Joseph A. Hardy III was an American businessman who founded 84 Lumber Company and the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
84 Lumber expanded its business and opened 229 stores during the 1970s. In 1984, the company announced a plan to open at least 30 new stores.
In addition to grand openings, stores were remodeled and renovated, transitioning from no-frills lumber yards to new and improved building materials stores. As the improvement plan proved successful, the company relaxed its strict cash-and-carry policy in 1987, allowing customers to use credit.
Joseph Hardy’s son, Joe Jr., rose through the ranks to become Chief Operating Officer at 84 Lumber, but he was passed over as the company’s successor after contracting multiple sclerosis. He was easily tired and needed to go home at a reasonable time to sleep; Joseph Hardy saw this as a flaw and fired his son.
Joe Hardy handed over daily responsibility of 84 Lumber to his daughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko (later Maggie Hardy Knox), who had served as Executive Vice President, in 1992, after 34 years of running the company. The company continued to grow, with the 400th store opening in 1997.
Who will inherit Joe Hardy’s money and estate?
His daughter, Maggie Hardy Magerko, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of 84 Lumber will reportedly inherit the majority of Joe Hardy’s estate.
The rest of Joe Hardy’s 7 children will have to inherit the remaining estate and company shares.
