For nearly two decades, woodworking has been more than a career for me—it has been a calling. Growing up, I was always drawn to the beauty of creating something tangible with my hands, the art of shaping wood into objects of purpose and beauty. That passion evolved into the founding of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) in Adrian, Michigan, a place where artistry, craftsmanship, and education converge.

SBWI started as a humble vision: to create a space where people could learn the traditional craft of woodworking while applying those skills to meet the demands of the modern world. Today, SBWI is a thriving educational institution that trains people in everything from fine furniture making to large-scale timber framing. It’s a place where students don’t just learn a trade; they develop a lifelong respect for the materials they work with and the structures they build.

But the story of SBWI is about more than education; it’s about changing perceptions. For too long, society has diminished the importance of the trades, treating them as an "alternative" to what is considered a “higher” education. I firmly believe this needs to change.

"Carpentry and woodworking is not an alternative education," I often say. "It is one of the core essential careers, and somehow the system has convinced us otherwise. Think about it like this: basic human needs are food, water, and shelter. Carpenters and farmers supply a basic human need. Somehow modern society has convinced us that the status of these occupations is lower than that of an accountant or lawyer. Those latter two professions were created because of people who produce things, like carpenters. The accountant had to keep track of the carpenter's money and supplies. Let me ask you: which one of those is the alternative job?"

Carpentry and woodworking have deep historical and cultural significance. The very definition of a carpenter, according to Oxford Languages, is "a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures." This isn’t just a job; it’s a fundamental contribution to society. Structures that protect, sustain, and nurture us—homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship—are all the work of carpenters.

There’s also a spiritual resonance to this work. "The Christian Lord and his earthly father were both carpenters. St. Joseph is the patron saint of carpentry," I often remind people. "A modern symbol of status is having a building at a college or hospital named after a wealthy businessperson who gave back to their community. People don’t realize that almost every town in the world has a school, church, or hospital named after a carpenter, and that is St. Joseph. That is as powerful as it gets as a status symbol."

At SBWI, we’re reclaiming the dignity and respect these professions deserve. Our mission is not just to train carpenters but to elevate the craft to its rightful place in society.

The Vision for SBWI

Looking to the future, the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is positioned to become a global leader in woodworking education and skilled trades training, by setting an entirely new standard for post-secondary education. SBWI is redefining college education. The Enrollment Growth Project is central to this vision. Through this initiative, SBWI will expand its campus, build state-of-the-art facilities, and create residential housing for students from across the country. This growth will allow us to offer comprehensive programs, including mass timber education, timber framing, and furniture design, alongside business and entrepreneurial training.

Our vision is to produce not only skilled craftspeople but leaders who can innovate within their fields. By teaching students to pair their technical skills with creativity and business acumen, we are equipping them to start their own companies, lead large-scale projects, and bring economic vitality to their communities.

Through partnerships with institutions like Michigan State University, Adrian College, and the Timber Framers Guild, we’re fostering collaboration and creating new opportunities for students. At the same time, we’re forging connections with state and federal partners to ensure woodworking education receives the support it needs to thrive in Michigan and beyond.

SBWI’s story is about more than building objects or structures; it’s about building people and communities. It’s about restoring pride in the trades and showing the world that carpentry and woodworking are not just essential—they’re transformative.

"At SBWI, we don’t just teach students to work with wood," I often say. "We teach them to honor the craft, to embrace their potential, and to build a better future for themselves and their communities."