Carl Ownby founded his hardware shop in 1952 to meet the growing demand of Sevierville builders, homeowners, and surrounding farmers. The operation quickly expanded to 3 neighboring historic buildings to warehouse more building supplies, in addition to a lumber yard on Chapman Highway. Today, the company has grown to over 50 employees and has been recognized by Building Supply Business magazine as the top 10 fastest growing independent retailer in the country, and continually garners local awards for best hardware and lumber stores.