F9 Brands, Inc., a division of F9 Investments, LLC, announced it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Southwind Building Products, LLC division. F9 Brands, which includes a portfolio of companies in the building products, home improvement and luxury home décor industries, including Cabinets To Go, LLC, a national retailer of cabinets, countertops and accessories. F9 Brands purchased Southwind Building Products, a distributor of hard and soft surface flooring in early 2021.  

Additionally, on September 6, 2024, F9 Brands announced it had signed an agreement with LL Flooring Holdings, Inc., a national retailer of flooring products to acquire 219 of LL Flooring stores and its ongoing business operations. Tom Sullivan, owner of F9 Investments, founded Lumber Liquidators but has not been involved with that business since 2016.

Currently led by CEO Drew Hash Southwind Building Products was acquired by F9 Brands in 2021.

“We have been thrilled with the level of growth and increased operating efficiencies Southwind has shown since 2021, even in the face of a difficult flooring market. It is a testament to the strength of leadership provided by Drew and his management team," said F9 Brands CEO Jason Delves. "However, with the addition of LL Flooring to the F9 Brands retail portfolio, we believe it is time to explore the potential for other strategic options that will better align with Southwind’s long term growth opportunities.”

Southwind, founded in 1994 under the name Cherokee Carpet Industries, sells direct to retail flooring stores, providing everything from residential to Main Street commercial carpets to a full line of LVP, WPC, SPC, laminate and wood.  These products are exclusive to its extensive U.S. network of more than 4000 dealers.

Drew Hash stated, “Southwind has been a trusted supplier to its retail customer base for many years.  Our goal is simply to continue that dedication to service and quality products for our customers.”.

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