Our History
The foundation was solid from the start. What began as a simple idea became something that would endure for generations.
Post-World War II
A chance meeting sparks a family legacy
After returning from WWII, Mike Hood’s grandfather drove from Iowa to Texas at the suggestion of an Army buddy. There, he met the woman who would become his wife. Their plans to move north shifted when the journey stopped in St. Louis — and a business was born.
Late 1940’s
Ruins of America opens in St. Louis
The family established a junkyard called Ruins of America. An old car perched high above the yard drew customers from miles around and helped build early success.
1950’s
From surplus to tools
Mike’s father, wounded in the Korean War, joined the business. The company began selling Army surplus goods, eventually expanding into automotive tools.
1960s–1970s
The transition to building supplies
A single sales call changed everything when the family began selling masonite paneling. As paneling surged in popularity, the business shifted toward discounted surplus building materials, laying the foundation for a new direction.
1970s–1980s
Hood’s Discount Home Center is born
The store evolved into Hood’s Discount Home Center, offering deeply discounted building supplies. Over time, custom cabinets and kitchen design services were added, signaling a move beyond surplus-only offerings.
Late 1980’s
Discovering the Gulf Coast
While honeymooning along the Gulf Coast, Mike fell in love with the area — particularly after traveling by ferry from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan. The family later purchased waterfront property in Josephine, Alabama.
1990
Expansion to Foley, Alabama
Chris Hood relocated to Foley seeking a change from corporate life. Hood’s opened in the former Foley Tractor building on Highway 59, initially selling salvage materials like tile, paneling, and countertops.
2000’s
A family business across generations
Mike and his wife Phyllis raised three children — Michael John, Meredith, and Anna — all of whom became involved in the business. Michael John took leadership of the St. Louis stores, while Meredith and Anna helped guide Gulf Coast operations.
2010’s
Design-driven retail takes center stage
Hood’s introduced in-house CAD design services for kitchens, doors, countertops, and flooring. Partnerships with contractors strengthened Hood’s role as a full-service home solutions provider.
2010’s
An eclectic identity emerges
From fiberglass giraffes to concrete elephants in crimson sweaters, Hood’s embraced curiosity-driven retail. The iconic yard statues became local landmarks — and helped put all three Hood children through college.
2020-2021
Pandemic-driven growth
As an essential business, Hood’s remained open during the pandemic. Increased interest in home improvement doubled business, especially in flooring, cabinets, doors, countertops, and hardscape.
Today
Nine locations. One family. Endless curiosity.
Hood’s Home Center now operates nine family-owned locations across Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi. With expanded buildings, furniture lines, home décor, and design services, Hood’s continues to evolve while staying true to its eclectic roots.
Help shape the next chapter of our legacy
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Nearly 80 years furnishing our neighbors homes
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