“We’re still here, still doing things the way we always have,” said Engquist.

Scott and Diane Engquist sold the family company that has served Harcourt and multiple surrounding communities for 135 years to Forge & Build, a regional company with 17 lumberyards in Iowa, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas.

The decision to sell the long-time family-owned company was a difficult one, according to Engquist, who began considering the company’s future a few years ago. After approaching Forge & Build, the transition moved quickly with closing documents signed in just five months.

“Someone came in and asked if they needed a new account,” said Engquist. “Nope, it’s business as usual.”

-Photo by Julie Vinsand
Scott Engquist looks at building plans he recently drew up. He will continue to offer the service as part of Forge & Build.

Despite being absorbed into a larger corporate structure, the Harcourt store will retain its local mission and employees. Engquist will continue managing personnel, commodity purchasing, estimating costs, and even drawing custom home plans.

“I just drew a new set of plans so people can really visualize what they’re getting,” Engquist said. “We listen to what customers want, take notes, and build something that fits their vision, whether that’s a garage, pole building, or house.”

Diane Engquist will also continue monitoring costs and ensuring operational consistency. They will also retain their four employees through the transition.

“We’re not going anywhere,” said Engquist. “My family has been here since the 1870s. We’re part of Harcourt.”

According to Engquist, Forge & Build specializes in construction and home improvement supplies from manufacturers like Marvin Windows, GAF, Owens Corning, Certainteed, Waypoint Cabinets and many more. It stocks materials ranging from framing lumber to plywood and hardware. The corporate backing has opened the door to broader supplier relationships and a beefed-up inventory, making the Harcourt location very attractive in today’s fluctuating market.

“Forge & Build is a good company,” Engquist said. “The young people we deal with at the corporate level are refreshing. We’ve got good people helping us, and I think keeping this business alive for another generation is important for the area.”