Nationwide — Meet Johnny Gray III, founder of D&J Builders Surplus, America’s first and only Black-owned iron door store, serving customers nationwide with luxury iron doors, pivot doors, interior doors, garage doors, windows, iron security screens, privacy glass systems, mini-split air conditioning systems, and other residential and commercial building products. Based in Lancaster, Texas, he spent nearly a decade working to secure supplier relationships and inventory before finally being able to officially launch his company.
His entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 when he launched an air conditioning and heating company. Over the years, he gained experience in construction, remodeling, fire restoration, roofing, foundation repair, and several other business ventures. While some businesses succeeded and others fell short, each experience strengthened his knowledge and prepared him for the opportunity he had been searching for.
That opportunity eventually came in the building products industry, but turning the vision into reality proved far more difficult than expected. For years, Gray worked tirelessly to establish supplier relationships, secure inventory, and gain access to products that many manufacturers and distributors were unwilling to sell to him. Opportunities repeatedly fell through, relationships ended, and plans had to be adjusted. Even after establishing his DBA, website, business identity, and long-term vision, he spent nearly ten years working toward opening the building products showroom he had envisioned.
His persistence finally paid off on April 5, 2023, when D&J Builders Surplus received its first shipment of iron doors. Shortly afterward, the company officially opened for business. More than three years later, the company continues expanding across the United States while serving customers seven days a week. Gray’s long-term vision is to grow D&J Builders Surplus into a complete home improvement destination that creates jobs, serves communities, and demonstrates the value of perseverance.
For Gray, however, the biggest lesson from the journey has little to do with doors. He believes the greatest challenge begins after a business opens. “Opening the doors wasn’t the finish line,” Gray said. “It was the starting line. Every stage of growth brings new challenges, new responsibilities, and new lessons. The growing pains never completely go away. They just change.”
Gray encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to allow rejection or setbacks to determine their future. Instead, he urges them to remain committed to their vision and continue fighting for what they want, recognizing that lasting success is often built one challenge at a time. “Life isn’t always easy,” he said. “But it can be rewarding if you’re willing to keep going when others would quit.” His story serves as a reminder that sometimes the door you’re trying to open takes years to unlock, and the people who ultimately succeed are often the ones who refuse to walk away.
For more information, visit DJBuildersSurplus.com or call 972-666-1422.
About the Founder
Johnny Gray III is an entrepreneur and owner of D&J Builders Surplus, headquartered in Lancaster, Texas. Through persistence, determination, and a commitment to customer service, he has built what he describes as America’s first and only Black-owned iron door store. His company serves customers nationwide with luxury iron doors, interior doors, garage doors, windows, security products, and home improvement solutions.
About the Company
D&J Builders Surplus is a Texas-based home improvement supplier specializing in luxury iron doors, pivot doors, interior doors, garage doors, windows, iron security screens, privacy glass systems, mini-split air conditioning systems, and related building products. The company ships products throughout the United States and remains committed to providing affordable luxury, exceptional customer service, and innovative solutions for homeowners and businesses.
For press inquiries, contact 972-666-1422 or info@djbuilderssurplus.com