Today we’d like to introduce you to Duke Rishell.
Hi Duke, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I received my first power tool when I was about 9 or 10. My parents bought an old jigsaw at an auction but it didn’t have a bottom plate. So basically a motor and a blade..for a 10 year old! I built the bottom of a rocking chair but there wasn’t enough scrap lumber from our home remodel to finish the chair. My father who was no carpenter decided to remodel our huge double house from top to bottom. I was his right hand man and I learned a lot. All thru my live I was involved in construction and remodeling but never professionally. I remodeled our first house from top to bottom over a 5 year period. I flipped about 15 houses in my life as well as renovations to every house we ever owned. During my life I always had some kind of shop but never the time to enjoy it. I turned 57 and decided I would build a new building and have the shop I always wanted. It took 6 months to build and outfit with new equipment. My wife Jan asked what I would do with anything I would build in my shop. I hadn’t really thought that through I guess. LOL. So from that conversation Duke-works was born. For the past 2 years I’ve always tried to make items that no one else was making. At least in my area. We applied for and was accepted into The Ligonier Country Market as well as Eclectique in Latrobe. Both have helped us reach our local market and the response from buyers has been amazing! I’ve learned a lot in just 2 years, like working with epoxy and wood. Jan bought me a lathe for my 60 birthday and I’m learning it but it’s challenging at times. It’s the new frontier for Duke-works as I blend wood and epoxy again to make bowls and vases. They say if you want to become a millionaire in woodworking, start out as a billionaire. 😆 I’m looking forward to retirement (soon hopefully) and devoting more time to Duke-works.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I guess one thing that is challenging for most artisans is figuring out what will sell and at what price. That’s just trial and error. Other than that I really can’t complain. I’ve been self employed since I was 19 so I’m familiar with operating a small business. And I’m not afraid of hard work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a woodworker. I try to find things to build that buyers will not find in our area. I like to find things that our pleasing to the eye but also have a purpose. I came across a woodworker in Belgium that had plans for a cellphone amplifier made of wood. It has a nostalgic look and is a real crowd pleaser. Just slide your phone in the slot in front and play your favorite music. A warm sound comes from the wooden horn on top. People love it. I’ve also become known for my wavy American flag. Although these are not unique to our area I take a few extra steps to take it to the next level. Buyers love to run their hands over the smooth finish. In addition to building custom furniture for new customers I also enjoy making items for my family. Essentially my nieces. I make as many things as I can that are 3 dimensional. Keepsake boxes, animal figurines, birdhouses etc. I know most people associate cutting boards with woodworking, I prefer not to make too many. I have some nice cutting boards for sale but I figure you can get them from just about any woodworker. I’m always looking for something more challenging.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you have a passion but life gets in the way, get to that passion as soon as you can. 58 years old was the soonest I could get started on mine. Hopefully I’ll have many years to enjoy.
Pricing:
- Wavy Flags $175 for a 19×36
- Grammaphone cellphone speaker $55
- Gooseneck wood and epoxy boards $70
- Portable drink stand in cherry $65
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Duke-works.com
- Facebook: Duke-works
