Norman Zook and his family have built a life centered around faith, community, and hard work. With eight children and ten grandchildren, Norman and his wife have been together for 33 years, navigating life’s journey from Pennsylvania to Kentucky and now to Meadows of Dan. Their story is one of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to providing for both their family and the local community.
Norman and his wife, Mary, come from Amish families with deep roots in their faith and way of life. Their ancestors were among the original Anabaptists who came to America in the 1700s from Switzerland, seeking religious freedom. For generations, the Amish have upheld their values of simplicity, faith, and community, and the Zook family is no exception.
Originally from Pennsylvania, the Zooks moved to Mason County, Kentucky, in 2005, where they worked in the lumber industry. In 2023, the Zooks relocated to Meadows of Dan with their Amish community from Kentucky. Today, they are practicing members of the Amish circle in their new home, where 13 Amish families have established a close-knit community.
When the Zooks moved to Meadows of Dan, they quickly recognized a need for a hardware and general store in the area. They planned to open their business within six months of arriving, working tirelessly to turn their vision into reality. In January, they purchased a store that had once been the Meadows of Dan Farm Service, a farm equipment dealership. After holding an auction in May to clear out old inventory, the entire family pitched in to prepare the store for its grand opening in August.
Their hard work paid off, and Frontier Farm & Home Center has steadily grown thanks to overwhelming support from the local community. Customers come not only from Meadows of Dan but also from surrounding areas like Stewart and Patrick Springs, as well as travelers passing through on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Zooks have created a full-line hardware and general store that caters to both specialty and local needs. They source their hardware supplies from a West Virginia-based supplier and work closely with local building contractors. In addition to traditional hardware items, their store features locally sourced products, including meats, honey, and storage buildings manufactured in Virginia. They also sell playsets, appealing to families in the area.
Norman and his family take pride in continuously expanding their inventory based on customer requests. They aim to provide high-quality products that meet their community’s practical and everyday needs.
The Zook family’s dedication to their store is a testament to their strong work ethic and commitment to family values. The whole family helped prepare the store for opening, and two of their youngest children, Lorene (18) and Marlene (13), currently work there. Their oldest daughter, Barbara, now 32, lives in Kentucky with her own family, contributing to Norman’s growing number of grandchildren.
Despite their strong ties to Kentucky, the entire Zook family in Meadows of Dan is deeply invested in their new home. They are grateful for the support from the local community and are committed to remaining in the area for the long term.
“We have been very thankful and blessed by the local Meadows of Dan Community and their acceptance, helpfulness, and support with our move here and the opening of our business,” Norman expressed. “It seems like almost every day, customers tell us, ‘Wow! Now we don’t need to spend half the day running after supplies!’ We also get a lot of requests for bulk food and deli items. Who knows what’s next? All honor and glory to God for blessing us and the local community for its support.”
Norman and his family’s journey has been guided by faith and a dedication to hard work. Their move to Meadows of Dan was not just about relocating—it was about building a future in a place where they could contribute and thrive. Their store stands as a testament to the power of community support and the enduring values of the Amish way of life.
As their business grows, the Zooks remain focused on serving their customers and adapting to their needs. They are happy with their current position and always look for ways to improve and expand their offerings.
With their deep roots in the Amish tradition and commitment to their new home, Norman Zook and his family have found a place to continue their way of life, support their community, and ensure a bright future for future generations.