Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Johnson.
Hi Eric, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My introduction to carpentry and woodworking began around age fourteen, working alongside my father, Leif. He was a shop teacher during the school year and ran a construction company in the summers, and I spent every summer learning from him. Those early experiences sparked a genuine love for building and convinced me that I wanted a future in the construction field.
After high school, I attended MSU–Mankato, where I earned a degree in Construction Management and also completed a second major in Business Management. Ironically, after college I found myself working more on the business side for several companies. While those roles offered strong career paths and growth, they gradually pulled me away from the hands-on construction work I missed.
In 2020, I decided to return to my roots. I earned my contractor’s license and founded Northern Woodworks. Since then, the company has steadily grown, completing a wide range of projects — from small handyman jobs to large residential additions and remodels, including several unique and especially rewarding builds. Over the past year, we expanded again by opening a cabinet shop, allowing us to move deeper into custom woodworking and cabinet making.
Starting a business from the ground up has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly fulfilling. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey is that things have come full circle: my father now works with me, just as I once worked with him.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have definitely been struggles and lessons learned along the way. One of the biggest lessons for me has been the importance of surrounding yourself with people you can depend on — people who help you push through the challenges that come with running a small business. I’m blessed to have a family that has supported me throughout this journey. I’m also fortunate to have built a strong network of subcontractors I can rely on for larger projects, and an amazing client base, many of whom have trusted me with repeat work over the years. Their support has played a huge role in the growth and stability of Northern Woodworks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a small, family‑run business focused on delivering the same quality of work we would expect in our own homes — and standing behind that work long after the project is complete. We value long‑lasting relationships with our customers. From the very first design conversation to the final walkthrough, and even years down the road if something needs attention, we’re there. The same people who come out to look at your project are the same people who will be doing the work.
We love when a customer comes to us with a vision and we get to help bring it to life. Some of our favorite projects begin with a simple picture and an idea. From there, we get creative — transforming that inspiration into something unique and meaningful in their home. Those moments, when a client’s vision becomes reality, are what make this work so rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northernwoodworks.us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082979210477
