Joseph A. Hardy III was an American businessman who founded 84 Lumber Company and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. He was born on January 7, 1923, and died on January 7, 2023.

The company of 84 Lumber expanded and 229 new stores were opened in the 1970s.

The business started a plan of expansion in 1984 with the goal of opening at least 30 new stores. Along with spectacular openings, shops underwent renovations and remodeling to transform them from basic lumber yards into modern, upgraded building supplies stores. The company relaxed its stringent cash-and-carry policy in 1987 as a result of the improvement plan’s success, allowing customers to use credit.

Joe Hardy Jr., the son of Joseph Hardy, rose through the ranks to become 84 Lumber’s chief operating officer but was passed over to take over the firm when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Joseph Hardy saw this as a weakness and fired his son since he would easily become exhausted and need to return home at a suitable hour to sleep.

After 34 years of leading the business, Joe Hardy turned over the reins to his daughter Maggie Hardy Magerko, subsequently known as Maggie Hardy Knox, who had been serving as Executive Vice President, in 1992. In 1997, the business opened its 400th location as part of its ongoing growth.

Joe Hardy house: Where did Joe Hardy live?

Joe Hardy previously resided on the grounds of the family-owned and developed Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.