceptional individuals are families who deserve just as much appreciation. Spouses, kids, parents, and siblings who give unending support and patience as their loved one completes the job. You are the strength that makes their excellence possible. Johnson Brothers isn’t just a shop full of employees; it’s a family of families, and your support is the foundation of everything we build.
We also never forget this opportunity would not exist without the many sacrifices made on our behalf by previous generations. Their vision and dedication created a legacy that we are proud to carry on. They will always have our respect and admiration for overcoming challenges both known and unknown.
When I step back and look at all of this—the era we live in, the places we call home, the meaningful work on our benches, and most of all the remarkable people we share the experience with—I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation.
So here is my encouragement to you this Thanksgiving season: pause for just a moment, look around in recognition of all that is good in this life, express just how blessed you really are, and let gratitude do its quiet, healing work.
Because when we choose to be grateful in all circumstances, true fulfillment is never far behind.
Zac Bodily, President, Johnson Brothers
What began as a family-owned residential construction business with its own planing mill has evolved into a dynamic architectural supply company with services that span doors, windows, millwork, commercial casework, architectural hardware, door fabrication, and more. With locations in Boise and Idaho Falls, Johnson Brothers now operates as a trusted distributor of premium building products such as 
