Honest Abe Living, July/August 2014

July-August 2014

Carolina Blue Ridge Retreat

Honest Abe Featured in Parade of Homes

Dealers Meet for Summer Conference

American-Made Pine Flooring

Our People July-August 2014

In this issue...

Home with a View, p. 4 Darlene Dawson and Steve Wallin, HA dealers in N.C., created the mountain retreat featured on p. 4.

Cooking with Lodge, p. 6 American-made Flooring, p. 7 Honest Abe on Parade of Homes, p. 8 Independent Dealers Meet, p. 10 Getting Crafty with the Smiths, p. 11

Honest Abe Living is edited, designed & composed by Claudia Johnson, Director of Marketing.

Since 1987 Jimmy Scott has taken pride in his work at the Honest Abe manufacturing plant.

Facebook – Like us on our Facebook fan page and join the growing community.

Vimeo – Watch our videos and share yours with us.

Pinterest – Make your board more beautiful by pinning Honest Abe pictures.

Google+ – Join the Honest Abe circle for photos, news, ideas and more.

Twitter – Articles, resources, photo galleries and log home news, all shared here first.

HA team members Jackie Cherry, Bobby Collins and Ed White explain how a home is built at a Log Raising event.

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Find Honest Abe Living articles, stunning photography and more information at the Honest Abe Log Homes blog and news room.

blog.honestabe.com

YouTube – Watch and learn about log and timber frame homes on our YouTube station.

LinkedIn – Follow company and log home industry news on our LinkedIn company profile page.

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View our photo library at honestabeloghomes.zenfolio.com

Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

From the President’s Desk

by Josh Beasley, President, Honest Abe Log Homes Confidence is a tricky quality. Too little of it leads to stagnation, while excess can give way to an arrogance that blurs reality. This holds true for my personal life, and it seems that it’s just as applicable elsewhere. The sweet spot is a confidence tempered with humility that generates positive momentum forward.

The housing economy and industry went through a level of growth that was unsustainable, and a crash lead directly to the stagnation of recent years.

Thankfully, confidence is returning, and for Honest Abe, we are humbled to be in a great position to serve our customers.

It has been encouraging to see the activity and follow the news within the residential markets. That has provided us with confidence, which is further supported by improvements we have seen with our own eyes. We just spent a few days with many of our independent dealerships from across the country. It was obvious that they possess a renewed energy and focus. The dealers have model homes, events, ideas and the connection with local contractors that customers need.

Honest Abe has been reinvesting into our sales models in Tennessee, and we’re nearing the completion of a new model home in Crossville, Tenn.

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The consultants staffed in those locations are eager to be a resource for customers. Our headquarters and manufacturing facility in Moss, Tenn., remains busier than it has been in years, and we still maintain a large inventory of timbers, reinforcing our stability in the market.

I truly believe Honest Abe is positioned to help our customers better than any time in our recent past.

Looking outside of Honest Abe, confidence seems high as well. Though lending regulations still seem strict and tedious, many lenders are now very eager for our customers’ business. General contractors are busy, as well as subcontractors of various trades associated with new home construction.

With all of that said, some of the greatest encouragement we have received has come from our customers. They possess a reenergized confidence and are simply tired of waiting. It truly seems that everyone’s confidence has improved, aligned and carefully we are moving forward together. That’s our philosophy here. We aim to be a servant to our customer first, to be a resource, problem solver and to walk through the process at their speed, not ours.

With 35 years of experience, we’re confident we can help people get the beautiful log or timber frame home they’ve always wanted.

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

A home with a view Exciting. Warm. Comfortable. That’s how Richard and Linda Hespe describe their new Honest Abe log home nestled in the foothills of the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains.

“We have built homes before, but this one is totally different,” Richard Hespe said.

Originally from the historic town of Elka Park, N.Y., the Hespes who live in Nokomis, Fla., knew exactly what they expected from their log home mountain retreat.

“We wanted a good view with a lot of windows,” Richard said. “We didn’t want a big house, but we wanted an open balcony to look out.’

After considering various locations, the couple chose 1,600’ of living space is cozy and Grandview Peaks Subdivision, roomie, just right for a retreat Nebo, N.C., a place they’d only seen online but confess they fell in love with the moment they passed through the gates. They had already been researching and comparing log home companies but soon chose Honest Abe. Richard and Linda Hespe “I’m a preferred log home provider in the development,” explained Darlene Dawson, owner of Bear’s Den Log Homes, an Honest Abe independent dealership in Newton, N.C. “Richard and Linda requested information, and I sent A priority for the Hespes a packet and followed up with a was a breathtaking view call. “ Darlene also shared lender information and introduced them to Steve Wallin of Custom Homes of Asheville, a builder who is also an Honest Abe independent dealer.

