Sallisaw Chamber Spotlights Local Success and Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — The Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized B&B Welding as its Member of the Month for November, celebrating a story of grit, growth, and family dedication that spans more than three decades.

Owner Bill Buckner shared the humble beginnings of the business that has now become a regional success. Buckner moved to Oklahoma in 1992, and just two years later, after being shown how to weld for the very first time by Odell Branham, he opened B&B Welding. What started as a small operation building pipe fences, corrals, and horse shelters gradually began to grow, though the company avoided engineered buildings in its early years.

Everything changed around the year 2000, when a district manager for Star Buildings, Dave Rutherford, stopped by. At the time, Buckner wasn’t interested in expanding into engineered structures and admittedly brushed Rutherford off. But when the local fire department later needed an engineered building, he reached out to Rutherford for help. However, Rutherford refused to simply sell him a building; instead, he challenged Buckner to take a leap.

“He told me, ‘It’s time for you to become a Star Builder,” Buckner recalled. It was a decision that transformed the business. Even after retiring from Star Buildings, Rutherford still stays connected to B&B Welding, having seen potential in Buckner from the start.

Their first major engineered project, the A to Z Buildings in Alma, Arkansas, became a defining moment. Thanks to an introduction from Ted Sells to James White, the opportunity not only expanded the company’s portfolio but also gave Buckner the confidence that B&B Welding was capable of much more. Reflecting on the early struggles, Buckner admitted that in those first lean years, the family nearly left Oklahoma. “If we’d had the money to go, we probably would have,” he said. “But staying turned out to be the best thing we ever did.”

Today, the company has sold more than 300 buildings, including barndominiums, hangars, churches, riding arenas, and even lookout towers, over the last 25 years. B&B Welding truly became a family enterprise, with Buckner, his wife Jessica, and son Sean stepping in as foreman. Sean chose to work alongside his father rather than attend college, and Buckner proudly shared that his son can “erect these buildings in his sleep.” His skill and dedication have made him an invaluable part of the company’s continued success. Their daughter lives in Fort Smith, and both children, raised in Sallisaw, still love and appreciate the community that shaped them.

Buckner also praised his wife, Jessica, for being the steady foundation beneath every success. “Behind every man is a good woman, and that woman is my wife,” he said. “Forty-four years of marriage, what an adventurous road it’s been. And we’ve still got more road to cover.”

With deep gratitude, Buckner added, “We love Sallisaw, and Sallisaw has been good to us.”

The chamber meeting also featured keynote speaker Mindy Long of CREOKS Health Services, who spoke about the nonprofit’s work providing comprehensive health, wellness, and behavioral services. With more than 40 years of experience and 26 locations across Eastern Oklahoma, CREOKS continues to be a vital support system for individuals and families throughout the region.

Next on the agenda, Miss Teen Diamond Daze Natalie Flute announced her Christmas Angel Tree project for veterans at the Sallisaw Veterans Center. Flute added 25 veterans' names to the Angel Trees last Monday, and currently, only 4 names remain on the tree. The deadline for the gifts is December 20. Flute informed chamber members that she is also planning an ice cream social and hot chocolate bar for the residents at their Christmas party on December 22. Donations can be made to the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce to provide veterans with a memorable Christmas in their new home.

In addition, Miss Diamond Daze Addison Legg shared an update on the community project she recently completed. Legg explained that she was part of the Cherokee Nation Back to School Bash that helped students with school supplies, backpacks, physicals, dental supplies, and haircuts. Locations were set up in the Muldrow and Brushy school areas before the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

As the holidays approach, the Chamber also reminded the community about several upcoming seasonal events, including the Main Street Holiday Market on November 29 and the Sallisaw Christmas Parade on December 13. This year’s parade theme, “Christmas Through the Decades,” promises festive fun and nostalgic charm as families gather to celebrate the season. Entry forms for all events are available at the Chamber office.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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