EVANSTON — For several years, Brent Martin’s Old Hickory Sheds dealership has been operating in Evanston. Starting this month, Martin’s business will not only be dealing in sheds but will also include manufacturing them.

Old Hickory originated in Tennessee in 1997 and began to move west six years ago. Martin’s local store has been selling sheds manufactured at a site in Jerome, Idaho, and brought to Evanston by specialty trucks designed specifically for transporting the sheds. 

Martin and Old Hickory Vice-President of Production Mike Major said the timing is right to begin manufacturing here in Evanston to provide sheds to stores all over southwest Wyoming and the surrounding area. 

Martin will own and operate both the store and the production property in Evanston. Major said Old Hickory is not a franchise operation, but instead is a group of independent businesses working together to take care of one customer. Everything from the stores to the production operations to the trucks the sheds are transported on is individually owned by business partners themselves. 

Since it’s not a franchise operation, Martin will have freedom to make business decisions and choose the direction for the local business. 

Major said, “Our whole attitude is that local people best know their customers. Brent knows best what people in this area need and want.” 

Martin and Major are both obviously excited about the potential for the business in Evanston and with the Old Hickory sheds themselves. 

Martin said, “I’ve sold these for almost every purpose you can think of . . . I can tell you I sold my first one in Evanston on March 13, 2013.” Major said it’s not at all uncommon for dealers to remember the date of their first sale. “We have a pretty exciting business model,” said Major. 

Old Hickory markets multiple versions of three different shed styles. Purchasers are able to customize sheds by choosing size, flooring and roofing options, siding, color and other options, like doors, windows, shelving, benches and porches, as well as increased snow loads for the Wyoming winters. 

Major said, “Ninety-five percent of the time we can build exactly what they want.” 

Martin shared multiple stories of different uses people have come up with for the sheds, and said 30 percent of his customers are women looking for spaces for assorted projects. “What happens is a wife buys one and the husband tends to get irritated. Then a few days later he’s back buying one for himself. It’s amazing how many his and hers sheds are out there.” 

The new manufacturing operation will be located in the Jamison Industrial Park south of town and will at first have a skeleton crew to get things up and going. Soon, however, Martin will be looking to find more partner drivers to transport the sheds, as well as builders.  

Martin and Major said there is potential for growth in the area and for meeting the needs of the community.

“We’re just excited to be here,” said Major.