Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Skagen.
Hi Jason, 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?
As a child, I grew up pounding nails into boards in my father’s shop, and making small woodworking projects, like boxes and birdhouses. Eventually that turned into larger projects, including a college business venture building dorm lofts for freshmen. I studied engineering in college, and entered the world of food manufacturing. But I never stopped building. I would spend evenings in the garage, creating furniture pieces for our home, and eventually the homes of family and friends. I was getting quite busy, in fact- too busy. My work was demanding as well, and I realized it was time for a change.
After months of deliberation, I quit my job in 2013, and founded Denali Woodworks, a custom hardwood furniture company. As I transitioned into this new career phase, I kept busy with some food manufacturing consulting and even flipped a few houses.
Fast forward 8 years, and it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. I moved from the garage to a larger workshop, and ultimately to my current location, a 5000 square foot building in Hastings. My furniture is hand crafted from solid wood, and is almost entirely custom- whether for homes, corporate environments, or restaurants. I enjoy the challenges in bringing each customer’s design to life. I work with a number of interior designers, and have pieces featured in several Twin Cities showrooms. The complexity and beauty of wood has always amazed me, and I help to preserve it for generations to come. It is amazingly satisfying work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a new business is always stressful, I went from years of a guaranteed income to a career that is not very predictable at all. At first, no job was too small or too unusual for me to take on. In the early days, I also made do with a small workshop that had low ceilings- not at all ideal for assembling or moving larger pieces of furniture. It was so tempting to buy a lot more tools, but I did not have the space, and it was financially necessary to make do with what I had. I’ve gradually enhanced and added equipment through the years, which has helped me to become more efficient and to take on larger projects, such as for restaurants and businesses. Finally, establishing a customer base and local reputation was also difficult, especially being that I’m not originally from this area. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with time and a little effort on social media platforms.
We’ve been impressed with Denali Woodworks, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Denali Woodworks is a Minnesota-based company specializing in custom, handcrafted, hardwood furniture. We take pride in taking a personal design approach for each customer- whether a homeowner, interior designer, or business. We do not compromise on quality. Each project features hand-selected, sustainably sourced solid wood that is dried correctly to minimize defects. The wood is then milled, cut and finished into furniture on site. Our fine construction techniques include mortise and tenon joinery, dovetails, and high quality, durable finishing. Additionally, furniture from Denali Woodworks is designed and built with attention to the natural movement of wood, so that it lasts for many years to come. Typical projects include dining tables, bedroom sets, office furniture, shuffleboard tables, and commercial pieces. Our furniture celebrates the natural beauty of wood, and we enjoy helping to bring clients’ ideas to life.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My engineering background has helped me tremendously. While working in operations for food manufacturing companies, I was a problem solver throughout each day- whether working to enhance productivity, troubleshoot equipment failures, or design new products. I now bring this same experience to my furniture company. This aids with my furniture designs, as I can incorporate wood movement, weight distribution, and other variables that distinguish a great piece of furniture from a good one. Many furniture pieces appear quite simple in design, but good, sound joinery can be quite complex. Additionally, my engineering career has helped me to develop communication skills that enhance my relationships with clients, designers, and contractors who I work with.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.denaliwoodworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denaliwoodworks_mn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denaliwoodworks/
Image Credits: Chelsie Lopez Production (photo of me sitting on a couch )
