Wood from the Hood

What inspired you to start your business or create your product(s)?

We saw a need to do something with all the downed urban tree wood waste and decided to start making usable hardwood lumber from the main trunk of a fallen tree in 2008 and our business grew from there. Not only do we build commercial custom projects made from our reclaimed lumber, we also have a wooden home goods product line, a wood furniture line and a lumber store that sells everything.

What’s the meaning behind your brand name?

Wood From The Hood was born with a simple idea: Reclaim discarded trees from local neighborhoods to create beautiful, high-quality hardwoods. In our Minneapolis-based shop we do just that, Reclaiming Wood from Your Neighborhood. Using materials produced locally from your own neighborhood not only helps your existing community but is sustainable and good for the environment.

What’s one product you’re most proud of and why?

All our products support our brand as they are all made from reclaimed local trees that have come down due to disease, construction or storm damage. I’m very fond of our growth charts not only are they beautiful and store memories, it’s fun to see the little kids step up and want to watch themselves grow.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome as a small business owner?

We do not do tree removal or hauling we work with local arborists to save trees from the landfill. It has taken us years to build a sustainable partnership with our local tree services. Good partners are everything in building a business.

What do you love most about being part of the Minnesota maker community?

Being part of a local community of small business owners is a great way to network and share of knowledge. A wonderful way to support each other.

Where can people find your products?

We have a Lumber Store in Minneapolis (2616 Minnehaha Ave Mpls, MN 55406. Open Wednesday – Friday 10-6pm and Saturdays 9-4pm) where we sell all our products as well as dimensional lumber, mini slabs, furniture and an assortment of woodworking needs. We also have an online WooCommerce site at www.woodfromthehood.com where you can shop, learn about custom projects and follow us.

What’s one tool or item in your studio you can’t live without?

We could not live without our Wood-Mizer LT70 sawmill.

Anything exciting coming up for your brand?

We introduce new products in our Lumber Store regularly so stop in and see us or sign up on our mailing list to hear what’s happening: https://woodfromthehood.com/signupmaillist/

How can people support you beyond buying your products?

Follow us on social media, share our story, leave a review. It’s wonderful when people tell others about our us. Clients are the best!