Mountain Barn Builders: Building More Than Just Storage – Now Empower Certified
Stepping Up as an Empower Certified Employer
Mountain Barn Builders, based in Clarkrange and serving Fentress County and beyond, has recently become an official Empower Certified Employer through Empower Upper Cumberland’s program—a regional initiative dedicated to supporting families out of poverty by fostering employer participation. This accomplishment isn’t just a title; it reflects the company’s deepening commitment to the community, offering opportunity, stability, and real transformation.
Who Is Mountain Barn Builders?
A family-founded heritage
Since 2003, Phillip Horst has led Mountain Barn Builders, driven by the desire to build not only storage sheds—but a life that allowed meaningful time with his family. Today, three of his five children are part of the team, learning the craftsmanship and values that define the company.
Craftsmanship meets community
From portable storage sheds to cabins, garages, gazebos, and even animal shelters, their products boast quality, durability, and purpose. They’re built for real use—tiny homes, in-law quarters, workshops, hunting cabins, and more.
Rooted in service and support
Mountain Barn Builders goes beyond manufacturing—they’re generous with their time and talents. Whether sponsoring local competitions like the Popsicle Bridge Building Contest or organizing food drives, they’ve consistently shown up for their neighbors. Their brand promise says it all: “We’ll do what we say—or pay you $200.” It’s that kind of integrity that drives growth, builds trust, and cements their reputation.
What Does Empower Certification Mean?
Empower Upper Cumberland, in partnership with Workforce Connections, equips local businesses to become engines of community uplift. As a certified employer, Mountain Barn Builders now:
Pledges to hire participants engaged in Empower’s support and coaching.
Offers on-the-job mentorship and a flexible, supportive environment for families navigating transitions.
What they gain in return:
Wage reimbursement for eligible hires.
Assistance with recruitment, including access to pre-screened candidates.
Training on poverty-informed practices that improve retention and employee well-being.
Public recognition as an Empower partner—highlighting business as a force for good.
What This Means for the Community
For Mountain Barn Builders, embracing Empower Certification deepens their impact—from building tangible structures to building real lives. It means:
Creating opportunity: Empower participants get access to stable jobs, mentorship, and career potential.
Investing in people: Empower-informed training helps the company better understand the challenges team members face—strengthening morale and retention.
Leading by example: Mountain Barn Builders stands as a model for local businesses in Fentress County—from a local entrepreneur to a community champion.
This humble family business has always been about more than sheds. For Phillip, his children, and their team, it’s about building legacy, trust, and community. Now, as an Empower Certified Employer, Mountain Barn Builders elevates that vision—opening doors for families to find not just work, but a path to stability, growth, and belonging.
