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Behind every great company is a great leader. Pro-Line Buildings, located just south of New Sharon, has been fortunate enough to have two great leaders, Kenny Van Kooten and Jim VanderBeek.
Pro-Line Buildings came into existence in 1986 with Van Kooten as the owner. He opened an office on NE 54th Avenue in Des Moines and signed on with the Bonanza franchise. The farm economy was going through a depression, forcing him to specialize in light commercial and equine buildings. Since the company was located in Polk County, many of the buildings needed engineered drawings. Barry Bingham was on staff with Bonanza and was a great asset to Van Kooten.
Two years later, Lester Building Company (owned by Butler Buildings) bought out Bonanza. Their market focused primarily on agricultural buildings. These types of structures didn’t need the specialized engineering. Van Kooten remained with Lester until 1991 when he changed and aligned himself with Stockade Buildings out of Missouri. One of the benefits in becoming a Stockade dealer was the dealer network that had been formed, as well as the ability to construct many different types of buildings, not just agricultural. Bingham, (Bonanza’s former building engineer), had also been hired by Stockade, making this a solid turn-key operation.
Van Kooten and VanderBeek had known each other for many years. In the “very beginning” they both worked for Bloom Builders. They worked on crews, became lead men and finally crew foremen. VanderBeek decided to change direction and go into sales.
Van Kooten said, “The Company started off good. But there came a point to where it needed more investment and time if it was to grow.” Enter VanderBeek. “I knew Jim a long time and the success that he had in the post-frame industry. This was one reason that he came to mind when I decided to sell.”
VanderBeek and his wife, Barbara, purchased the company from Van Kooten and opened an office in their New Sharon home. Van Kooten stayed with the company and kept the office in Des Moines open, primarily selling for Pro-Line and helping the VanderBeeks assume ownership. VanderBeek started with one crew and two salesmen – Van Kooten and himself. “I was given the opportunity of a lifetime when Kenny approached me about purchasing his company,” said VanderBeek. “Kenny started the company and it had such a solid foundation in many ways. I truly believe that it was his leadership that has helped our success.”
Since the VanderBeek’s have been the owners, the company relocated to an office in downtown New Sharon. The office building went through many remodels to accommodate the growth. Finally, it was necessary to find a bigger facility. They purchased ground just south of New Sharon and began to build the VanderBeek’s “dream.” The new facility opened in June of 2005. It houses the entire operation under one roof – offices, fabrication plant, warehouse and retail center.
“Another of our successes has to do with key employees staying with us through the years,” said VanderBeek. “Our team is the best – we are so thankful for our employees and their contributions to the success of our company.”
2005 was another banner year for Pro-Line, selling and building over 10 million dollars of Pro-Line buildings.
As Pro-Line celebrates twenty years of success, they encourage you to give their office a call and set up a meeting with one of their qualified Salesmen. Pro-Line has proven their ability to provide outstanding service and workmanship and has gained the trust of customers by providing a satisfying and rewarding building experience. Let Pro-Line make your dreams come true! Contact their office at 1.800.872.2335 or visit their website at www.plbco.com. Get Pro-Line involved and see what happens when dreams really do come true!
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