The RoMac Story: 80 Years in Florida’s Building Industry

Every business has a story, but not every story goes 80 rounds.

In this latest video feature, we step into the ring—not with gloves, but with grit. “Eighty Rounds” is not just a reflection on RoMac Building Supply’s history. It captures the essence of what it takes to stay in business for eight decades. It highlights the resilience to get back up, year after year, challenge after challenge.

Our CEO, Don Magruder, lends his voice to this piece. With over 28 years at the helm of RoMac, Don has experienced many of our most defining moments. However, this story goes beyond any one person. It’s about our team, our company, and the community that has weathered every storm together.

A Legacy Forged in Fire (and Everything Else)

RoMac’s story began in the shadow of World War II. Buck Robuck returned home with a vision for the future—literally. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to serve Central Florida’s growing construction needs, Buck and his team opened a small lumber yard.

However, their first battle loomed large. They soon faced fierce competition from the MacDonald family’s yard down the street. Rather than give in to pressure, RoMac made a bold move and bought them out. This was just the start of a long tradition of facing adversity head-on.

In 1972, disaster struck. A devastating fire tore through the Leesburg location, leaving much of the facility in ashes. Despite this setback, RoMac rebuilt. Over the succeeding decades, challenges included freezes, recessions, and competition from corporate giants. Yet, RoMac stayed in the fight each step of the way.

A Company That Doesn't Quit

“Eighty Rounds” captures the spirit that business is like boxing—every year is another round. This couldn’t be truer for RoMac. Each chapter of our story has come with unique fights, from economic downturns to the fierce competition of big-box chains.

What keeps us in the match? A culture rooted in persistence, service, and local loyalty. RoMac has never been merely about selling building materials. It’s about building relationships, supporting local contractors, and investing in the communities we serve.

Capturing the Spirit Behind the Scenes

Filming this video with RoMac’s in-house media team allowed us to document our history. It also gave us the chance to feel it. Between takes, numerous stories surfaced—some that didn’t even make it into the final cut. We reminisced about the times employees worked overnight to reopen after storms. We shared tales of how longtime team members helped onboard the next generation.

This video shoot was more than a project; it was a reminder of our identity and values.

Here’s to Round 81

Today, RoMac Building Supply is stronger than ever. We’ve evolved into a multi-location operation specializing in a range of products. From lumber and windows to insulation and trusses, we have expanded our offerings. Yet, we have not forgotten our roots. We still serve the same Central Florida region. We believe in local service. And more importantly, we are ready for whatever comes next.

So go ahead—ring the bell.

In summary, RoMac's history is a remarkable journey that showcases the strength of community, perseverance in the face of challenges, and a commitment to service. This is a story that will continue to unfold as we embrace new opportunities and face future challenges.

Our story is not just ours; it belongs to everyone who has been part of our journey. Thank you for being part of the RoMac family.

For a behind-the-scenes look at our journey, watch our video: The RoMac Story: 80 Years in Florida’s Building Industry.