William Toth, 2024 graduate of the wood design program Talks about his new career as a furniture maker and woodworker.
In this inspiring testimonial, we sit down with Conner Westerby, a 2021 graduate of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute’s Wood Design program. Conner shares his journey from student to professional at Vogue Furniture in Detroit, where he now crafts high-end interiors and custom pieces for some of the industry’s most discerning clients. Discover how SBWI’s hands-on training and real-world projects prepared Conner to excel in a rapidly growing field, and learn why woodworking is an incredibly rewarding career path for anyone with a passion for creativity and craftsmanship.
Kloé Campeau (Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute Alumnus '24) discusses the relationship of AI, arts, and the future. She says there is something special about the arts and craftsmanship, and that you cannot replace a artisan creating something special for a space. She feels our field of woodworking will become even more important as other fields become more automated. Kloé describes her experience as a woman entering woodworking at SBWI, and the importance of women and diversity as it correlates to innovation and art as a representation of our society.
Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute Alumni Keighan McGoff describes the importance of women entering the skilled trades, and how a woman's life can benefit with skills both in your hands and in your head. She describes the feeling of being part of something that is welcoming and exciting, and feels the love and passion of the other people in the program. She recommends SBWI specifically, it's such a cool environment like a family place, a place that will allow you to be brave.
Carolyn Racine started a business after completing the Wood Design Program at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute.
US Army veteran Matt Boger found something he enjoys doing in the civilian world at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. He explains how students work as a team, just like in the military. He used is GI Bill benefits to attend the 40-week Wood Design college program, which he found to be a unique opportunity to be around other veterans in a learning, relaxed and acceptive atmosphere.