A legacy that feels like home
We’ve been part of the Western NC community since 1958, continuing a tradition rooted in craftsmanship, local trust, and the belief that home improvement should feel personal. What began as Nantahala Lumber has grown into a full home solutions center serving generations of families, builders, and contractors.
Nantahala was founded in 1958 by the Zickgraf family as Nantahala Lumber - a cornerstone of the Franklin community. In 1992, the Bodenheimer family purchased the business and expanded its operations, modernizing the store while preserving its reputation for quality and trusted service.
In September 2025, Bret Perkins and Randy Lovelace became just the third owners in the store's 67-year history. With decades of combined experience in flooring, manufacturing, installation, and distribution, they brought a fresh vision to Nantahala while honoring everything that made it a community institution.
Many customers who once came here with their parents now return with families of their own. That continuity and that trust are foundations we're proud to carry forward.
OUR HISTORY
OUR TEAM
Randy Lovelace
Co-Owner
Randy's flooring career began right here in Franklin in the late 1990s, when he joined the Zickgraf Hardwood Flooring business as a Sales Representative. Over the next decade, he helped grow the company from $9 million to $70 million in revenue before Shaw Industries acquired Zickgraf in 2008.
From there, Randy went on to lead sales divisions at multiple flooring manufacturers and distributors across the Southeast, including BLC Hardwood Flooring, Beasley Hardwood Flooring, and Southwind Carpet Mills — where he served as Vice President of Sales. His return to Western NC through Nantahala brings his career full circle.
Bret Perkins
Co-Owner
Bret has spent more than 20 years building businesses in flooring, contracting, and real estate. He started in 2004 managing an installation company, growing it from $1 million to a $15 million distribution business. He went on to found ADP Solutions, a Metro Atlanta installation company, and The Restoration Group, a contracting business serving State Farm, Farm Bureau, and Home Depot across NW Georgia and Tennessee.
In 2015, Bret launched the Hard Surface division for Southwind Carpet Mills and became an equity partner in 2017, growing that division from $36 million to $120 million in five years before the company was sold in 2021. He brings a vision for Nantahala centered on modernization, customer experience, and full-project support.
Travis rowley
General Manager/Sales
Chris wyatt
Sales
yvette nolin
Sales
Phyllis browning
Billing
Meka pendergrass
Paint Sales
Craig holland
Manager of Paint
Chris Haller
Warehouse Manager
Come meet
Tow-Mater
You may have spotted Mater in our parking lot on Depot Street. He's become a bit of a Franklin landmark, and we love when people stop by to take a picture with him. Come say hi next time you're in!
Rooted in Western nc
This community has supported Nantahala for nearly 70 years. We're honored to continue that legacy - and to be the place Western NC turns to when it's time to build, renovate, or make a house feel more like home.
We proudly serve: Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Asheville, Murphy, Sylva, Bryson City, Waynesville, and communities throughout Western NC.
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