LISBON -- When Jay Williamson's father bought S.D. Nold nearly 40 years ago, the business was known

LISBON -- When Jay Williamson's father bought S.D. Nold nearly 40 years ago, the business was known mainly for being a welding and cylinder shop.
Over the years, though, the company expanded its product line and supplies while continuing to do residential, commercial and industrial welding.
"We kept getting busier, and we've expanded on the same lines as we've sold," Jay Williamson said.
S.D. Nold has undergone several expansions since Jay Williamson's father, Lloyd, bought the business from Helen Nold in January 1965. Two years later, the company added Lincoln welders to its merchandise line; in the mid-1970s, the business started selling Milwaukee Tools.
S.D. Nold added the Miller welder line and Victor steel cutting equipment in the 1980s. The company also sells individual pieces of steel of various sizes and thicknesses for residential, commercial and industrial uses.
In addition to welding supplies, welders and other heavy pieces of machinery, the business sells many other items for household and commercial purposes, such as nuts and bolts, industrial paint for metal and steel, various industrial gases, hard hats, safety glass and other safety equipment. Williamson also sells many sizes of helium tanks for those wanting to add party balloons to birthdays, weddings and other special occasions.
Involvement as a kid
Williamson said that, as an 11-year-old, he began helping at his father's business by painting cylinders, cutting steel and mowing grass. After high school, Williamson worked there full time and eventually got into the sales and service end of the business.
"Even as a kid, when I had a day off school I worked here. Dad was freed up after I got out of [high] school" and started working full time in 1978, he recalled.
Lloyd Williamson was active at the business until he died in October 2002.
His wife, Kathryn Williamson, quit her job as a bank teller at Farmer's National Bank in 1971 to take a full-time position at her husband's growing business, which then had only two employees who operated a portable welder.
Now she does most of the bookkeeping and customer-service work.
Aspects of the business
Jay Williamson stressed that the business does on-site repairs for welders of all sizes and brand names. The company also offers delivery on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to the Youngstown area and delivers to East Liverpool, Salineville and the surrounding areas the other two weekdays.
Williamson said he has many regular and walk-in customers, some of whom come from as far away as Pittsburgh to buy a particular piece or type of steel.
A few others know about the company from his wife, Ruth, who is a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Williamson, who enjoys working every day, said he's able to compete with the large chain stores by "selling service" and by having experienced employees who can answer customers' questions directly.
Kathryn Williamson said she has no plans to retire and added that she sees S.D. Nold being around for a long time.
Jay Williamson said his 11-year-old twins, Jay Jr. and Jennifer, enjoy coming to the business after school.
"They've just started coming down here," he said. "They're just getting started in having an interest in the business."