One day, Mike O’Herron’s wife came to him saying they could use a new kitchen table and that he should make one despite only a little experience with woodworking projects. That eventually led to his now full-time business St. Joseph’s Woodworks.
O’Herron said at first he was shocked that his wife would ask him to make a table. But she simply encouraged him and said she was sure if he looked online, he could learn how to do it.
“I looked online and got some ideas, looked at some pictures, and I built this kitchen table,” he said.
Still, he didn’t think he would be making another until a friend asked for one. And persistent as ever, he ended up making that one too.
Now, a few years later, O’Herron has committed to St. Joseph’s Woodworks, which became a full-time venture in January.
Currently, all of the pieces he creates are custom order, ranging from entertainment centers to charcuterie boards, and even more unique pieces such an end table that also serves as a dog kennel.
O’Herron said he is open to any style or type of project a client would like. Right now he sees himself doing mostly farmhouse-style projects but he is eager to meet the clients’ needs if he is capable.
“I’ve been lucky. I finish a project or two, and then one or two happen to come along down the line. I have my list so definitely can’t complain,” he said.
O’Herron spends most of his time working out of his garage, but on occasion has had to work on-location.
He said he is grateful for the support he has received since he’s started 7 years ago when woodworking was just a hobby on the side.
“I love what I do and when you love what you do it makes it a lot easier. It’s easy to get up in the morning and it’s easy to work late,” O’Herron said.
He said clients are able to reach out to him on Facebook and learn about his prices from there. Right now he does not have a display or pieces ready for sale, but hopes to offer that in the future.
