By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

In years past, folks in Alabaster were familiar with A-1 Sand and Brick. For years, the business, located on Alabama 119 south at the intersection of Fulton Springs Road was a landmark. Owned and managed by A. W. “Butch” Clark and his wife, Janice, most people in the area have done business with them sometime over the past 28 years.

In 2008, when the economy took a definite downward turn, the Clarks found they had a problem.

“All our problems took us on a route of recovery with the faith of a grain of mustard seed,” said Janice Clark. The business was rethought, remodeled and reborn.

If you have not been in the showroom of Seed Design, you are in for a real treat. Like stepping back in history, the beautiful stones, bricks, mantels and custom specialties will make you think you are in a palace.

Janice and Butch did not meet until 1990. Both had previous marriages and had sworn they would not remarry.

A Las Vegas wedding destination took care of that. Together the Clarks have two children, Donna Clark and Brandon Callahan and five grandchildren.

Recently Seed Design was the site of the wedding of Clark’s son, Brandon.

“It was just a perfect setting for a wedding”, she said.

Attending church at Amazing Grace, enjoying the grandchildren, listening to good gospel singing and working hard at their business keeps the Clarks busy.

Due to the discovery that the payroll service they used had been embezzling funds for two years (the Georgia culprit is now in prison), the Clarks were liable for taxes withheld from employees.

“Thanks to God and the IRS installment plan, Seed Design is keeping the faith and continues to climb that mountain” she said.

Whether you are planning a remodel or a new custom-built home, you need to see their unique ideas.