Carolina Blue Ridge Retreat
American-Made Pine Flooring
Honest Abe Featured in Parade of HomesDealers Meet for Summer Conference
July-August 2014
In this issue...
July-August 2014
Darlene Dawson and Steve Wallin, HA dealers in N.C., created the mountain retreat featured on p. 4.
Since 1987 Jimmy Scott has taken pride in his work at the Honest Abe manufacturing plant.
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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Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20142HonestAbe.com
Home with a View, 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.
From the President’s Desk by Josh Beasley, President, Honest Abe Log Homes
Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20143HonestAbe.com
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.
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.
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20144
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 bu i l t 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 Grandview Peaks Subdivision, 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. “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 packet and followed up with a 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.
A home with a view
A priority for the Hespes was a breathtaking view
1,600’ of living space is cozy and roomie, just right for a retreat
Richard and Linda Hespe
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20145
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 expressing their satisfaction with 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.”
A wraparound porch makes relaxing easyThe bathroom is
light and roomy
Richard loves the living room’s open design
Linda’s favorite place is the craft room
The loft bedroom offers a clear 25-mile view
View an extensive gallery of Hespe project photos, including
delivery and construction details, by visiting
Bears Den Log Homes LLC. on Facebook
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20146
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 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
Cooking with
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, leav ing a worn weathered distressed look,” Copeland explained. “By eating away the softer grain in the wood it makes this flooring harder and more scratch resistant. After we give 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 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.
“Our flooring is produced right here in America by hard working
Americans This is not some cheap imported toxic floor from China.”
– Art Copeland, Vintage Pine Floors
Clay and Audrey West installed pine flooring in the new Crossville model
Log Raising Sept. 20, 2014 Honest Abe Log Homes National Headquarters
9 a.m.-12 p.m. • FREE registration • Limited seatingIndoor event • Free lunch • Manufacturing tour
Watch installation of floor system, walls, window/door openings, beams, ceilings, porches, roofs
Honest Abe Events Building 9995 Clay County Highway
Moss, TN 38575
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20147
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.
Honest Abe Home Showcased By Homebuilder’s Association
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20148
The arbor-covered exercise pool is enhanced by perfect landscaping.
For ticket information, call 931-528-7472
The kitchen is updated with new appliances, cabinetry and fixtures.
The bathroom features a striking combination of contrasts and textures,
with a vintage-look porcelain tub, modern shower,
stained glass windows and wood.
The dressing room/closet is all new.
The living area expansion included large windows for a full view of the lake.
The recreation room with a wet bar on the lower level opens onto wide decks.
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 20149
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 exclusive dealership rights. The July 17-19 National Conference offered product updates, sales training, introduction of new dealers and achievement recognition.
David Everitt, left, Dealer Manager for Honest Abe Log Homes, and Vice President of Sales, Jeff Clements, right, presented a certificate for a trip to the Bahamas to Dealer of the Year Randy Gasper of White Eagle Building Systems, Borden, Ind., and his son, Samuel.
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.
Dallas and Margaret Powers Lead Creek Log Homes
Hawesville, Ky.
Ray and Linda Hutchcraft Hutchcraft’s Log Homes
Penrose, Co.
Kerry and Deb Blevins Miller Redbud Log Homes New London, Iowa
Glenn and Kevin Perrin HH Log Sales Mt. Vernon, Il.
10 Years Mike K. Duncan and Joe Workman
Fiddlebow Log Homes Dawson Springs , Ky.
Dealer Service Awards
Welcomes Our New Independent Dealers
Mark and Susan Roberts Log and Timber Living
Point Blank, Texas
Winston and Pamela Johnson Highlands Log Structures
Abingdon, Va.
Wayne and Cindy Parent Virginia Mountain Log Homes
Roseland, Va.
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 Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 201410
HonestAbe.com Honest Abe Living July-Aug. 201411
Gettin’ Crafty
With the Smiths
Feel free to express
your creative side by
adding to the list.
With teamwork the decorations are glued around the jars.
Janie’s jar holds a candle.
Any kind of ribbon is ok, depending on your final use.
Lily carries on the crafting tradition.
These jars work for a
variety of purposes.
It’s time to get crafty with the
Smiths! We love starting our
family craft nights off with Nick
grilling hamburgers and hot dogs,
saying a prayer together, eating
and then, of course, CRAFTING.
There’s nothing more precious
than family and the time you get
to spend with loved ones. That’s
why “Gettin’ Crafty with the
Smiths” is so near and dear to our
hearts. It’s about sharing stories,
encouraging words and spreading
the love and joy of togetherness.
We are so thrilled to be able to
share this special time with you.
Here’s what you’ll need for this fun, family-friendly project. Mason jars ribbon rocks chalkboard stickers chalk candles hot glue gun
Three generations of Smith ladies – Janie, April, Lily and Lesley
Manufacturers of custom designedlog and timber frameForever homes since 1979.
www.honestabe.com
800-231-3695
Forever looks better from here...
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