Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Curts.
Dave, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in the very small town of Pentwater in northwest Michigan, which has a population of around 850. I went to the University of Michigan, earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, and moved to North Texas after graduating.
In my youth, I apprenticed for a master woodworker. After purchasing my first house in Texas, I had the choice between buying furniture for the house or buying tools; I bought tools, and made my own furniture! A number of years later, I decided to start making products to sell, and Curtis Custom Woods was born. I make custom wood pieces, primarily high-end tables and kitchenware. Lately, I have been experimenting with metallic inlays and metal-infused dyes to add visual contrast with the natural wood.
My “day job” is as an Electrical Engineer in the telecom industry, where I work for a small consulting and training firm. But I still love working with my hands, building something beautiful with material that is constantly changing. Wood offers that, as no two pieces are ever the same!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is no shortage of inexpensive (even disposable) furniture. I learned early on that I cannot compete on price. Even in the high-end market, illegal imports of endangered wood is rampant. So my niche is that discerning customer who wants a piece of art that will look as good, and be as functional a generation from now as it is today. Finding that market is not easy.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Curtis Custom Woods story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in unique tables and kitchenware. Live-edge slab tables, innovative wrap-around countertop cutting boards, and massive wine-racks are my primary pieces today.
I am most proud that experiments and mistakes often make for the best outcomes. On one of the first projects I ever attempted, I made a big mistake (thus the adage measure twice, cut once) on a very expensive piece of wood. The resulting correction ended up looking better than a “perfect” creation would have.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Louis Pasteur said “Chance favors the prepared mind”, and I suspect there is something to that. You never know who that influential person is that may make the connection you need for your business to flourish. So I do my best to take advantage of whatever opportunity comes my way!
Pricing:
- “Generations” wrap-around countertop cutting boards: $150
- “Limitless” wall-hanging wine racks: $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curtiscustomwoods.com
- Phone: 817.422.8040
- Email: dave@curtiscustomwoods.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/curtiscustomwoods
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CurtisCustomWoods
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.
