Every tree has a story to tell.

Our goal is to unlock that story so that it can live on for generations.

Years ago, we were told a true test to a relationship was to build a house together. Not only did we do that, we acted as a subcontractor on it. Now, over twenty years later, we have two wonderful girls and our own business. Through it all, we have kept God as our focus, and we hope to bless others as we have been blessed.

The roots for Design & Refine Woodworks started growing in the late 1980’s when Dave set up a small workshop in his parent’s basement. Over time, birdhouse by birdhouse, craft show after craft show, he generated enough money to buy additional tools and start building his skills. Subscribing to woodworking magazines, watching Norm Abram, and continually sketching, his skills grew. His first real-paying job was for a custom cabinet manufacturer in Huntington, WV. While in college at Marshall University, a new career came about, but the love of woodworking continued.

While at Marshall, Dave met future wife Kristen. Kristen graduated with a Bachelor degree in Finance, and Dave in Economics. Dave went on to earn his MBA from Marshall and they married shortly thereafter. Life long West Virginians, they ventured on to Virginia for a couple of years and then moved on to Southern Ohio following Dave’s career. While the career didn’t involve working with wood, he and Kristen always maintained a small shop in the garage. During the OH years, Dave and Kristen were blessed with two girls, Shelly and Brooke.

In 2015, the family moved to North Carolina. Time in the shop developed a stronger bond between Dave and Kristen, and more “gifts” to family and friends prompted comments that they should start a business. Having greater access to a large variety of wood, the flames of a business were fanned. So, in 2021, they took the leap! Kristen runs the business, utilizing her background in business and HR to keep things running smooth, and helps out in the shop. As for Dave, well, he just plays in the shop (and does help run the business when Kristen can get him out of the shop). In the end, they want to craft high quality, American made products you will be proud to display in your home, office or business.

Thank you for supporting their small business!