Christy and Tom Crusenberry recently took over Rough River Metal Works from Rafeal and Tammy Tipton, along with their daughter Amanda Howard. Christy said it marks the next chapter for the business while carrying on the family legacy created by the Tiptons.
The Crusenberrys relocated the workshop to Christy’s father’s wood shop, which they call “Pop Pop’s Wood Shop.”
Christy shared that their ultimate goal is to honor the family tradition built by the Tiptons while creating a legacy of their own, hoping to pass the business down to their children one day.
The workshop’s location holds deep sentimental value, as it was previously used by Christy’s late father, Rick Castlen, who passed away in December. Christy said her father would be thrilled to know that his wood shop is being repurposed in this way.
“There was just something creative about the shop, and he was really big about seeing things repurposed,” Christy said. “It’s neat to see it being used for a new purpose, especially something family-related.”
The idea to take over Rough River Metal Works began when Christy and Tom ordered a custom piece for their son’s host family while he was playing collegiate summer league baseball. Afterward, Amanda Howard mentioned that her father was thinking about phasing out of the business.
The Crusenberrys had been looking for a side business and saw this as a unique opportunity. After praying and discussing the details with the Tiptons, they quickly made the decision to purchase Rough River Metal Works.
“We went out to dinner with Rafeal and Tammy, and by the end of the night, we had an agreement in place,” Tom said. “It all just kind of fell into place.”
The family-run business specializes in custom metalwork, primarily using bourbon barrel lids and staves, creating items such as signs and decor pieces. For now, customers can order products through their Facebook page, though a new website is set to launch soon.
“We want to stay true to what the Tiptons built, but we’re also looking forward to expanding the business,” Tom said. “We’ve rebranded with a fresh logo and have plans to reach a broader audience through our new website.”
The Crusenberrys feel a strong connection to the legacy left behind by both the Tiptons and Rick Castlen, and they’re excited to build on that foundation.
“We’re grateful to Mary, my mother, for allowing us to use the shop,” Christy said. “It feels like everything my dad prepared was exactly what we needed. I think he’d be proud of what we’re doing.”
