10/14/2026
Although I am proud, this post is not to brag. It is for the other small businesses that can relate, and for the customers that might not know any better. I am extremely passionate on this subject, but I will try to keep this short.
After this storm came through, I have had multiple customers from Jay to Fort Walton reach out to tell me that the barn we built for them was unbothered and standing strong. That is not a coincidence. Everything we build I treat as if it were my own. There is no βclose enoughβ or βthatβll workβ. I wish I could say every job goes up without a hitch, but that is not realistic in construction. We have spent countless extra hours on jobs triple checking measurements, leak checking roofs, running strings to check plumb, trimming metal to get a perfect fit, and the list goes on. Before the sun comes up I am loading up the trailers to get to the job on time. When customers call/text/email, I am the one answering the phone. When the work day is over, I write up estimates, place orders, and schedule installs/order pickups. When we get rained out during the week, I spend my weekend working to keep up. To sum it up, my life revolves around providing the absolute best product and customer service I can. The endless hours are worth it and come to light in times like this. Iβve had at least a dozen inquiries about collapsed pole barns or toppled over carports. I get zero joy in others misfortune, but do take pride in saying none of them were built by us.
As a customer, please do your research before picking a contractor. Not just for barns, but for anything (HVAC, roofs, windows, fences, landscaping, car detailing, etc). Not all businesses are the same, and although there are a lot of shady people out there these days, there are also plenty of businesses out there just like us that would love to earn your business for a fair price, and provide you with a great experience. Check reviews. Shop local. Build a relationship, not just a project.
That is the end of my rant. With all of the damage done from the storm, Markham Outdoors wishes everyone the best with repairs and clean up