It takes a lot of sweat and perseverance to be in business for a century, and for Bray Sheet Metal Co. in Little Rock, that milestone came this year.
“Celebrating 100 years in business is a blessing,” third-generation owner Mary Bray Kelley said. “I feel sure my grandfather and his sons, Carson and Warren Bray, never dreamed this day would come.”
Her grandfather, William Bray, started the business behind his home on Scott Street. He got his start in the roofing business, and with that came the need for gutters, flashing and sheet metal fittings.
The business grew and Bray bought the property at 1508 Scott St., where the business is today, and built a larger shop. Over the years, the company has purchased adjoining lots to grow to its current size.
After Bray’s death, someone from the paper mill industry approached sons Warren and Carson, Bray Kelley’s father, about fabricating air systems for the paper mill industry. At that point, the backyard sheet metal shop broadened its focus from just roofing and general sheet metal to becoming a large-scale sheet metal shop.
The brothers stashed large air systems in the yard, the alley and anywhere else they could find until the systems were delivered, Bray Kelley said, adding that her father continued the roofing business, “bound and determined that this was how it started, and this would remain as long as he was alive.”
Today, the business still works in the paper mill and roofing industries, in addition to manufacturing chairs, tables, chimney caps, flags, countertops and more.
“If it’s metal, we can do it,” Bray Kelley said.
Folks might be surprised to learn that the clay tile roof at the Governor’s Mansion and the slate roof at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, both in downtown Little Rock, came from the humble shop, she said.
“Working for a small business gives you time to get to know the people that work for you,” she added. “You get to hear about their families, their hobbies and their ideas. Over the years, many men — and at one time, a female sheet metal worker — have passed through these shop doors.”
With 36 current employees, one of the business’ greatest hurdles is finding people to work, she said.
“In all my years here, I have never seen a time like this, and it definitely is not an exaggeration,” she said. “This is a challenge, but we try and take care of the people who work for us now. I feel we have been in business this length of time because of the talented people that come to work every day and who take time to guide and teach the young people who are willing to learn.”
The future now rests in the hands of the next generation, she said, adding that her son, Woody Simmons, will take her place as the company continues to grow. With the recent purchase of a new laser cutting table, the future looks promising, she added.
“I hope, with the open house that will take place here, we will look forward to seeing past employees, their families, old friends, new friends and, maybe, potential customers,” she said.
The 100-year celebration will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at 1508 Scott St. in Little Rock. Bray Kelley said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievement and pay homage to where it all began.
She added that the event will allow the company “to thank all our customers, employees, friends and family who are coming in to help celebrate this day and, most importantly, [give] thanks to our heavenly father for this day and all the days of the past and those yet to be.”
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