Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Barney.
Hi Jacob, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Woodworking has been a part of my life since I was little. My dad was a carpenter and from when I was as young as I can remember I was following him around job sites helping in anyway I could. I spent my summers in High School and College working alongside him learning as much as I could. What started as a few “Honey Do” projects when my wife and I bought our first home quickly turned into selling and shipping small craft type items and shelving all over the country. My desire to always be learning and improving pushed the projects to be larger and larger, to the point they could no longer be built in a single stall garage. In 2016 we went on a search for a small shop space that could house my hobby.
Once we found a space near our home we started formalizing a business plan which quickly evolved into being not only just a shop space but creating a hardwood retail storefront as well. This new space has allowed us to build bigger and more complex pieces than ever imagined. We have also built some incredible relationships with our clients and customers over the last several years. From custom designed 20′ long conference tables to purchasing wood filled shipping containers directly from Costa Rica, the new adventures never seem to slow.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Small business are constantly hitting bumps in the road. We had problems with wood finish products that required us to refinish tables that had been completed a year prior and we are currently battling never before seen hardwood prices that are making it extremely difficult to be competitive just to name a few. Small business isn’t about avoiding the bumps, it’s about finding a way to quickly and efficiently get through them.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Timber & Ash Designs is a two fold business. Our roots are in creating heirloom quality furniture that is designed and built for you. Each piece is handmade to order with the customer’s input and specifications. The second side is supporting our other local woodworkers by supplying hardwood, live edge slabs and finish products for all the projects that they are working on. Nothing makes me happier than seeing how excited a customer gets when they see their vision come to life in their new piece we’ve helped them create. Deep down, this is what makes all of the ups and downs of small businesses worth it.
Over the years we have created some very large conference tables, which we are certainly proud of and love sharing. But, the ability to give back to some of the local organizations might be the most satisfying accomplishment. Generally, we donate 2-3 tables per year along with various smaller items to silent auctions for fund raisers.
Being a realist I know nothing is ever perfect. Life happens and maybe that table you purchased from us a year ago gets scratched or maybe the humidity in your home fluctuates and caused your table to twist some. We will always stand behind our products and help remedy any problems that arise regardless of the cause. Whether you are looking for a table, bench, shelving, mantels or any other wood product we are here to help you bring your vision to life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a funny concept. When people are up the phrase “Luck has nothing to do with it” comes to mind. When people are down, it’s always because of bad luck. I would attribute success more to learning from failures rather than simply having good luck.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.timberandashdesigns.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/timberandashdesigns
- Facebook: facebook.com/timberandashdesigns
