Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Graber.
Hi Tim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was extremely fortunate to be born into a family of artisans. My father was a very brilliant furniture maker while my mother was a talented free-hand artist. This coupling worked well together as my father would build furniture that my mother in return would paint and sell in local markets and at her art studio. Without a doubt, these two loving parents established an environment that was full of creativity, engineering, and a business mindset. As I moved into my teens seeking additional knowledge, I started studying design concepts and developing my own artisan skills. At this point, however, an opportunity that one should not pass up presented itself in the corporate world. Fortunately, I was able to continue developing my business and leadership skills but had to set aside building furniture.
It took a long time for me to realize that I was not necessarily unhappy with my career path but something major was missing. One day after a full dose of burnout I literally said, “enough is enough.” This resulted in me immediately quitting my corporate job and doing some very deep soul-searching. I quickly found myself standing in my dad’s shop, holding a cherry wood board and a chisel in my hands. After about a year, I felt fully confident that all the skills and knowledge that I had developed when I was younger came back to me. But what was even more fascinating was I had grown into my own self with an extreme appreciation for joint work and the craftsman style of the 1900s. From that point, Graber Joinery was started and I have never been so appreciative and happy in my life. It is like a childhood dream being fulfilled each day I step into the shop.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road started out smoothly, developing into a very bumpy road and sometimes a road with no direction. However, today my passion and love for my job is extremely smooth. That doesn’t mean business issues don’t arise daily, but that is normal in business. One just must overcome each challenge and keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specifically focus on craftsmanship that incorporates 1900s style of furniture making. For example, this means the joints are mortise and tenon or dovetails to name a few. These can be described as joinery that interlocks into itself creating an extremely strong bond. This type of craftsmanship is similar to what antiques of days of old are made of. Also, I have the ability to reclaim trees and mill (saw) the trees into boards and slabs. This allows for exposure of and the ability to select from some of nature’s most beautiful of creations. With both of these functions, I can truly capture a vision and create a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that can become an heirloom piece lasting a lifetime.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have learned so much from others and through books. Any book is a great reference point. Some of my favorite books associated with woodworking are:
1. Wood Handbook – Wood as an Engineering Material, United States Department of Agriculture.
2. Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish Bob Flexner
3.) The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworkers Reflections A Master Woodworker’s Reflections George Nakashima
4.) Furniture Design Smardzewski, Jerzy
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.graberjoinery.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/graber_joinery/
