Built on Heart and Hard Work: The Legacy of Eric Stoll

When Old South Wood Preserving, LLC opened their doors in October 2021, Eric Stoll and a team of just five employees were there to cut the ribbon. In only four years, the company grew into a thriving operation with more than 40 employees, a Treating Plant, Planer Mill, and a fully operational Post Mill and Kiln.

Old South Wood Preserving, LLC Ribbon Cutting | October 2021

The Early Years

Eric Stoll, our late founder, was known for his bold, all-in approach. With contagious enthusiasm, he immersed himself in the planning and early development of the land he purchased in Summertown, Tennessee. Approximately one year after construction began, our office and treating plant were up and running.

During our first few years of operations, we concentrated primarily on producing dimensional lumber and heavy timbers for the post-frame industry. At our planer mill, we handle everything from surfacing large 8x8 timbers to crafting tongue-and-groove 2x6 and 2x8 boards suitable for flooring, decking, and paneling.

After leaving the planer shed, the lumber moves to our treating plant. We have two 64-foot treating cylinders, into which trolleys carry the wood. Depending on its intended use, the lumber is treated with either MCA (Micronized Copper Azole) or CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) for above-ground or ground-contact applications.

Learn more about our pressure treating process in the video below.

The Post Mill

The addition of the Post Mill was an easy decision for Eric. Many of the customers he and our sales team had brought in were fencing companies purchasing perfect and tapered fence posts, fence boards, and pickets. Instead of continuing to outsource posts, Eric wondered, “Why not build our own post mill and produce them ourselves?” With that idea in mind, he began gathering quotes for concrete, construction, and electrical work.

The Post Mill went up just as quickly as the original Old South Wood facility, and with it came the need for more hands on deck. Today, a crew of eight keeps the post mill running, each taking on an important part of the process. They sort incoming logs, operate the mill, and stack and band the finished posts. They also load each batch into the kiln for drying, helping ensure every post is ready for our customers.

What's Next?

Shortly after the completion of the Post Mill, we lost Eric Stoll. Many wondered, “Will Old South Wood continue?” The answer is yes—because that’s exactly what Eric would have wanted. Eric truly poured his heart into this company and the team he built is dedicated to carrying his vision forward.

Though nothing could have prepared us for losing him, the seeds he planted, both in this company and in the lives he touched, will continue to grow.

We are currently in the process of building two additional lumber sheds. As our customer base grows and with the addition of the post mill, it became evident that we needed more covered space to store our products.

Eric Stoll

The Road Ahead

Old South Wood has come a long way, and our journey is far from over. With continued growth, new facilities, and a team united by a shared purpose, we’re excited for what’s ahead. Most of all, we’re committed to honoring the vision Eric set in motion—growing steadily, serving our customers well, and building a future he would be proud of.