DEAN AND Peggy Hanger never imagined they’d build a legacy that would stretch across counties, generations, and decades, but to no surprise, hard work, humility, and a deep love for people paved a road they could walk proudly, even 50 years later.
“I started out working with a man named William Womack when I was about 13 or 14,” Dean shared with a fond laugh. “But I never laid a piece of carpet. I was the guy toting the materials, cleaning up, and doing whatever needed done.” That willingness to do the small jobs eventually laid the foundation for something much bigger.
By age 21, Dean felt the pull toward independence. He remembers telling his former mentor, “I’m gonna get me some tools. And if you have a room or something you don’t wanna lay, I’d be glad to try.” The response wasn’t what he hoped for; his mentor was hurt and disappointed. “We kind of had to duck our heads and work very, very hard,” Dean recalled. “But we were determined. It was all ‘yes sir, no sir.’ Do what’s right with people.”
From humble beginnings, the Hangers built a flooring business that now spans multiple counties: Franklin, Lincoln, Moore, Bedford, Coffee, Grundy, and Marion. It has become a trusted name among both customers and insurance companies.
“The Lord has really been good to us,” Dean said. “Helped us when we couldn’t help ourselves. I give Him all the credit.”
Through all the early struggles, raising children, paying $135 a month in rent on a tiny old building, and barely scraping by, Peggy held the business and the family together. “She ran the store by herself for 20 or 30 years,” Dean said proudly. “Raised two kids, canned vegetables, broke beans, and did it all while helping customers.”
They had no formal business training. What they did have was a backbone of honesty, work ethic, and faith. “We were just old country people who didn’t have anything,” Dean said. “But we did what was right with people. That was enough.”
And now, the legacy lives on through their son, Henry, and their grandson, Christian. “Henry was born into this,” Dean laughed. “He was picking up nails and driving planks back from the job site before he could walk straight.” Henry has mastered the art of sanding and finishing hardwood floors and is known for his expert work with high-end shower doors.
“He’s everywhere — from Nashville to Franklin — up on that mountain,” Dean said. “You wouldn’t believe the work we do in Tracy City, Monteagle, Jasper, Kimball, and South Pittsburg… places we never dreamed we’d be. His glass business expanded far more than his expectations.”
The family’s reputation is so well- known that even insurance companies recognize the name. “I tell people, ‘I can represent you like a lawyer.’ This is my business, and I know it inside and out.”
At 72, Dean still shows up every day. “I don’t take vacations,” he said. “I’m here to help people. That’s what I’ve always done.”
For the Hanger family, success isn’t just about growing a business; it’s about growing roots. “You can either grow or sit back,” Dean said. “We chose to grow.”
And now, with three generations working side by side, it’s clear that the Hanger legacy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“We’ve come a long way from that little $135-a-month building,” Dean said quietly, “and we’ve still got more to do.” GN
