Carl Speigel

Carl and Marie Speigel built their dream vacation home in Murphy in 1996. At that time, Carl was employed by the worlds largest aluminum company, Alcan Aluminum Co. in West Palm Beach. He was the leading sales person in the Florida market. Carl is also a former U. S. Marine, Special Agent US Secret Service.

A father of 5 and grandparent of 12, Carl retired and moved to Murphy full time in 2003. He and his wife, Marie - owner of "The Corner Candy Store" - are members of Mountain View Community Church in Murphy. Carl is a licensed general contractor in North Carolina and Georgia as well as a Real Estate Broker. Carl has built several custom homes and rental cabins. During this process Carl became associated with Tom Hurd, owner of Benchmark Construction. In 2006 Carl and Tom joined forces and now conduct business as; "Benchmark Realty & Construction" and "Benchmark Painting Services" (in association with Mike Johnson). In the fall of 2006, Carl & Tom decided there was a need for a different approach to promoting the local businesses as well as their own.

In December, 2006, The dream became reality and WNC Visitor Center was born. They moved into 36 Tennessee St. in downtown Murphy next to the historic "HENN THEATER". Extensive renovations resulted in a beautiful office complex for their companies as well as "Executive Office" space available for rent. The front area of the building is dedicated to the WNC VISITOR CENTER.

The WNC VISITORS CENTER is "your source" for information for both tourists and local residents. Gifts, local products and other services are available. Over 40 different businesses and vendors have assisted them in making their vision a reality.

Tom Hurd

Tom and Linda Hurd have been married for 25 years this August and have three boys; Kiel 22, Casey 19, and Conner 14. He was a general contractor in West Palm Beach, Florida but wanted a more serene lifestyle that was somewhere safer for his family. He relocated his family to Murphy in June 1992. He is active in his church as a member of the Board of Directors and plays drums for the Praise & Worship Team.

In March 2000 he opened Benchmark Construction. At that time he built room additions, decks and did some remodeling. In 2003 Tom did some work for Carl Speigel and a friendship was forged. Over the next few years they worked together on various projects and eventually formed a partnership using Carl's contractors license and Tom's broker-in-charge license creating Benchmark Realty & Construction. Since that time they have added Benchmark painting (with Mike Johnson), Mar-Lin Development Enterprises, & WNC VISITOR CENTER.

Tom has always been committed to living the "Golden Rule" treating customers the way he would want to be treated and giving them the best value for their dollar. Tom's motto: "At Benchmark - our name is also our goal; to be the benchmark or standard for excellence in everything we do."