Our History
Metallic was founded in early 1946 by two great men and savvy entrepreneurs, Joe Shannon and Brinkley (Buster) Brown.
Joe and Buster were partners in a rental business in Norfolk, Virginia at a time when metal buildings were used primarily for agricultural and industrial purposes. Back then, metal buildings were nothing more than a plain metal box but like today, were valued for their durability and cost-efficiency. Shortly after World War II, Joe and Buster decided to make Houston their home and started what is now known as Metallic Building Systems.
Metallic’s humble beginning truly is a story of good fortune meeting opportunity. With World War II serving as a catalyst for wide-spread use of steel buildings and steel becoming more accessible, it was an opportunity to be seized. Joe and Buster leapt at the opportunity enthusiastically and recruited a team to launch the operation.
The years from 1946 – 1949 were eventful and successful with sales in 1949 exceeding one million dollars for the first time. During this time of growth, Metallic was determined to become a market leader and even sponsored what we know as Sunday Night Football to increase brand awareness.
The determination to become a leader in the metal building industry stands to this day.
As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we look back and take pride in the countless partners from coast to coast who embrace Metallic as an extension of their business. Their loyalty and engagement have cemented Metallic as a leader in the metal building industry.
Metallic Early Years
- 1946 Founded by Joe Shannon and Brinkley (Buster) Brown
- 1949 Achieves one million dollars in sales for the first time since its founding
- 1950 Sponsors Sunday Night football
- 1956 Becomes one of the founders of the MBMA
- 1957 Designers use the computer for the first time to design rigid frames
- 1958 Recognized as the leading metal building company in the southwest