East Lawn Supply has been a trusted name in the Nazareth, Pennsylvania area since the early 1950s—founded in either 1952 or 1953 by L. James Peppell and his father-in-law, Fred Sheetz. What began as a small partnership quickly established a reputation for reliability, product knowledge and responsive service.

From the beginning, East Lawn Supply distinguished itself by offering hard-to-find products in stock—items that competitors often needed to special order. This commitment to immediate availability became a core part of the company’s identity, helping contractors and tradespeople stay on schedule with the materials they need right away. That philosophy, rooted in readiness and resourcefulness, helped the business grow steadily even through industry shifts and economic downturns.

“My dad, James Peppell, is the one who truly elevated the business,” said Suzanne Peppell, showroom manager and secretary of the board of directors. “His leadership and dedication laid the foundation for where we are today. He likes to say he’s retired, but he’s still deeply involved—working from home every day, managing purchasing and other essential parts of the operation.”

Family-Owned with a Strong Leadership Structure

Still proudly family-run, East Lawn Supply is now led by the third generation. Suzanne Peppell plays a key leadership role, while her brother Chris manages product offerings and handles all pricing and computer data management. Their sister, Jeannette Odhner, serves as company president, overseeing daily operations alongside long-time team member Paul Glenn, who coordinates the parts counter, deliveries and purchasing. Together, this close-knit leadership team combines deep industry knowledge with a strong customer-first philosophy that continues to propel the business forward.

A Showroom Designed for Real-Life Use

More than 30 years ago, the company expanded into showroom sales—an initiative sparked by the creative vision of Suzanne, Chris and Jeannette’s mother Virginia. Her artistic sensibility helped shape a retail space where customers could interact with real, working products before making purchasing decisions. That concept still defines the showroom today, which features fully installed displays including smart faucets, electronic shower systems and a bidet toilet.

This practical, hands-on design experience empowers customers to make confident choices, while the longevity and expertise of the showroom staff ensures knowledgeable support. Many team members have been with the company for decades, bringing unmatched product understanding and problem-solving abilities to every interaction.

A Culture Rooted in Care and Service

East Lawn Supply’s company culture is grounded in family values and a deep commitment to customer service. As one of only two independently owned businesses of its kind in the region, the company has earned the trust of trade professionals and homeowners alike. The team takes pride in treating customers like family, building relationships that span generations.

Flexibility is also a hallmark of the internal culture. While the company follows established policies and procedures, employees are encouraged to work in ways that align with their strengths and personal styles. This balance of structure and independence results in better service and more meaningful customer experiences.

Evolving with the Industry

As the building industry evolves, so too has East Lawn Supply. The company has shifted many of its communications to phone, email and texting, especially as trade professionals face packed schedules and faster project timelines. At the same time, there has been a noticeable shortage of new talent entering the trades, placing more pressure on existing installers and making the expertise of suppliers like East Lawn even more essential.

The nature of the showroom role has become increasingly technical. Today’s staff must understand not just how products look, but how they work—from spec sheets to smart technologies. As interest grows in smart home systems, electronic showers and radiant heating, the team is expanding its product knowledge to help customers make informed decisions.

There’s also a rising demand for aging-in-place and ADA-compliant bathroom solutions. Customers are seeking accessible, functional spaces and East Lawn’s team is prepared to provide guidance on features like grab bars, walk-in showers and seated installations.

A Trusted Network Through LPG

East Lawn Supply has been a proud member of the Luxury Products Group (LPG) since 2010, and that partnership has played a key role in keeping the company connected to trends, resources, and fellow professionals across the country. Beyond rebates and product access, LPG provides a valuable support network—offering business insights, vendor connections and a vibrant online community. Participation in annual events and active engagement in the group’s private Facebook forum help ensure East Lawn stays ahead of the curve in both customer service and business strategy.

Looking Ahead

In the near term, East Lawn Supply is focused on adapting to the current economic climate by enhancing staff training, introducing new product lines and refining showroom procedures. The company is also expanding its efforts in outside sales—reconnecting with existing clients and introducing new customers to its full range of offerings.

Long-term, the goal remains consistent: operate a profitable, service-driven business that prioritizes quality, customer relationships and community values. With a foundation built on family, trust and forward thinking, East Lawn Supply is well positioned for continued success.

For more information, visit eastlawnsupply.com.