Dennis Smith Named Grand Marshal of Madera's Old Timers' Day

Dennis Smith, owner of General Builders Supply (GBS) in Madera, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for Old Timers' Day in 2026. Born in Los Banos to parents with roots in Madera, Smith moved back to Madera when he was three and grew up just around the corner from John Adams Elementary school.

After high school, Smith worked at a Ford truck dealer in Fresno for 20 years before joining GBS, where his father was part-owner. In 1995, he bought out one of the other partners' shares, making it a family business after his father's passing in 2022.

GBS faced significant competition from Home Depot, which opened in Madera in 2004, and later Lowe's. Smith acknowledges that while Home Depot drew away bigger remodeling jobs, GBS remains the go-to place for small tasks like repairing a faucet or buying a hose bib.

Smith credits Ariel Rivera, the store's general manager, with being an asset to the company. A devoted member of his community, Smith emphasizes the importance of investing in local businesses and giving back through volunteer work.