Our story begins 12 years ago when two MBA's decided to leave the rat race and head for warmer weather, clear blue water and the lifestyle that can only be found in the Florida Keys. We lived on a big, leaky pirate ship and made our way through the islands teaching scuba diving and running sailing charters. In the evenings we anchored in sheltered harbors and rowed ashore to enjoy fresh caught grouper and local beverages. On days where there were no dive students or booked cruises, we learned to handcraft bowls, plates and plaques from found wood.
Fast forward to 2005, the boat is sold and we traded the sailing life for a cabin in southern Missouri surrounded by deep woods, clear running creeks, and wide open living. We have honed those woodworking skills first practiced on long lazy afternoons on the water, and after some savvy trading (using our long dormant MBA skills) we have a fully operational woodshop and a lifetime supply of reclaimed cedar, oak and maple. We don't cut down trees. We just reclaim what the good Lord has provided during the previous wind storm.
So here we are, By Hand By Me with an understanding of the importance of a good life, friends, family, and pride of achieving. To this end, we create products that celebrate the basics of acknowledged achievement – hand made products that show the pride of ownership. We put our heart and soul into the products we create. We take great pride in having made the family heirlooms that will be passed on to future generations. Our name and reputation is on every piece.