“We had considered another company, but we were more comfortable with Honest Abe Log Homes,” Richard said. “We were quick about it. We decided on our floor plans in six weeks and on a builder in six weeks.”

That builder was Steve Wallin.

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

Darlene said that she worked closely with Steve to help Linda and Richard design the house they envisioned. The Honest Abe Highlander plan was modified to incorporate the Hespes’ must-have features.

Construction was completed in less than five months. Situated on a one-acre lot, the resulting 1,600 square-foot, three-bedroom house features the perfect balcony and windows for enjoying a 25-mile view.

“We love it,” Richard said, also Richard loves the living expressing their satisfaction with room’s open design Darlene’s guidance throughout the process. “We’re very pleased, still pleased. She stayed with us right up to the end, helping with everything.”

Richard said his favorite space is the great room, while Linda favors the craft room, where she creates gifts for family and friends. They both love the big glass windows and the loft. They’ve enjoyed making decorating choices and even had Amish furniture custom crafted for the house. Richard offered advice for others dreaming of their own custom log home.

“Don’t worry about your original plan being perfect,” he said, adding, “Things change anyway. Just do it and get it done.”

View an extensive gallery of Hespe project photos, including delivery and construction details, by visiting Bears Den Log Homes LLC. on Facebook The bathroom is light and roomy

The loft bedroom offers a clear 25-mile view

Linda’s favorite place is the craft room HonestAbe.com

A wraparound porch makes relaxing easy

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

Spinach, Tomato and Bacon Frittata This recipe is from Amy Beth Edelman, chef and co-­‐owner of Night Kitchen Bakery in Philadelphia, is perfect for a holiday brunch or served to guests as a light lunch.

Nons&ck cooking spray 1 lb. sliced bacon 4 oz. baby spinach 1/4 c. halved cherry tomatoes 15 medium eggs 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 t. freshly ground black pepper 2 c. (8 oz.) grated white Cheddar cheese

Cooking with

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 9-­‐inch cast iron skillet with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a deep 12-­‐inch cast iron skillet, fry the bacon over medium-­‐high heat un&l crisp (you may need to do this in several batches). Remove to paper towels to drain.

3. Pour all the bacon fat out of the skillet except for 1 tablespoon. Add the spinach and tomatoes and cook over medium heat, s&rring a few &mes, un&l the spinach wilts and the tomatoes heat through.

4. In a large bowl, scramble the eggs and season with the salt and pepper. Transfer the spinach and tomatoes to the prepared skillet. Evenly sprinkle the cheese over the top. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle over the cheese. Pour over the eggs.

5. Bake the friTata un&l the center is set, 25 to 30 minutes.

6. Let rest on top of the stove for 10 minutes before cuWng into wedges to serve.

Serves 6 to 8

Packed with classic regional casseroles, soups and stews, new twists on old favorites and desserts – Lodge Cast Iron Nation proves that cast iron isn't just for cornbread. With 200 recipes curated from Lodge's very own network of high-profile chefs and cast-iron cookware fans from around the country, this book boasts a diverse array of recipes, stories and spectacular photography. Get it at lodgemfg.com

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

Crossville Model Features American-made Flooring Honest Abe Log Homes’ new model home in Crossville, Tenn., features wide-plank, heart pine floors from Vintage Pine Flooring’s Mill House Select series. Vintage Pine Flooring owner Art Copeland said that the 26-year-old company takes pride in the intricate process used to produce its Mill House Select flooring that recreates the look of reclaimed heart pine at a fraction of the cost.

“We use a special process that eats out the softer grain in the wood, leaving a worn weathered distressed look,” Copeland “Our flooring is produced right explained. “By eating away the here in America by hard working softer grain in the wood it makes Americans This is not some cheap this flooring harder and more imported toxic floor from China.” scratch resistant. After we give – Art Copeland, Vintage Pine Floors the wood its weathered look, we then distress it by hand using various methods to create worm holes, saw marks and plugs.”

Copeland said that the distressing is random to maintain an authentic appearance.

“After the floor is distressed, it is sanded smooth with our state-of-the art Clay and Audrey West installed pine flooring in the new Crossville model sanding equipment, leaving the distressed look without rough edges,” he said. “The floor is still smooth to the touch and feels great on bare feet.”

The final step is hand rubbing the planks with a certified green hard oil finish. The Mill House Select series floor is available prefinished in clear, antique brown, tavern color and dark bourbon, which was chosen for the Crossville show house. Custom finish colors are available by special arrangement. The 6’, 7’ and 8’ planks are solid, kiln-dried, 3/4" thick tongue and groove.

