Entire Story

The Entire Story of Holcomb Portable Buildings

From Humble Beginnings to a Mississippi Legacy

Originally founded by Bob Mims

Holcomb Portable Buildings has deep Mississippi roots. The business was born out of necessity, driven by craftsmanship, and shaped by innovation—years before trends like Tiny Homes became mainstream.

The Early Days (1994–1996): Greenwood to Grenada

The story began in 1994 when Bob Mims launched a small shed business in Greenwood, Mississippi, under the name Dandy Storage Buildings. The first location was on Carrollton Avenue, directly across from Lusco’s restaurant. As the business began to grow, it relocated to a lot next to the Dairy Queen across from Greenwood High School.

In 1995, the Mims family moved to Sonnadale Farm so the kids could attend school in Grenada. The business followed, operating from a small lot beside the old Poncho’s restaurant for about 1.5 to 2 years. Eventually, it expanded to a larger location next to the former Bumpers, now home to Pizza Inn.

Setting Roots in Holcomb (1997–1999)

The next major move came in August 1997 when the operation relocated to the Holcomb Feed Barn across from Dollar General. Around this time, the business began using the name Holcomb Portable Buildings. That same year, Bob purchased two acres of land from Mr. Kirk McKee on Highway 7 South.

By spring of 1998, he had cleared and developed the lot at 7991 Highway 7 South—still the company’s home today. He hauled off junk, filled a 10-foot trench, built a new workshop and office, all while continuing to run feed and building sales six days a week. The first dedicated office was completed in the fall of 1998, giving Holcomb Portable Buildings permanent headquarters.

Ahead of the Curve: Innovating the Shed Industry

Even in those early years, Bob was ahead of the game. Long before Tiny Homes were a national trend, he was designing and finishing buildings with rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens—used as cabins, hunting camps, or temporary living spaces during home construction.

He also pioneered double-wide portable structures—delivered in two parts and joined on-site—and developed early concepts for tiny homes on trailers, well before the market caught on.

Bob’s background in home and restaurant construction fueled constant innovation. He introduced lofted sheds and unique custom layouts before anyone else in the area. When national shed companies focused on small, simple units, Bob pivoted toward larger, custom-built options that set Holcomb apart.

Building the Business

In 1999, Bob transitioned from wooden to metal buildings and began advertising in The Tradewinds, gaining significant visibility. That same summer, Debbie Knight was hired to manage the office and sales. With Debbie serving customers and Bob continuing to build, the business steadily grew for the next 25 years.

A New Era (2021–Present)

In October 2021, Bob Mims sold the business to Jay and Jenny Schmitz.

Thoughts from Mr. Bob Mims:

“Knowing I needed to sell because of medical problems and family, I wanted someone that would continue to grow and expand the business. Knowing Jay and Jenny Schmitz, their upbringing, and knowing their parents and grandparents, I knew that they would continue the business with the same values of craftsmanship, honesty, and service to the community.”

Holcomb Portable Buildings continues to thrive, offering Mississippi families high-quality, customized portable structures backed by decades of experience and innovation.

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