Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim & Jenny Hinojosa.
Hi Jim & Jenny, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story really began during COVID, when both of us were laid off from the oil and gas industry. Like many others during that time, we were facing a lot of uncertainty and just trying to figure out how we were going to provide for our family.
That’s when Jim fell back on what he knew—carpentry. It’s something he learned growing up from his grandfather and his father, and in that season, those skills became more than just something he knew how to do… they became a way forward for us.
We started small, building one piece at a time out of our three-car garage. We would sell a piece, and that money would go right back into materials for the next one. At the time, it wasn’t about building a business—it was about making ends meet and trusting that God would provide.
Little by little, that’s exactly what happened. We kept going, kept building, and kept learning along the way. There were times we took on projects that stretched us, especially without the manpower, but we believed in the work and made sure we delivered.
Over time, what started out of a difficult situation turned into something much bigger than we expected. JH Custom Woodworks was built from that season—through hard work, faith, and a lot of determination.
We’re still working out of that same garage today, still growing, and still building with the same purpose we started with—providing for our family and creating something meaningful with our hands.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for us.
We started this during COVID after both of us were laid off from the oil and gas industry, so from the beginning, there was a lot of uncertainty. We weren’t building a business with extra resources—we were trying to provide for our family and make something work with what we had.
One of our biggest challenges has been starting from the ground up with very limited tools, space, and finances. We work out of our three-car garage, and even today, space is still a challenge. As we’ve grown, so has the need for more room, better equipment, and additional help.
Another challenge has been taking on larger projects without always having the manpower behind us. There have been times we’ve stepped into jobs that stretched us, but we trusted our skills and committed to delivering, no matter what it took.
There’s also been a lot of learning along the way. We didn’t have everything figured out in the beginning—we’ve had to grow through experience, problem-solve, and adapt with each project.
Through all of it, our faith has carried us. It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped who we are and how we work today. It’s made us stronger, more resourceful, and more confident in what we do.
As you know, we’re big fans of JH Custom Woodworks. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
JH Custom Woodworks is a family-owned business built from the ground up by us, Jim and Jenny. What started during a difficult time has grown into something meaningful, rooted in hard work, faith, and craftsmanship.
We specialize in custom woodworking—everything from cabinetry and built-ins to one-of-a-kind pieces designed to fit each client’s space and vision. No two projects are the same, and that’s something we take pride in. We’re not a mass-production shop; every piece is built with intention, detail, and care.
What really sets us apart is how hands-on we are in every part of the process. From the first conversation to the final install, we’re involved every step of the way. Jim brings years of experience and skill passed down from his grandfather and father, and together we make sure every project reflects both quality and purpose.
We’re known for taking on projects that push us—sometimes even ones that stretch our capacity—and still delivering. We don’t cut corners, and we stand behind our work. Our goal is always to create something that not only looks beautiful but lasts.
Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is that everything we’ve built has come from the ground up. From working out of our three-car garage to growing through word of mouth and trust, JH Custom Woodworks represents perseverance, growth, and doing things the right way.
What we want people to know is simple—we care about what we build, we care about the people we build it for, and we’re just getting started.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
We don’t consider ourselves people who take unnecessary or reckless risks, but we do believe in taking intentional, well-thought-out risks when there’s growth or opportunity on the other side.
For us, risk-taking is about being prepared—understanding what’s at stake, trusting our abilities, and moving forward with confidence.
In our business, the risks we take aren’t financial or careless. They’re more about stepping into bigger opportunities—like taking on a large project even when we don’t always have the full manpower behind us. Those situations require strong planning, a lot of hard work, and confidence in what we do. And every time, we’ve found a way to deliver.
We’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. So while we’re not impulsive, we’re also not afraid to step up when something pushes us to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jhcustomwoodworks.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeInTexasWoodworks/
