Nation's Best strikes gold in California

Call it manifest destiny?

Nation’s Best Holdings, one of the country’s fastest-growing, independent home improvement retailers, has established a presence in Central California with the addition of Calaveras Lumber and Sonora Lumber.

As part of the strategy established by Nation’s Best, Calaveras Lumber and Sonora Lumber will maintain operations under their existing names with its key leadership team overseeing company operations alongside Nation’s Best.

The acquisition also calls for Nation’s Best to provide the strategic and financial support necessary to drive optimal growth and profitability, the company said.

This move places Nation’s Best in 10 states with 35 locations operating under multiple banners. It also marks the official entry into the Golden State for Nation’s Best.

“This part of California is steeped in history—from the early days of the Gold Rush to the origins of a classic Mark Twain story,” said Chris Miller, president and CEO of Nation’s Best. “As we establish our presence in the state, it’s an appealing area to put down our roots. Calaveras Lumber and Sonora Lumber are well-run building material and hardware stores that are positioned for growth as they serve their communities.”

Second-generation family owner Mike Fullaway looks forward to staying on with Nation’s Best and working alongside his daughter Jodie Brixey.

“Our family has seen a lot of changes and growth in this business and community since my father, Wilbur Fullaway, started in 1976,” Fullaway and his wife Diane said in a statement issued by Nation’s Best. “We have valued the opportunity to serve our community, customers, and our employees.”

Fullaway also noted that “Partnering with Nation's Best is the next step in our journey. It will provide us the opportunity to grow, expand, and serve the communities and people we know and love.”

Larry Morgan, owner of Mountain State Acquisitions, was the financial advisor to Calaveras Lumber and Sonora Lumber.

The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Based in Dallas, Nation’s Best has been one of the most active dealers in the LBM and hardware retail industry when it comes to acquisitions and growth.

Last month, Nation’s Best acquired Sparr Building and Farm Supply with four locations serving the greater Orlando, Fla. market.

Earlier this year, Nation’s Best also acquired Weiss Do it Best Lumber of Perryville, Ark. and Woodland Building Center in Springville, Ariz.