Business Spotlight: The Barn Lot

Paid for by The Barn Lot

Since 2009, The Barn Lot has been crafting quality outdoor solutions with a personal touch, becoming a go-to destination for families and homeowners across the region, offering everything from custom carports to cozy backyard retreats.

Products for Every Need

Scott Quirk started this venture during a time of economic uncertainty. As owner of Tom Cherry Muffler, he witnessed the wholesale auto parts industry face challenges and a decline in orders. He found himself repurposing a pole barn he had built nearly a decade earlier to store inventory. Originally intended as a warehouse, the barn was transformed into a man cave since the storage space was no longer needed.

But Quirk’s knack for identifying opportunities soon turned this casual retreat into a thriving business. After spotting an ad for sheds in a regional magazine, the wheels began to turn, and he took a leap of faith and contacted the company that produced them. A few months later the first two sheds arrived at his lot, marking the official start of The Barn Lot with his father, Mike Quirk – a perhaps unwitting partner at first.

“My dad was skeptical,” Scott Quirk recalls with a smile. “He wasn’t thrilled about the idea of mowing around unsold sheds and thought I was a little nuts, but once sales picked up, he saw the potential.” Indeed, the business quickly gained momentum. Within a year The Barn Lot was selling sheds regularly, drawing customers from all over the region.

The Muncie location is on the southeast side, near Highway 67. They offer a variety of products from small, portable 8-by-8-foot sheds to deluxe 16-by-48-foot pole barns, with prices ranging from approximately $2,250 to $19,000, depending on the customer’s needs. The Barn Lot also provides carports, garages, and both lofted and non-lofted barns, all of which can be customized in various ways. Whether customers are looking for a simple she-shed or a man cave, they have many options available. They even sell playground equipment to complete backyards.

One Big Family

What makes The Barn Lot stand out is its deeply rooted connection to family. Mike played an instrumental role in the early days, helping to manage the lot and interact with customers. Today the business remains a family affair. Scott’s three daughters have all contributed at different times, with his eldest, Whitney, now working alongside him to manage day-to-day operations. Scott’s wife, Wendy, also plays an active role, stepping in to provide support whenever needed. It’s always been a family business.

“Having my wife and daughters involved makes it even more rewarding,” said Quirk. Even his future son-in-law, Logan Waters, often lends a hand.

The Barn Lot’s success allowed Scott to expand beyond its original location. At its peak, the business operated five lots across Indiana, including sites in Connersville, New Castle, Rushville and Decatur. Each location offered the same dedication to quality and customer service that had become the hallmark of the original lot. Although managing multiple locations was demanding, Scott found ways to streamline operations. Today the Muncie and New Castle locations remain in operation.

Customer Service Done Right

What distinguishes The Barn Lot from its competitors is the commitment to having dedicated staff members readily available on-site. Scott firmly believes in the value of personal interaction, and is not in favor of a system where customers are left waiting on hold or calling a number without assurance of immediate assistance. Instead, The Barn Lot is proud to maintain knowledgeable and friendly employees who are available six days a week. This proactive approach ensures that all customer inquiries can be addressed in real time, enhancing the overall experience. Whether it’s answering questions about products, providing recommendations or resolving any issues, the on-site staff is always prepared to assist, creating a welcoming environment where customers feel valued and supported.

The Barn Lot has experienced significant growth, which has led to unexpected collaborations. Scott recalls a particularly meaningful project for which his team provided sheds that were purchased and repurposed into tiny homes for homeless individuals in partnership with Bridges, now known as the Muncie Mission Hub.

“Seeing our products make a difference in people’s lives reinforced why we do what we do,” he said. “We are looking forward to working with them again soon.”

Scott says he envisions The Barn Lot as his “retirement job.” While he still puts in long hours managing both The Barn Lot and his auto repair business, he sees the shed business as a fulfilling way to stay active and engaged. As he looks back on more than 15 years of success, he remains grounded in the values that have guided him from the start: family, service, and a belief in the potential of small beginnings.