If you stopped by Southern Accents Architectural Antiques today and noticed it was closed, it’s because they were a bit preoccupied.

The Cullman-based salvage business was named the Silver Alabama Retailer of the Year Award today by the Alabama Retail Association in cooperation with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business at the Alabama Retail Day luncheon in Birmingham. Owner Garlan Gudger was on hand to accept the award with his entire team of employees. 

“Without my family and team members,” said Gudger. “Southern Accents would not be possible. We are so honored for this opportunity and for such a distinguished award.”

The business was one one of 13 retail businesses honored as Retailers of the Year. 

Started 47 years ago in Garlan Gudger Sr.’s two-car garage, the elder Gudger spent years salvaging, collecting and restoring architectural objects from buildings slated to be demolished. It didn’t take long for word to spread of this “garage collection” and the quality of antiques that were showcased.

As the interest in the industry gained momentum, he opened a small shop in north Cullman. Today, the business is one of the largest architectural salvage stores in the country. In recent months, the Southern Accents team also has been hired to design and build sets, using their architectural salvage, for CMT videos, presidential forums, music concerts, and New York Fashion Week.

The Alabama Retailer of the Year judges praised Gudger for his “team orientation” and his success in “using 21st century technology to sell 19th century material.” They also gave him high marks for his work to preserve history and invigorate his city’s downtown.

Gudger, who is currently serving his fourth term on Cullman’s City Council, was nominated for the award by fellow Cullman businessman Rob Werner, owner of Werner’s Trading Co.