Fortress Building Products

Fortress began in 2002 as a product line within Woodmark International, a long standing and successful supplier of interior building products and market leader in interior stair railing products. Fortress Iron Railing & Fence Systems, was a product line of prefabricated exterior railing and fence products designed to disrupt the status quo. A prefabricated system approach and a made in factory model allowed for the application of automotive grade coatings and elimination of onsite welding. This created a rust-free finished product that any contractor could install and be backed by long lasting warranties…all a first for the fence and deck industry. Fortress was also a pioneer in developing and marketing sustainable building products made from recycled content as an alternative to the heavy use of timber in exterior building products. The introduction of these products triggered a massive change in the industry and fueled years of growth, allowing Fortress to go out on its own in 2004, focused on continued innovation in exterior building products that serve the ever-growing Outdoor Living segments.

Fast forward 20 years, the business, now known as Fortress Building Products, is a true market leading brand known for the creation of sustainable building materials. Fortress and its now industry leading team of professionals, are driven by its Core Purpose to Lead Global Change in the Way People Build and Live. The robust organization consists of 8 Product Categories being supplied to the market through 5 distinct Sales Channels. The products are available on 4 continents and are utilized in repair and remodel markets, as well as new construction. They serve residential, multi-family, commercial, industrial, and high security markets. Products are available through a wide-range of account types from e-commerce and retail platforms with the likes of The Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, and Amazon to independent LBM Dealers, and architecturally driven project business with major commercial contractors. Fortress is proud to boast over 50 active patents in the US and abroad, with several more pending. Fortress is receiving national, regional, and local level recognition for its phenomenal track record of growth and is on the Inc 5000 List, Dallas Mid-Market 50, and the Dallas 100.

In 2021, key members of Thrive Five led a very successful marketing and divesture process for Fortress Building Products when the strategic decision was made to divest OZCO Building Products. Following this successful event, Thrive Five was established as the Fortress holding company, serving as the Board of Directors and providing a Corporate Development function for Fortress. Thrive Five is highly active in assisting the operating business growth initiatives, leading the identification and evaluation of strategic partnerships and acquisitions.