The Ever-Mighty Mack Beers called Tuesday’s meeting to order from the merry wilds of Southern California and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jenn Casey offered thoughts of gratitude & reflection by reflecting on us and our role as Rotarians, following a highly emotional and life-changing Rotary Charities grant review.
Art Bukowski set out a call for Bulletin writers as some of our ranks have taken on other pursuits.
Kurt Rivard spoke to the import of supporting the National Rotary funds for World Community Service as these dollars come back and are greatly leveraged. Al Bonney added his imprimatur also. Every Rotarian, Every Year.
That led to Steve Wade’s introduction of Rob Evina and the week’s program of entrepreneurship as experienced with Woodland Creek Furniture. Evina is the CEO of Woodland Creek is a local manufacturer and retailer of original, fine furniture; begun 21 years ago by he and his wife. Through perseverance and a hard work ethic, they have built Woodland Creek into a premiere furniture maker of international note; last year shipping over 25,000 pieces of their furniture.
From a tragic family situation, Evina faltered with mistakes and mis-starts until he and his wife came upon an idea for a business that would ultimately grow into Woodland Creek and a highly successful business that embodied the entrepreneurial spirit and their drive to be a profitable and productive business it is today. Now they employ 60 people year-round and up to 80 through their busy season.
Woodland Creek started with an idea to make unique rustic furniture from exotic woods. During the summer of 1997 Evina traveled extensively through remote villages in Russia, Ukrainia, Romania, and Hungary. During his travels he came across beautiful exotic woods. Having watched his uncles in Alaska craft log homes and rustic furniture, he knew the exotic woods would make some very interesting rustic furniture.
Woodland Creek now imports reclaimed wood from Eastern Europe, Mexico, Indonesia, China, California, Utah, and Colorado. Combing wood from Eastern Europe with a wood from California or Michigan, you have a look unlike any other and rustic furniture like any other. Their furniture designs have evolved over time. The line between rustic furniture and contemporary furniture is being blurred. Even those who like contemporary furniture appreciate the organic feel of real wood.
Woodland Creek is very fortunate to have some of the best rustic furniture crafters in the country designing and building custom rustic furniture. Many have won awards. Some started with no skills as general laborers and because of their natural talents have evolved into incredible rustic furniture artisans. In addition to the rustic furniture builders, Woodland Creek also has its own woodcarver and metal artisan. Additionally, there are many artisans who assist in the design and execution from across the country keeping other cottage businesses successfully employed.
In a bit of a twist, Woodland Creek is not nearly as well known locally as they are nationally where their reputation was strongly developed. Take the opportunity to check out their designs and what they have to offer online: https://woodlandcreekfurniture.com. You can also check out their physical locations as well. It’s a great entrepreneurial story that bodes for continued success going forward.