Over the years our team has built a lot of custom homes, in doing that we have the opportunity to meet other great service providers who contribute to the completion of these projects.
One of these companies is Shamrock Fine Custom Woodworking. We came across several of their pieces recently and were beyond impressed. So, today we wanted to share with you the story of the company and owner and Master Craftsman – Tim O’Brien.
“I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a lot of Tim’s work, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Not only does his passion shine through in each and every piece, but his meticulous attention to detail is beyond impressive,” shared Todd.
To get the full story on how Shamrock came to be and learn more about Tim’s skill and passion for this craft, we spent some time chatting with him, and here’s what he had to say…
How did you get started in the custom woodworking niche?
When I was 10-years old, we had a neighbor move in down the road from our farmhouse in Michigan. Being a curious kid, I wandered over to meet the new neighbor.
He was a self-taught woodworker who had a shop and was kind enough to let me hang out and watch him do this thing. Even at that time, I appreciated the craft, process and seeing a finished product come out of a raw piece of wood.
What was the path to starting Shamrock?
I knew it was something I wanted to do, but time and place had a lot to do with it. The perfect opportunity came about when I applied and was hired for an apprenticeship with world-renowned woodworker Rudi Neumayr – owner of Aren Design Inc.
I worked alongside him, learned everything I possibly could and progressed from sweeping floors to Master Benchman to Master Craftsman, and in the early 90’s decided it was time to start my own company.
Tell us more about Shamrock and the types of one-of-a-kind pieces you create for clients.
I have the opportunity to work with interior designers and homeowners to create unique pieces based on their space, needs and aesthetic desires. No day or project is every the same, and that’s one of the reasons I absolutely love what I do.
I’ve had the privilege of building clocks, home entertainment units, bed frames, front doors and more. And, no one piece is like anything I’ve created before. Each and every piece is completely unique to the client.
Can you share a bit more about your process to get from start-to-finish with a project?
Sure. Typically a client calls me to set up a time to discuss their custom needs. I get a bit more information at this time, so I’m prepared when we meet. I like to look at the space where the piece(s) will go and ask questions to ensure I understand the client’s overall goals. From there, I go back to the shop and sketch out the piece.
In some situations, I will create a prototype of the piece so that the client can interact with the wood grain and finish. Once the client has approved the plans, I go to work! This process is a lot of fun because I am able to blend my creativity with the client’s wants to create a piece that they’re ecstatic about.
I also sign and date every piece in anticipation of its long life well beyond mine – “An Antique of the Future.”
Are there any closing thoughts you’d like to share?
I will always give God the Credit for what he has done through my hands and at the same time giving me the gift of building these beautiful things for a living these past 37 years. The deep satisfaction it brings is difficult to describe beyond the simple acknowledgment of being truly blessed….Life is good!
Thank you, Tim, for taking the time to share with us your wonderful story! You truly are a Master Craftsman, and we’re lucky to have someone who is so passionate and skilled right here in Eagle.
If you’re interested in learning more about Shamrock Fine Custom Woodworking or have a custom wood piece you’re interested in having created, you can visit their website. You can also view their full portfolio at: www.etsy.com/shop/shamrockfinewoodwork.