Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher King.
Hi Christopher, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Woodworking has always been a part of who I am. It runs in my family, both my parents were creative. Woodworking was something I picked up from my Dad. While I was in the Air Force I would continue to dabble in making. I couldn’t afford my own tools, but the base had a Wood Hobby shop. I took full advantage. I built a crib/toddler bed for my youngest daughter utilizing the Wood Hobby Shop. Usually my unit would find out that I like woodworking and I would find myself making recognition boards for the unit where award winners’ photos would be displayed. I also did a lot of DIY projects at various places I lived. I once made a meat smoker out of a wine barrel, feeding my other hobby, barbecue.
When I retired from the Air Force and settled in San Antonio, I started collecting more tools. Adding a tool always sped up a process or smoothed out my efficiency at making. By this time my kids were grown, when the grandkids came along I found myself inspired to make for them. I made a Loft bed, coloring table, toddler sand box picnic table, baby rattles. Then I got interested in making cutting boards, but I wanted them to be unique. I started playing with different woods and stripes, edge grain, end grain, you name it. About this time charcuterie boards were the new thing, I have added them to my list of boards I make. I make them with curly handles, rectangular with metal handles and also incorporated live edge boards.
I found that while make things for my family, I started getting requests from friends and coworkers to make something for them. I had a few tell me I could stand up a business. That is what I did last year. That is when King Custom Woodworks became a thing. Working with wood is therapy for me, and ties me back to my family. I chose the name so I can continue with the products I have, but also move into furniture. I personalize my products for everyone if they wish, including Real Estate agents who want personalized closing gifts for their clients.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The learning curve was steep. Setting up a business is a big step. I researched the idea for about 9 months. Sales tax, bookkeeping, how to price products, how to take payments; all things I had to learn. Being a veteran I utilized a program through the Texas Veterans Commission to get started. That program is great and I recommend it to any veteran. I am lucky that I am working and that allows me to enjoy woodworking. I find that I am able to pick up new skills and techniques easily, it feeds my creative side. My wife has been my biggest support and she is a part of this. She believes in making quality kitchen/home decor. I couldn’t take this journey without her.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I spent 26 years in the military and have travelled to quite a few foreign places. The years I spent in Europe I really came to love and appreciate the wood furniture that I saw in the stores and at some of the unique places I visited. Wood is really beautiful in its natural state, all it needs is some finishing to bring the grain and color through. I am able to engage my customers to really drill down to what they are looking for. Colors and what woods would best fit their vision. Sometimes people are surprised that all I did was use a good finish to bring out the color and that the wood isn’t stained. I specialize in personalizing what I make for the recipient of my wood product. Everything starts with a conversation, from there I am able to focus on making something really special.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Custom made wood pieces can seem pricey, however there is a lot that goes into making something from wood. Wood is hand selected to highlight the best part of that species of wood and different woods used together in the design make it unique. Regarding cutting boards, not many realize that wood is a safer choice over plastic. A good quality cutting board will absorb bacteria and kill it, while on plastic the bacteria will live until it is washed and sanitized in the dishwasher. We are a consumer nation and there are so many talented makers out there. Skip Walmart, Target and Ikea, check out your local farmers’ markets. There is so much hidden talent in your local community.
Contact Info:
- Email: chris@kingcustomwoodworks.com
- Website: www.kingcustomwoodworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingcustomwood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingcustomwood
Image Credits
Christopher King
Monica King
