Celebrating 120 Years of Johnson Brothers: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Community

You don’t stay in business for 120 years without doing a lot of things right. Since 1905, we’ve been a cornerstone of the Idaho Falls business community — adapting, growing, and thriving through generations of innovation and hard work.

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 Marvin Windows and Doors, Andersen Windows and Doors, TruStile Doors, Baldwin door hardware and is a problem-solving hub for contractors, homeowners, and builders across the Intermountain West.

At the heart of the company’s enduring success is our people. With more than 70 current employees and an average tenure of more than 15 years, our depth of experience and dedication to quality craftsmanship is unmatched. “I’ve always said the success of Johnson Brothers is due to our employees,” said co-owner Chris Sargis. “Their talent and commitment are the reasons we’re still thriving after 120 years.”

Over the decades we’ve weathered economic downturns, fires, and industry shifts — each time emerging stronger and more innovative. From building the Butte County Courthouse in 1916 to supplying millwork for high-profile projects like the Jackson Hole Airport, Melaleuca Corporate Office, Idaho Falls Police Department and the Mountain America Event Center. Headquartered in Idaho Falls, Johnson Brothers continues to leave its mark across the region.

Now in our fifth generation of family leadership, we remain committed to the values that built this legacy: craftsmanship, integrity, and service. As we look toward the future, one thing is clear: Johnson Brothers’ roots run deep, and our dedication to quality will continue to shape communities for generations to come.

Here’s to 120 years — and many more ahead.

Johnson Brothers Roots Run Deep

5th Gen Leadership at the Helm

Located in the heart of downtown Idaho Falls, is the little company that could. It’s been well over a century since Johnson Brothers inception as a local residential builder and construction business. Fast forward to today, and J-Bros is a regional force in the western states supplying building materials and custom millwork and casework to sought-after professional contractors and architects. To the public they share a unique one-on-one retail expertise to the public with merchandise stocked for all types of local projects.

Many ask, is Johnson Brothers still family owned? The answer is absolutely. The 5th generation now holds top leadership positions still placing family values, quality, their clientele, employees and the local community’s needs ahead of making a quick buck.

You may recognize the President and Co-Owner of Johnson Brothers, Zac Bodily. From coaching little league to scaling local peaks, Bodily strives for perfection in all of life’s endeavors. Overseeing the operational and production aspect of the company is the perfect focus for his quiet, driven and detail-loving personality.

Vice President of Sales and Co-Owner Chris Sargis says their employees deserve the credit for Johnson Brothers longevity and growth.

Both Sargis and Bodily make sure to maintain close relationships with employees, treating them like family members. With an average employment time of over 15 years, JBros employees clearly enjoy the atmosphere of mutual respect and comradery.

If you’re out and about watch for Sargis, who aside from being a vintage car buff and golfer, is deeply involved with the local Exchange Club of Idaho Falls. From providing the US flag to kids on the 4th of July, to donating copious hours of time to the annual Field of Honor Veterans Memorial, he is a visible reminder in the community of the JBros way.

Like their predecessors, the new leadership duo plans to continue the family tradition of balancing opportunity with excellence. Whether you’re searching for windows, interior or exterior doors, or cabinet hardware don’t pass up the chance to visit Johnson Brothers on Basalt Street in Idaho Falls, and on Cole Road in Boise.

Reminisce, Reset, and Recharge

Inevitably reflecting on the past causes us to look forward — it’s human nature to challenge ourselves to do better, #goals and all of that.

In many aspects of Johnson Brother’s construction and architecturally based business, it will be hard to top what occurred in 2022; but upon reflection if there’s one place to challenge ourselves it’s — putting into the communities we serve, as much as we take out. Co-owner Chris Sargis believes, “the best way to receive is to give, and to ask ourselves, how can we all do more?”

In a unique and challenging year fraught with supply chain restraints, labor shortages and incredible consumer demand, it’s easy to want to crack under the pressure. But Johnson Brothers is inspired this year by industry partner Marvin Windows who has instituted a Better Living program, encouraging their employees to breath and live more in the moment. Taking that deep breath and acknowledging our accomplishments is a wise way to flip the script. Gratitude for what we’ve done and who has been instrumental will take the spotlight off ourselves.

There will always be new products and concepts for custom moulding and millwork, exterior and interior door designs, windows and sky lights, cabinetry hardware, handles and drawer pulls, the list goes on — but our legacy lives in our people. To our loyal and incredible crew of dedicated employees, industry partners and vendors: we truly couldn’t do what we do without you. This holiday season we wish only the best for you as we reminisce, reset, recharge and prepare for the gift of a brand-new year ahead.