Yantzi’s celebrates 75 years in Tavistock
By Amanda Nelson
For 75 years, Tavistock families have turned to Yantzi’s Home Building Centre for the materials, advice and service needed to build their homes, farms and businesses.
The family-owned business, located one mile east of Tavistock and known to many as Yantziville, celebrated its 75th anniversary last Friday and Saturday with sales, raffles, prizes, a silent auction and a barbecue, bringing together family members, past employees, customers and friends of the business.
Doris and Andrew Yantzi started the retail business in 1951, although the family’s roots in construction began even earlier.
Andrew and his brother Omar worked together building houses, barns and sheds throughout the area, including Oxford, Perth and Waterloo counties. Andrew eventually moved into the retail side of the business, establishing what was originally a Timber Mart.
Over the years, Yantzi’s has grown from a lumber and building centre into a business offering kitchens, baths, flooring and home décor, along with the knowledge and advice of its staff.
Today, the third generation of the family is carrying on the business.
Steffan Yantzi, whose father Jim previously ran the business, now owns and operates Yantzi’s alongside his two aunts, Darlene Yantzi and Joyce Ropp.
For Steffan, the 75th anniversary was an opportunity not only to celebrate the business, but also to hear stories about the family members who built it.
“It was great to see family members, past employees and family out on the weekend,” Steffan said. “It was nice to hear stories about my dad and grandpa from people who knew them.”
One story in particular stood out to him.
“I heard lots of stories about my grandpa and how he built houses,” he said. “One person told me he couldn't afford to pay right away, so grandpa allowed him to pay him back over time.”
Stories like that are part of what Steffan says makes the anniversary meaningful.
While the business has changed significantly since 1951, its connection to the surrounding community remains an important part of Yantzi’s.
The company supports local children’s sports teams and regularly volunteers its services throughout the community. That commitment was also evident during the recent storm, when the business lost power but remained open because staff knew people in the area needed access to building supplies.
“The community has supported us for 75 years, and we love giving back in any way we can,” Steffan said.
That spirit of giving was also part of the anniversary weekend. Along with sales, raffles, and prizes, the family held a silent auction to support breast cancer fundraising, including a pink Barbie vanity.
With the third generation now at the helm, the Yantzi family says the same commitment to serving its community remains at the heart of the business.
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