About
meet kevin & learn about his process
My Story
My love for woodworking began in high school, in a wood shop class taught by a man I greatly admired, Mr. McClure. He was more than just a teacher to me—he helped spark a passion that would stay with me for the rest of my life.
I was fortunate enough to graduate a half-year early, and thanks to Mr. McClure, I was able to spend the second half of my senior year doing something I loved: working all day in the wood shop. Looking back, that experience helped set the course for the next 50 years of my life.
After high school, I went to work for a custom cabinet company, where I continued learning the craft and developing my skills. Eventually, my journey led me to purchase my own sawmill and begin harvesting standing-dead mesquite trees throughout the Tucson area.
Over the years, I harvested hundreds of mesquite trees, milling the logs into lumber of different thicknesses and carefully air-drying the wood for years until it became stable and bug-free. Through that process, I developed a tremendous appreciation for mesquite. Every piece has its own grain, character, color, and history—and no two pieces are ever quite alike.
In 2015, I sold my business, and my wife and I moved to a large ranch estate, where I became the ranch manager. We lived on the property in a beautiful home, and naturally, one of the first things I needed was a wood shop. There, I continued doing what I loved—turning beautiful mesquite wood into one-of-a-kind pieces.
After 10 wonderful and successful years managing the ranch, my wife and I retired and moved back to Tucson. But I haven't retired from woodworking. The desire to create is still very much a part of who I am.
Today, I continue helping people turn their ideas into beautiful, handcrafted mesquite creations. Whether it's a dining table, mantel, cabinet, one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, or something completely unique, I enjoy working with people to create something they can treasure for generations.
Woodworking has been a part of my life for more than 50 years, and I still love it as much today as I did when I first walked into Mr. McClure's wood shop.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little of my story. I hope I have the opportunity to put my experience and passion to work creating something special for you.
my PROCESS
Step 1
Begin by letting me know what your vision is for your project. Please include your contact information along with a brief description of what you would like to create. Whether you already have a design in mind or just an idea you’d like to explore, I’ll work with you to bring your vision to life and create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece.
Step 2
Once we’ve polished your idea and brought your vision into focus, it’s time to visit the lumberyard and select the perfect pieces of mesquite for your project. We’ll set up an appointment at your convenience and personally walk through the lumber together, choosing the pieces that best complement your design and make your project truly one of a kind.
Step 3
Once the lumber is selected, it’s time to bring your project to life. We can begin crafting your piece with the care and attention to detail it deserves. My shop rate is $85 per hour, or, if you prefer to know the cost ahead of time, I can provide a fixed price for the labor based on the design and scope of your project.
Step 4
Now that your lumber is secured at the shop and we’ve agreed on the final price, it’s time to bring your vision to life. This is where the craftsmanship begins—carefully shaping, sanding, fitting, and finishing your selected mesquite to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. From here, I’ll take your project from a beautiful piece of raw lumber to a finished creation you’ll be proud to enjoy for generations.
I had a vision for the dining table I wanted, but Kevin took that vision and turned it into something even better than I imagined.
“The quality of the mesquite is incredible - the natural grain, character, knots, and variations make the table completely one of a kind.
What really sets this piece apart is the unique base Kevin designed. It’s creative, substantial, and perfectly complements the character of the wood. His attention to detail and craftsmanship are exceptional, and he brought his own design expertise to create something far beyond what I originally pictured.
I loved the finished table so much that I came back and commissioned Kevin to create a matching custom chandelier to complete the space. It’s more than furniture - it’s a collection of functional art pieces that make our home truly unique. Kevin doesn’t just build what you ask for; he takes your idea and makes it better.”
Rachel Hartshorne—Former Customer
