Last month, I had the chance to participate in a community tree-planting event right here in Milwaukee, and it was a truly meaningful experience. I was especially thrilled to have my three boys alongside me, shovels in hand, working together to bring new life to our neighborhood. Not only was this a chance for us to give back to our community, but it was also a powerful reminder of how essential trees are—not just for the environment but for my craft as well.

sawyer with shovel in hand — Sawyer with shovel in hand.

As someone who builds custom furniture for a living, I’m deeply connected to the materials I use. Trees, in a very literal sense, are the backbone of my business. Every time I start a new project I’m reminded of the quality and character that only real wood can bring to a piece. From the rich grain of walnut to the warm hues of cherry, each type of wood has a unique personality that enhances the furniture I create. But that’s only possible because we have healthy, thriving forests and communities that understand the value of sustainable growth.

As I dug into the soil with my boys, I thought about how these trees would benefit the entire community. They provide shade, improve air quality, and create beautiful green spaces that we can all enjoy. But they also contribute to the future of furniture making. Trees take decades to mature, which is why protecting and replenishing our forests is vital for the longevity of businesses like mine. In a way, planting trees now is an investment in both the environment and the future of handcrafted furniture.

Beyond my business, this experience was a reminder of the values I hope to pass on to my kids. By getting their hands dirty alongside me, my sons learned about patience, respect for nature, and the importance of giving back. Just as each piece of furniture I build is crafted with care, I want my boys to grow up with a respect for quality, both in what they make and in how they contribute to the world around them.

At the heart of my business is a commitment to quality and functionality, which is reflected in the materials I use. Trees, after all, are nature’s most functional design—providing shelter, supporting ecosystems, and giving us the materials to create. Whether it's a sideboard, a custom table, or a cabinet, each piece starts with the same foundation: sustainably sourced wood that brings warmth and durability to every room it enters.

While it’s easy to focus solely on finished pieces, events like this remind me that everything starts with a seed—literally and figuratively. Planting trees ensures that future generations will have access to quality materials. It’s a small but meaningful way to protect the resources that my business relies on and a way to give back to the community that supports me.

I left the event with sore muscles, a few smudges of dirt, and a renewed sense of purpose. My boys and I had done something that will have lasting effects, not just on our neighborhood but on the world of woodworking, too. And as my boys and I stood back and admired the young trees, I felt proud—not just of the work we’d done that day but of the example I’m setting. It’s my hope that they’ll carry this experience with them, whether they follow in my woodworking footsteps or simply grow to appreciate the beauty and importance of nature.

In the end, furniture making is about crafting something lasting, something with purpose. Trees share that same purpose and planting them was a way of bringing the mission of my business full circle: to create things that enrich lives, stand the test of time, and honor the resources that make it all possible. This event was more than just planting trees; it was about sowing seeds for a sustainable future—both for my community and for the craft that I love.