by Lisa Schauer
The model lot for Great American Structures has been drawing motorists’ attention along I-70 since it opened about a year ago under the big American flag at Hancock’s Exit 3.
“People see the sign when they drive by, and call us,” said Kristen Robison, who owns the business with husband Jim, a Marine veteran and retired local police officer.
Bright steel structures, including several models of garages, are on display at the model lot, with a new farmhouse-style structure coming soon.
“We have a huge customer base,” said Robison, crediting the visibility of the model lot with an increase in local business from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. 
The company has manufacturers located across the U.S., from Colorado to Texas and Florida, across the southeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
They are licensed in all states in which they operate, where they hire local contractors to install the custom steel structures.
Sizes vary from 12’ x 12’ to 60’ x 200’ and take about four to six weeks to install. Customers can design their own structure on the website or choose from a display model.
Great American Structures was founded in 2019 by Robison’s father Ken, a union electrician from Ohio, as his retirement job. It was originally an online business, and the company grew through its website.
When Ken passed away in 2021, the Robison family decided to take over the business, and moved it to their hometown in Hancock, with son Ryan on board.
Since then, the family business has steadily grown. With high demand for steel garages, car ports, barns, and outbuildings, the horizon looks bright for Great American Structures.
Anyone interested in more information can call 301-800-2201 or go to GreatAmericanStructures.com.