Flagstaff, AZ,September 7, 2022

Local hardware retail powerhouse HomCo Lumber and Hardware today announced that Mike Brackin, the store’s founder, and current president, has decided to retire effective September 15, 2022. Todd Callan, current COO, and the rest of the leadership team to support the store during its transition.

Mike knew from an early age that he wanted to follow the three generations before him and work in the retail lumber industry. When his father, Don Brackin, opened "Odds-N-Ends" (now HomCo Lumber and Hardware), Mike saw the possibilities for his future precisely as he had dreamed. For over 47 years, he performed every possible job in the organization—yard hand, truck driver, supervisor, store manager, day-to-day operations and CEO.

During Brackin’s tenure, he played a critical role in helping HomCo adapt to significant changes in the management and leadership of the Flagstaff retailer. He served as a champion for the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Sharon Manor, and Northern Arizona Building Association and the Exchange Club of Flagstaff. “The industry has been very good to me. I’ve tried to give back twice as much as I’ve taken out. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I’ve done for the past 47 years. I’m gonna miss it.”

“Mike Brackin is and continues to be the leader for our community,” says Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff Executive Director Mark Cox. “He belongs to a special club as an Alumni for the Boys & Girls Club. He continues to give back to the ones that gave him an opportunity as a child. The Youth at the Boys & Girls Club may never know the type of impact he has made in their lives but knowing Mike he will continue to give and give for others benefit. Like a gardener who plants a tree not only for themselves but for all to appreciate the shade years later. If we can all learn to be like Mike and be givers and ask ourselves what can I give the world to make it a better place.”

Brackin took over the day-to-day operations of HomCo in 1986. They’ve survived plenty of competition over the years including two Home Depots, and multiple lumberyards and home centers. HomCo not only survived the competition but also continued to grow and maintain its market share. When asked what he’ll miss the most Brackin says, “the people.” “These people have become friends, the people in the industry, other dealers and vendors. I’ve met some fantastic top-quality people in the industry. The team we’ve built here in town, I’ll miss them a great deal. We’ve had incredible memories over the years.”

“The decision to retire a few years earlier than planned was made when BFS (Builder’s First Source) approached me about merging and their plans to help grow HomCo. With BFS’s capital in place, the HomCo team will be able to advance their careers and grow the HomCo culture to other parts of Northern Arizona while continuing to be a dominant force in the hardware retail space.”

“Since I landed at HomCo 11 years ago, Mike has always been that solid mentor, supportive leader, and great friend,” says Donn Merrick, Contractor Sales Manager . “I always like to brag about Mike. He has always been involved with the community and continues to support different organizations. He does it because it's the right thing to do, not for the notoriety. He's never looked for recognition for his efforts. This generosity has always impressed me. I'm happy for him and Penne and appreciate being able to have worked with him and to have him as a friend!”

With Brackin retiring, Donn says, “Our customers can expect to continue to receive great customer service. That's what Mike has created, a team that delivers his philosophy of taking care of people.”

“Well, the store’s customers can expect business as usual”, says Brackin. “We are finding new niches to serve and continuing to improve the overall HomCo shopping experience. And I’m still going to be here in Flagstaff. Enjoying the extra time with my grandkids and golfing with my wife.”