Patrick Industries began in 1959, founded by Mervin D. Lung in Elkhart, Indiana. The company started with a specific focus: supplying pre-finished plywood paneling to the manufactured housing industry. In its early days, the business was straightforward, concentrating on a single product for a niche market. This sharp focus allowed the young company to build a solid reputation for quality and reliability.

The manufactured housing market was growing, and Patrick Industries grew with it. The company's initial success was built on understanding the needs of its customers and delivering a consistent product. This foundation set the stage for future expansion, but for the first couple of decades, the core business remained centered on paneling.

As the company matured, its strategy began to shift. The leadership saw an opportunity in a related market that was also booming in the Elkhart area: recreational vehicles (RVs). This was a natural pivot. The components needed for RVs weren't so different from those for manufactured homes. This decision marked the first major step in Patrick Industries' diversification.

The move into the RV market wasn't just about adding new customers; it was about adding new capabilities. The company began to expand its product offerings beyond simple paneling. It started manufacturing other components used in the construction of RVs, like cabinet doors, countertops, and mouldings. This expansion was fueled by a key strategic choice: growth through acquisition.

The acquisition strategy became the cornerstone of Patrick's growth. Over the years, the company has acquired dozens of businesses. Each acquisition was a deliberate move to either strengthen its position in an existing market or to gain a foothold in a new one. This approach transformed the company from a simple panel supplier into a comprehensive component solutions provider.

This strategy led the company into the marine and industrial sectors. By purchasing companies that manufactured components for boats, Patrick Industries entered the marine market. Similarly, acquiring businesses that supplied materials for industrial applications opened another new avenue for growth. This wasn't random expansion; it was a calculated effort to build a diverse and resilient business.

The impact of these acquisitions was profound. Each new company brought not just a product line, but also manufacturing expertise, customer relationships, and talented employees. This created a powerful network of businesses under the Patrick Industries umbrella, all working toward the common goal of supplying essential components to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

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From its focused start in 1959, Patrick Industries methodically built itself into a diversified powerhouse through strategic expansion and acquisition, evolving to serve multiple major industries.