The late Gerrit G. Buist founded Buist Sheet Metal Company in October of 1947. Gerrit had worked in sheet metal for many years when he decided to start his own company. Gerrit began his business out of his garage. At that time, his sons Don and Dale were still in high school.

Gerrit’s first job was to remove the slate roof from a soon-to-be-demolished building on Calvin College’s Franklin Campus. After the building was demolished, Buist installed the new slate roof, built-in copper gutters, and copper flashing on Calvin’s new science building.

When Gerrit passed away in 1956, Don and Dale took over the business along with sister Betty’s assistance as the bookkeeper. The business continued to grow as their reputation for quality work spread. During the late 50’s and 60’s they worked on many schools and churches.

In 1967, Don’s son Jim started working during summer vacations from school, and after his 1975 graduation from Calvin College Jim joined the business full time.

During these years, the business continued to expand. By 1980, the company had outgrown their shop on Myrtle Street and moved a few blocks over to their present location on Webster Street in northwest Grand Rapids.

Jim is in charge of the business today. Buist Sheet Metal continues to rely on tried-and-true construction methods as well as to incorporate new technologies into their work. Many of Gerrit’s old wood dies allow them to work on old metal cornices and restoration projects.