What started as one man's love of woodworking has turned into a family business with everyone finding their own way to help. From the workshop to the website, photography, events and everything in between, there is usually a Connella somewhere behind it.
Hey, I'm Gerrid. This business is honestly a dream come true for me, especially because somewhere along the way it became a true family business.
I have four daughters, and they've all found their own ways to be part of it. Kylee helps with sales, customers, technology and keeping me organized. Laney helps make sure we're ready when we head out for an event, whether that's technology, directions, supplies or making sure everyone actually has lunch. Reagan takes a lot of the photos you see, and Charlee is still young enough that her job mostly consists of fetching tools and keeping us entertained.
And then there's my wife. I couldn't do this without her. She helps make our name known, works on our social media, comes up with ideas, and has supported this dream from the beginning.
I'm a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, and I spent a large part of my career in recruiting. During those years, I saw how much recognition can mean to someone. An award, retirement gift, promotion piece or going-away gift isn't just something to put on a shelf. It represents a chapter of someone's life.
I've loved woodworking and building things for as long as I can remember. After retiring, I finally had the opportunity to combine that love of creating with the people, places and milestones that deserve to be remembered.
Today I make custom awards, military pieces, recognition displays, stadium art and plenty of things that don't fit neatly into a category. Some of my favorite projects start with someone saying, "I have this crazy idea..."
Everyone has their own little piece of the business, which means there are usually a lot of group texts, photos, reminders and ideas flying around behind the scenes.
Hey, I'm Kylee. I'm one of Gerrid's daughters, and I've somehow become a mix of sales coordinator, technology fixer, schedule keeper, organizer and idea person. I help with customer communication, outreach, sales, the website and making sure Dad's million ideas actually make it out of the workshop and into the world. My favorite part is helping someone take an idea they're excited about and turn it into something Dad can actually create.
Hey, I'm Laney. I help keep things organized behind the scenes and make sure we're ready to go when The American Craftsman has an event or a busy day ahead. I help with technology, directions and maps, keeping track of what we need to bring, and I'm usually the one making sure everyone has lunch packed before we head out. I like being the person who helps keep everything on track and makes the day run a little smoother for everyone.
Hey, I'm Reagan. I help my dad out by taking pictures of the stuff he makes and making sure we actually have good photos to post. I mostly think it's cool seeing all the random things Dad comes up with and then somehow actually makes. I'm usually the one behind the camera telling everyone to wait because I'm not done taking pictures yet.
Hey, I'm Charlee! I'm still a little too young to run the business, but I help Dad around the shop when I can. My jobs usually include fetching tools, checking out whatever he's building and keeping everyone entertained. I'm basically still in training.
Every order, custom project, recommendation and share helps us keep doing something we genuinely love. When you order from The American Craftsman, you're supporting a small family business where real people are behind every project from the first idea to the finished piece.
