About US
Our History
Founded in 1952, Carl Ownby founded his hardware shop to meet the growing demand of Sevierville builders, homeowners, and surrounding farmers. Carl was prudent, patient, and knew how to take care of customers and their needs from 20 years of previous experience in the hardware industry. The operation quickly expanded to 3 neighboring historic buildings to warehouse more building supplies, in additon to a lumber yard on Chapman Highway. From 5 employees in the first year of business to now over 50, the company grew organically. Never one to take unnecessary risks, the business expanded out of necessity and as our reputation for service and quaility grew with our customer's needs. Carl Ownby & Co. 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.
CArl OWNBY & Company Today
Throughout the years of a changing economy, competition from national brands, and even floods from the Pigeon River, customers have counted on us, and will continue to do so for generations to come. For 70 years now, our customers still line up the door before 5 a.m. to get a cup of coffee and the supplies they need to win the day. Even though Carl is no longer with us, his family and longtime employees carry on the tradition of service and quality to not only maintain, but to grow the business as we meet the needs of Sevier County's businesses and residents.
