A Conversation with Todd Hunter of Idaho Lumber & WHJ Editor-in-Chief, Laurenz Busch
In Conversation spotlights the people shaping how the Mountain West lives, builds, and designs. Through candid conversations with creatives, craftspeople, and business owners, Western Home Journal explores how thoughtful design takes shape in real homes and real communities—providing insight into process, perspective, and the personal stories behind the work.
A CONVERSATION WITH TODD HUNTER, OWNER of IDAHO LUMBER
After many years as an executive in the mortgage industry, Todd Hunter purchased Idaho Lumber in Hailey in 2016 with his wife, Angi—without a background in hardware. Since then, the business has evolved alongside the Wood River Valley, as the Hunters strive to balance contractor-grade supply with a more community-minded approach.
Over time, Todd and Angi have completed several renovations to expand the store, which included partnering with Ace Hardware. They also own Idaho Equipment—a rental company—at a different location, and they opened Hunter’s Ace Hardware on Overland Road in Boise in January 2023. Outside of the business, Todd and Angi remain closely involved in the community that Idaho Lumber serves.
You didn’t come from the hardware world, so how did you come to own Idaho Lumber?
TH: We moved back to Idaho from Texas at the end of 2015 and bought Idaho Lumber right at the start of 2016. I grew up in Idaho and always wanted to get back. Neither Angi nor I had hardware experience—my background was in the mortgage industry—but we saw an opportunity here and went for it.
“WHETHER YOU’RE A CONTRACTOR OR IT’S YOUR FIRST TIME TAKING ON A PROJECT, WE’RE HERE TO MAKE IT EASIER. THAT’S REALLY THE CORE OF IT.”
What has changed since you took over?
TH: Quite a bit. We’ve done three or four renovations over the years, but the most recent one was the most significant. We added more than 3,500 square feet, expanded our receiving area, and reworked the sales floor, so it actually functions the way a store should. We were able to add over 300 linear feet of shelving. It allows us to bring in a lot more inventory and makes the space easier to navigate. People who’ve been coming here for years have seen that evolution firsthand.
How does Ace Hardware fit into the business?
TH: Ace is a co-op, not a franchise. They’re essentially our primary vendor—they supply most of what you see on the floor. We also partner with Boise Cascade for building materials. So, while the store is locally owned, we’re backed by strong supply relationships.
And Idaho Equipment?
TH: That’s our rental business. It was part of the company when we bought it, and a few years ago, we moved it into its own building in south Hailey. It operates separately but complements what we do here.
Who are your customers?
TH: It’s about a 50/50 split between contractors and homeowners. We like to think of ourselves as the consumer’s lumber yard. Contractors rely on us, but we’re just as focused on someone coming in for a smaller project—a fence repair, a chicken coop, or getting their yard in shape. The idea is contractor-quality materials, but with guidance for people who may not know exactly what they need yet.
“THIS TIME OF YEAR, IT’S ALL ABOUT GETTING OUTSIDE AGAIN. GARDEN MATERIALS, SOIL, MULCH, IRRIGATION SUPPLIES, LAWN EQUIPMENT—WE’VE EXPANDED THAT CATEGORY QUITE A BIT. WE TRY TO CARRY EVERYTHING A HOMEOWNER NEEDS TO GET THEIR PROPERTY READY FOR THE SEASON.”
Contractor quality for DIY projects.
TH: You got it. I want people to feel that they’ll get help. Whether you’re a contractor or it’s your first time taking on a project, we’re here to make it easier. That’s really the core of it.
What are people coming in for these days?
TH: This time of year, it’s all about getting outside again. Garden materials, soil, mulch, irrigation supplies, lawn equipment—we’ve expanded that category quite a bit. We try to carry everything a homeowner needs to get their property ready for the season.
You and Angi are deeply involved in the community. What does that look like in practice?
TH: We try to show up wherever we can. Angi serves on a couple of local boards, and I was president of the Wood River Valley Chamber of Commerce for a time. I’ve also coached football at Wood River High School for more than a decade. Beyond that, we support many local organizations—Camp Rainbow Gold, Swiftsure Ranch, The Hunger Coalition, the rodeo, youth sports, and numerous other nonprofits and community events. We also love to carry products from local vendors.
You also front a band, right?
TH: I’ve been playing music for over 30 years. I was in an original band called Spill in Dallas, Texas. We opened for Bush, the Goo Goo Dolls, and many others. These days, I’m the lead singer and songwriter for a band called the Kilgore Boys. It’s original country, and leans a little indie. We’ll play a few local events this summer like the Cowboy Ball and Riverfest. It’s a different kind of outlet, but it’s still part of being connected to the community.
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