About Salt of the Earth Capentry#
Salt of the Earth Carpentry is a one-man shop, born from my lifelong passion for woodworking. For years, I crafted projects in my barn for friends, church members, and family. As a semi-retired Network Storage Engineer, I spent over 20 years traveling before deciding to settle down. In 2015, I built a 24-foot by 24-foot workshop in Davilla, TX, launching Salt of the Earth Carpentry to pursue woodworking full-time.
My Journey#
In 8th grade, I discovered my love for creating things through a shop class taught by one of my most memorable teachers. His guidance taught me valuable skills, but most importantly, it sparked my passion for woodworking.
For the first 20+ years of my adult life, I pursued my love of technology, working at IBM as a CE (Computer Engineer) while going to college for a degree in Business Information Systems. Those years were filled with traveling, learning, and consulting. Eventually, I purchased a small farm in Davilla, TX, and realized I no longer wanted to travel. My interest in woodworking resurfaced as I took on more furniture and project requests. This rekindled passion led me to shift careers, focusing primarily on woodworking.
I enjoy using hand tools, hand-making joints, and flattening large tables and tops by hand. However, I recognized the need to balance traditional methods with modern woodworking techniques to manage time and cost effectively. Today, my approach depends on project timelines, budgets, and customer preferences. I’ve built a clientele that appreciates the craftsmanship of detailed work, though I also offer budget-friendly options when needed. I source exceptional wood from local sawmills whenever available, which requires additional steps and tools to prepare but enhances the quality of my pieces.
The Future#
I cherish being at home with my family—my wife and two young girls—leading them, spending time with them, and running my woodworking business. It brightens my day when my girls visit the workshop to check on “Daddy” during their homeschooling breaks. I can’t imagine raising them only on weekends while traveling for work. I feel blessed to have found this path and plan to continue woodworking as long as the Lord provides customers to serve.
What I Do#
My woodworking focuses on crafting furniture, particularly tables, desks, coffee tables, and unique items made from locally sourced wood. I also build cabinets, kitchens, bathroom cabinets, and built-ins. Occasionally, I batch-produce items like cutting boards, outdoor furniture, and raised flower beds to keep on hand. If you’re considering a custom piece, please contact me—I’d love to hear from you!
Contact Info#
The best way to contact me is by email, as I often don’t hear my phone or see calls and emails while working in the shop. If you call, please follow the prompts—I’ve set up a spam trap to manage frequent spam calls.
Reach me at:
If you’re interested in my technology work, visit my computer business at DavillaTech, where I focus on privacy, helping people escape data collection/spyware traps, and regain their digital freedom. I also occasionally fix computers. 😄