The Birth of Fireside Log Homes - by Don Mahaffey, President

In 1976, a kiln-drying and re-sawing operation was opened in Ellijay, Georgia in order to take advantage of the beautiful Eastern White Pine that grows abundantly in this mountainous region. This North Georgia mountain area is the southern tip of the White Pine Forest and due to the long growing season, rainfall and soil conditions, North Georgia produces the fastest growing White Pine in the country. The direct result of this is a beautiful white wood that is both stable and naturally insect resistant.

An adjacent property was acquired in 1978. A planer mill was constructed to produce exterior siding and paneling products for distribution throughout the Southeast. This business grew steadily for several years, but in 1982 market trends changed. Our products were going to major metro markets and this new trend promoted painted or solid color exteriors, rather than wood grain with a transparent stain façade. These changes affected wood siding businesses and it became evident that alternative products needed to be considered.

For several years, some of our customers had encouraged us to consider manufacturing log homes. They appreciated the quality of our other products and felt like we would have an equal commitment to manufacturing those products also. Upon visiting a log home built by a customer who used our products to finish it, I was smitten by the beauty of the wood and, equally turned off by the quality of the products used to construct the walls. It was like an instant revelation of opportunity. It was not long after this that a decision was made to enter this business and, from the outset, to work toward becoming a quality leader in this industry.

To accomplish this role of leadership we had to gain significant knowledge quickly, so we set about to find the most knowledgeable, committed people in our region, hence we met Ed Miller who was a log home builder in North Georgia and other areas and termed himself “the Log Man”. Ed was very instrumental in building our knowledge base quickly. He was excited about our commitment to do things really well and gave himself to the cause.

During this time we were preparing our milling capabilities, which was most critical to a quality product. We discovered the equipment we had, while being great for our current line of products, just did not have the power to produce consistent quality. So we essentially stopped the process until we could determine what we needed, acquire it and get it operational.

In the winter of ’83, while sitting in front of a massive fireplace at Cohutta Lodge on top of Fort Mountain in North Georgia, near Ellijay, a name was created: Fireside Log Homes. The idea being of a company that produced homes and products that gave as much satisfaction as the warmth of an open fire on a cold winter's night. The name is harmonious with the concept; wonderful, quality homes to reside in any season of the year.

Don Mahaffey, President
Fireside Log Homes