Custom Projects
We recommend contacting the woodworkers below for your custom projects.
Zack Fealk - Friendo Furniture
Friendo Furniture is a woodworking practice by Zack Fealk. Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, Zack is a designer, furniture maker, and educator based out of Detroit. Zack first studied Natural Resource Management at Michigan State University, then spent his formative years in Portland, Oregon. There, he worked in trail building, learned some tool use through odd jobs, and soon found his way to home remodels. After a handful of years, he settled back in Detroit, working on historic home renovations. Through this work, Zack developed a fascination in working with wood. When trim and flooring work weren’t enough, he studied wood design and furniture making at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) in Adrian, Michigan. He was fortunate to apprentice and teach at SBWI after graduating from the program. Zack is currently the Lead Instructor of the Wood Design Program at SBWI. His practice has become an obsession with making, functionality, and collaboration.
Visit his website: https://www.friendofurniture.com/
Chase Swatzell - Heirloom Lakes Fine Woodworking
Chase is a craftsman born and raised in the heart of Michigan. At an early age, he developed a passion for working with his hands, often finding himself drawn towards his father’s shop to create the next great and unique item. In 2018, he took a break from this to pursue a career in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged from the military in 2022 and has spent the last several years pursuing his craft. In the spring of 2025, he graduated from the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, receiving a Diploma in Wood Design with a focus on furniture making. Utilizing hardwoods, he is an expert at turning your ideas into a reality that will last generations.
Visit his website: https://www.heirloomlakesfinewoodworking.com/
Joseph Ritenour - King Soloman Furniture
King Solomon Furniture was started to provide customers with quality, heirloom pieces that challenge the standard that is put forth by large corporations. Realizing the need for worth and beauty in society, King Solomon Furniture came to be. Each item starts with an idea, or inspiration from a classic design. From there it is then crafted using modern information and historical practices to be as strong as possible while keeping in mind the overall form and function of the piece. The end result is a product which will provide service and charm for generations to come.
Visit his website: kingsolomonfurniture.com
ERIC SMITH - Custom Pieces & 3-D Design
Eric Smith is a seasoned technology professional with 35 years of experience as a developer and UX designer, known for crafting intuitive digital experiences. Alongside his career, he discovered a passion for woodworking, finding solace in the timeless craft. As a veteran, he brings discipline and resilience to both his professional and artistic pursuits, standing at the intersection of technology and craftsmanship, weaving together expertise and dedication. Eric graduated from the Wood Design: Furniture Making program on June 1, 2024 and specializes in custom furniture, 3-D design and CNC woodworking. Visit his website: www.smithfurnituredesign.com to learn more. Located in Lenawee County, Michigan.
Steven Neundorf - Custom Pieces with Traditional Joinery
As far back as Steven can remember, he has always loved creating with wood. His first power tool was a scroll saw that his great-grandfather gave him, and he spent hours on it creating little wooden knick-knacks. Throughout the years he tried several different vocations across the USA, but they always circled back around to creating something with his hands.
Fine woodworking was only ever a hobby until summer of 2023 when he, his wife and four kids, moved to Adrian, Michigan, so that he could study technique and design at Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. For the next 10 months he was able to totally focus on his craft alongside some truly amazing individuals.
After completing the course, he knew he would never be satisfied doing woodworking as just a hobby ever again. So, he decided to return to his hometown of Somerset, Pennsylvania, and set up shop in the Appalachian Mountains.
Steven works in the Somerset, Pennsylvania area, but can ship products as well.
STEVEN SKORNICKA - WHAT KNOTS
Specializations: Band Saw Boxes, Jewelry Boxes, Curio Boxes, Small Furniture, Coffee Tables
Steven J Skornicka, 69, married for 50 years to his wife. He has two children Nick age 37 and Anne age 29.
Steve has worked mostly in the automotive industry for the majority of his career. He worked heavily in engineering and project/operations management. He has extensive experience with the Lean Manufacturing principle and is excited to bring those processes and ideas to the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute to help us create an orderly, organized, and well-sustained management program for shop functionality. Steve retired recently and joined the SBWI Team as our new Facilities Manager.
Steve started out as a volunteer at the shop then proceeded to take multiple classes such as the knife making course, bandsaw box class, hand plane restoration, and more!
In his free time, he loves to do woodworking at home and use the knowledge he’s gained from his career and classes at SBWI to work on his own creations. He also enjoys spending lots of time with his wife, friends, and family. If you are interested in a unique wooden box or small furniture piece like coffee table or side table, contact Steve at steve.skornicka@gmail.com.
MCCARROLL CUSTOM CUTTING BOARDS - STEVEN MCCARROLL
Specializations: End Grain Butcher Block style cutting boards, CNC creations, Laser Engraving, Chili
Steve is a woodworking hobbyist, who has always had an interest in woodworking. It wasn't until about three years ago that he truly decided to jump into the craft after serving in the US Army for the previous 24 years. Since then, he has created McCarroll Custom Cutting Boards where he enjoys designing unique patterns with a mix of domestic and exotic wood species.
He is an avid sports fan who vigorously roots for all Detroit teams and the University of Michigan. He's a glutton for punishment! He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and outings with his fellow veterans.
Steve is a member of Woodworking for Warriors and his proudest moment in the woodshop is when his WW’s peers voted him as both the Best Teacher and Most Helpful in 2021.
You can view his cutting boards at https://www.facebook.com/mccarrollcustomcuttingboards/
RANDY’S CNC CREATIONS - RANDY LIGHTHALL
Specializations: CNC Systems
Randy is a woodworking hobbyist. He has had a love of woodworking since he was first introduced to it while repairing liberty boats in the US Navy. He is kind of a jack of all trades dabbling in many types of projects.
Randy first took a CNC class at The WoodWorking Warriors program and fell in love with it. He loves the possibilities the CNC can offer. He shares his excitement and joy the CNC machine has given him by teaching others in both public CNC classes and during the Woodworking Warriors program. Randy's number 1 course objective is to excite others to explore what they can do using a CNC machine.
If you are interested in a CNC sign, please contact Randy at rdlighthall67@gmail.com
