With strong family values and community spirit – POCO Building Supplies is built on a foundation of hard work and honest pricing. Our service excellence is 100 years in the making. In 1921, Port Coquitlam resident Harry Galer founded the Port Coquitlam Transfer Company to meet the growing transportation demands of Port Coquitlam residents. In fact, he shuttered his shoe store soon after realizing that the demand for hauling coal and lumber in his truck, would probably earn him more money than selling shoes.

Harry’s son John purchased the company in 1947 and then in 1967 he moved the business to its current location on Mary Hill Road. It was this very same year that the business became a founding member of TIMBER MART, a Western Canada based buying group that has grown into one of Canada’s largest cooperative for independent business owners, with over 750 member stores across the country. The business passed into the hands of John’s children, Bob, Joe and Lynette, in the early 1980’s. It was during this time that POCO Building Supplies enjoyed considerable growth and became a large player in the Lower Mainland’s building supplies market.

John Galer with young Chris Galer circa 1978 (left) and Chris with son Henry Galer in 2016 (right)

Over 100 years later, POCO Building Supplies remains a well-known fixture of downtown Port Coquitlam. Current stewards and cousins Chris and Jeff Galer are the fourth generation of the Galer family to operate the business and they remain focused on catering to the needs of builders and homeowners alike, by offering a superior level of customer service and honest pricing. At POCO Building Supplies, we also have a long history of supporting the very Community that supports our business. We proudly support local charities, non-profit organizations, schools and minor sports associations, as well as working with organizations that assist individuals who are getting back into the workforce.