AGA Member Spotlight: Brooks Anderson, Founder of Timberhut
Founded by Brooks Anderson, TimberHut was born in response to a request from a colleague interested in adding four cabins to a vacation property in West Virginia. Once sparked, there was no doubt that they were on to something big. Prior to launching TimberHut, Anderson was president and curator of Artifact Timber Company since 2014. The business employed artisans and craftsmen who created functional art pieces and decor for home and commercial spaces.
Q: Tell us a bit more about why you started a company in the glamping industry?
Once units were delivered to West Virginia we started quickly recognizing that there was a definite market for auxiliary dwellings. It was the summer of the pandemic and people wanted to be outside but in a safe environment, so TimberHut grew rapidly to accommodate this burgeoning market. The hardest part was to determine where to look first as our designs and capabilities accommodated so many different clients from hospitality and tourism, to ski resorts, campgrounds, and event venues.
Q: Tell us a bit about where your glamping business is today? Where do you see your business in the future?
TimberHut has grown remarkably since that September in 2020. We are now delivering product across the country and have gained significant momentum with clients desiring high quality, impeccably built cabins and park models for their resorts. TimberHut is poised to make a significant impact this year, servicing a variety of glamping operations nationwide.
Q: What are you most excited about within the glamping industry moving forward?
There is so much opportunity in the industry simply because there is such a wide variety of needs. Different operators are looking for different experiences. Our process separates us from many, as we are essentially custom builders for our commercial clients, building for their property needs and their client desires. This makes each delivery a very personal endeavor for everyone involved. We are immediately scalable and can relocate operations closer to larger volume orders, mitigating transportation costs. Our team of craftsmen are truly artisans, building with relentless integrity and quality. These are the characteristics that make us different and we are proud of that.
Q: Do you have any advice for those that are just starting out?
Doing things differently is hard, it's not the norm and that slows the process. Clients look for your track record because it makes them comfortable, very few want to be the first to market or the first to give a new vendor an opportunity. We have learned that patience and perseverance are the lifeblood of any small business. Advice - be persistent and patient. But most of all, believe in what you are building. We believe in what we are building. If the product does not meet your expectations, we will buy it back. This is our promise.
