Our Story

Our log home story begins many generations ago with the Frazee family in Western Maryland and West Virginia. This family has cultivated and managed their forest lands for continuous productive and multipurpose use. The sawmill operations have grown and expanded with the latest in technology - both in forest management practices and in actual wood utilization techniques using nature's renewable natural resource, "WOOD."

In 1979, specialized machinery was added to the milling operations in Bartow, West Virginia, for the production of solid wood tongue-and-groove wall components. By exclusive arrangement, Mountaineer Log & Siding Company designs, markets, and sells wood products as a complete log home package.

Over 1,500 homes have been produced by Mountaineer Log & Siding Company since the first home was manufactured and built adjacent to the mill operation. Continual improvements ensure the comfort, durability, and economies of log home living. The company is a member of the Log Homes Council of the National Association of Home Builders. Quality is assured by strict adherence to Timber Products Inspection, Inc. (TPI) grading standards. TPI has established guidelines for wood properties such as knots, grain, and taper. These properties correlate with the allowable loads for structural materials.

Meet the Founder

Karen Myers is a member of the founding Frazee family and the founder of Mountaineer Log & Siding in 1979. One of the original pioneers of the Deep Creek Real Estate Industry, and Member of the Maryland Business Hall of Fame, Karen continues to serve her clients today with Taylor-Made Vacation & Sales. After retiring her ownership of Mountaineer in 2026, Karen remains a part of the Mountaineer family and a valuable mentor to our Team and across the industry.

Karen Myers

Founder= Mountaineer Log & Siding

Our mission

We're on a mission to improve the process for new custom home residential construction. We strive to create a smooth, detailed plan to get our customers from the trees to the keys as enjoyable as possible. We believe that honesty and solid communication are the foundation of building a successful client relationship and achieving the goal of a rewarding construction project.

Our vision

We want to live in a world where the building process is fun and our customers become our biggest advocates. That's why we take a lot of time and care in getting to know our clients from the moment they reach out to us and ask for our help. We want to build your vision from the ground up as a team.

Our team

Our strength lies in our individuality. The team strives to bring in the best talent in various fields, from concept design ,construction documents, real estate services and new residential construction .

Randy Ruhl

Owner/ Custom Home Designer

Randy grew up as a kid working at Deep Creek Lake and In 2000 he began selling Real Estate in the area. In 2001 Randy teamed up with Mountaineer adding Log Home Sales to his services. Launching Ruhl Design Studios in 2015, Randy is dedicated to helping his clients navigate the steps to bringing their vision of a custom dream home to reality. Services include Concept Design, Blueprints, Land Acquisition, Builder Interviews, Zoning / Variance information and overseeing material deliveries for Final Construction. Randy and his wife Jaynea acquired ownership of Mountaineer in 2026 and look forward to continuing on the historic tradition of Mountaineer homes.

301-338-3300

mountaineercustomhomes@gmail.com

Jack Barnhart

Sales and Concept Design

The best advertisement for our product is a happy and satisfied customer. That's Jack. He and his wife Joan built a Mountaineer home as a vacation home, then converted it to their full-time residence. Jack joined Mountaineer in 2003 and has applied his knowledge and expertise of owning his own business in past years to become a successful member of the Mountaineer sales team. Using his tremendous organizational skills and knowledge of log homes, he shares these lessons with his customers on a daily basis.

443-695-4879

outdoorsportsman@msn.com

Jaynea Ruhl

Vice President/ CFO

Growning up in Western Maryland, Jaynea brings over 23 years of supply chain management and finance experience to the team. Her focus is on assisting material acquisition, supplier procurement and financial management for Mountaineer Custom Homes. Her understanding of the flow of materials and scheduling management make her a valuable asset to the Team.

jayneamch@gmail.com

Larry Tichnell

Sales Representative
Phone: 301-334-9763

If you have heard of consultative sales, that's the natural approach of Larry. He uses his skills developed over many years to gently help his customers arrive at the design and style that fits their lifestyle. Larry and his Son also operate Tichnell & Son Farm and Construction. His spare time is spent hunting, farming and with his wife Janet, enjoying their many grandchildren.