Today we’d like to introduce you to John Loftis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always felt hard-wired to create, to ‘make.’ Our high school had a woodshop, and I was fortunate to be mentored by teachers there who really encouraged my interest. I remember promising myself as a teenager that at some point, I would have my own tools in my garage and get to make things.
Fifteen years ago, I finally got to scratch that itch. I started with a few small tools and began building things for the house. With each project, my love for woodworking grew, and I would tackle bigger and more complex jobs. In 2010, I finally decided to take the plunge, leaving the corporate world to pursue custom woodworking full-time.
What began in my garage has grown slowly but surely. We now have several employees and are in a larger industrial space in North Dallas. We focus on two main businesses: LoneStar Artisans designs and creates bespoke furniture, case goods, and cabinetry, and the BoardSMITH creates wood butcher block cutting boards and countertops.
LoneStar Artisans is more locally focused, and the BoardSMITH ships butcher block all over the world to high-end chefs and foodies.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been hugely challenging to be an artisan in a world that increasingly wants home goods to be cheap, disposable, and instant. Now that we’ve got years of experience and a deep portfolio, it’s been a bit easier for those who want what we do to find us.
Please tell us about LoneStar Artisans.
The BoardSMITH has a worldwide reputation for making the finest butcher block anywhere. We have earned that reputation, particularly with chefs and knife collectors, with an obsessive fixation on quality and the details.
LoneStar Artisans focuses on high end, bespoke furniture. We are always pushing ourselves to elevate craftsmanship, to do it better than we did before.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Waking up Christmas morning to see that Santa brought me a brand new Mongoose BMX bike with (blue with black fan wheels). My first taste of freedom!
Pricing:
- Butcher blocks $130+
- Custom furniture, case goods, and cabinetry $2k+
Contact Info:
- Address: 17811 Davenport, #3, Dallas Tx 75252 (by appointment only)
- Website: www.lonestarartisans.com
- Phone: 4693878581
- Email: john@lonestarartisans.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboardsmith/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/theboardsmith/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lonestar-artisans-plano?osq=lonestar+artisans
- Other: www.theboardsmith.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