“This is a select grade flooring not the # 2 utility grade that some companies try to pass off as flooring,” Copeland said. “It is mostly longleaf southern yellow new growth heart pine flooring. It was recently harvested from old growth pine plantations. The mature longleaf yellow pine is the hardest of all the American pine species.”

In addition to producing flooring, Copeland is an independent dealer of Honest Abe Log Homes in Buford, Ga. For information call Copeland at 866-203 6924 or visit www.vintagepineflooring.com.

Log Raising Sept. 20, 2014 Honest Abe Log Homes National Headquarters 9 a.m.-12 p.m. • FREE registration • Limited seating Indoor event • Free lunch • Manufacturing tour

Honest Abe Events Building 9995 Clay County Highway openings, beams, ceilings, porches, roofsMoss, TN 38575

Watch installation of floor system, walls, window/door HonestAbe.com

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

Honest Abe Home Showcased

By Homebuilder’s Association

An Honest Abe Log Home is a featured attraction in the 2014 Showcase of Newly Constructed and Remodeled Houses presented by the Home Builders Association of the Upper Cumberland on Aug. 23-24.

A serene view of Center Hill Lake from two spacious decks, rich hickory flooring and finely crafted cabinetry are testimonies to the collaborative skill and creativity of Honest Abe Log Homes and Cavender’s LLC – The Interior Company.

Built in 2004, the 2014 expansion of the John and Cynthia Fitzmartin home included the addition of 700 square feet of living space, a redesign of the façade to include twin picture windows, dramatic updates to the kitchen and bath and a custom walk-in closet.

Greg Watson of Cookeville’s Honest Abe sales office sold the original log home building system to the Fitzmartins and handled construction of the expansion.

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

The arbor-covered exercise pool is enhanced by perfect landscaping.

The bathroom features a striking combination of contrasts and textures, with a vintage-look porcelain tub, modern shower, stained glass windows and wood.

The kitchen is updated with new appliances, cabinetry and fixtures.

The dressing room/closet is all new.

The living area expansion included large windows for a full view of the lake.

For ticket information, call 931-528-7472

The recreation room with a wet bar on the lower level opens onto wide decks.

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

2014 Summer Conference

Independent Dealers Vital to Customer Satisfaction Independent dealers of Honest Abe custom manufactured log and timber frame homes from across the United States recently attended the Honest Abe Log Homes 2014 National Dealer Conference at the company’s national headquarters and manufacturing facility in Moss, Tenn.

“Independent dealers play an integral role in the stability and success of Honest Abe,” said David Everitt, Dealer Manager for Honest Abe Log Homes, a 35-year-old, family-owned company. “They provide guidance and support throughout the process of designing and building the log or timber home that the homeowner has only visualized.”

Everitt explained that each of Honest Abe’s independent dealers is assigned a geographic region of the United States for which they are granted David Everitt, left, Dealer Manager for Honest Abe Log exclusive dealership rights.

Homes, and Vice President of Sales, Jeff Clements, right, The July 17-19 National Conference offered product presented a certificate for a trip to the Bahamas to Dealer of the Year Randy Gasper of White Eagle Building Systems, updates, sales training, introduction of new dealers Borden, Ind., and his son, Samuel. and achievement recognition.

Dealer Service Awards 25 Years Reeves and Deanna Snyder Wood Hill Log Homes Mountain City, Tenn.

15 Years Ronnie and Glenna Bagwell Central Kentucky Log Homes Lebanon, Ky.

Welcomes Our New Independent Dealers

Dallas and Margaret Powers Lead Creek Log Homes Hawesville, Ky.

Log and Timber Living Point Blank, Texas

Mark and Susan Roberts

Winston and Pamela Johnson

Ray and Linda Hutchcraft Hutchcraft’s Log Homes Penrose, Co.

Highlands Log Structures Abingdon, Va.

Kerry and Deb Blevins Miller Redbud Log Homes New London, Iowa

Wayne and Cindy Parent Virginia Mountain Log Homes Roseland, Va.

Glenn and Kevin Perrin HH Log Sales Mt. Vernon, Il. 10 Years Mike K. Duncan and Joe Workman Fiddlebow Log Homes Dawson Springs , Ky.

Greg Crider Renew Services Shippensburg, Penn.

For more information on becoming an Honest Abe independent dealer in your area call

1-800-231-3695 HonestAbe.com

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

Three generations of Smith ladies – Janie, April, Lily and Lesley

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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 2014

Forever looks better from here...

www.honestabe.com

800-­231-­3695 Manufacturers of custom designed log and timber frame Forever  homes since 1979.