After working for a larger organization in town for 20 years, I made a choice to put my efforts into building my own company, Ward Design Group. Now that Ward Design Group is running well, (since 2011) I decided to move my wood-hobby into a business. Jackye, my wife says that I am preparing well for retirement, but I chuckle because that is many years away.

I spend so much time staring at a computer screen, making website and logos, that I had to do something that was not at my desk so much. I’ve wanted to get my hands dirty a bit, moving my creativeness away from the computer and into something tangible, so I chose wood working. My first wood working project was our back patio. I used some very nice hardwood for that project, including a new floor tile system, an outdoor kitchen, and beautiful steps and railings. I did much of that wood work myself. I found so much enjoyment in it that I started making gifts. I think my first wooden gift was a wide tub caddie that I made for my bride and the big garden tub we have. At that point, I was off creating things almost daily. I’ve converted our garage into a fully operational wood shop. Yes, I left room for candle making, too.