Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Trewitt.
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I originally got into woodworking about 11 years ago when my wife and I bought our first house. At the time, we didn’t have much furniture, so I taught myself how to build pieces for our home. What started as a practical hobby quickly became a real passion for craftsmanship and working with my hands.
After we had our first son, I started thinking about how I could turn woodworking into something more than just a hobby. At the time, I was working in finance and had developed a strong interest in classic menswear and accessories like ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks. I decided to combine those two passions and began creating handcrafted wooden racks to organize and display menswear accessories.
I opened an Etsy shop, and before long, customers started requesting custom sizes and designs for their closets. That’s when I realized there was a real need for premium accessory storage solutions. People invest a lot in quality menswear accessories, yet most storage options on the market are still cheap plastic or low-quality hangers.
From there, Dapper Woodworks continued to grow organically. We expanded into customizable tie, belt, and pocket square racks in a wide variety of sizes, wood species, and finishes. Over time, we also introduced other handcrafted menswear accessories, including shoe horns, lapel pins, cufflinks, and tuxedo studs.
Today, Dapper Woodworks operates out of our industrial workshop here in Sachse, Texas. Most of our products are sold directly through our website, but we also partner with around 20 independent menswear stores and custom clothiers across the country. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build a business around craftsmanship, quality, and helping men elevate the way they organize and enjoy their wardrobe.
Alright, 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?
There have definitely been ups and downs along the way. It hasn’t been a quick or easy road to get to where I am today. For the first six years, I ran Dapper Woodworks as a side hustle out of my two-car garage, mostly working nights and weekends.
In 2023, I made the decision to take Dapper Woodworks full time, which was one of the biggest and scariest leaps of faith I’ve ever taken. My wife and I prayed about that decision for six months to make sure it was the right choice for our growing family.
Two years ago, I moved out of the garage and into a 1,400-square-foot industrial shop, and last year I hired my first full-time employee. Those were all major steps and risks, but trusting in God’s provision and plan for my life has helped tremendously throughout the process.
Building a business from the ground up has taught me a lot about patience, persistence, and staying committed even when growth feels slow. Looking back, I’m grateful for every stage of the journey because each challenge helped shape both the business and who I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Dapper Woodworks, we have really found our niche in designing and crafting premium menswear woodworking accessories. We are best known for our custom tie and belt racks, which are designed to help men organize and display their wardrobes in a way that feels intentional, refined, and personal.
When I first started the business, there really wasn’t much on the market for high-end custom accessory storage. Most options were cheap plastic or generic organizers that didn’t match the quality of the accessories people were investing in. We set out to create something better — handcrafted storage solutions made from beautiful hardwoods that not only serve a purpose, but also elevate the look and feel of a closet or dressing space.
What sets us apart is the level of customization and craftsmanship we offer. Every piece is handcrafted in our shop using carefully selected hardwoods, and customers can choose from a wide variety of sizes, wood species, and finishes to fit their personal style and space. We focus heavily on quality, attention to detail, and creating products that are both functional and heirloom-worthy.
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly honored to build relationships with entrepreneurs, menswear store owners, custom clothiers, interior designers, and architects across the country. One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing our products become part of people’s everyday routines and personal style.
It’s also been exciting to have some recognition beyond our local community. I’ve had the honor of creating lapel pins worn by Patrick Mahomes and Cody Rhodes, which was a surreal moment considering this all started as a hobby in my garage.
Beyond the products themselves, I’m also proud that Dapper Woodworks has become an opportunity to invest in the next generation of craftsmen. Last year, I hired my first full-time employee, who is 19 years old, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to teach and pass along woodworking skills, craftsmanship, and the value of building something with your hands.
More than anything, I’m proud that Dapper Woodworks has grown into a business built around craftsmanship, family, faith, and creating products that people genuinely connect with and enjoy using every day.
Any big plans?
I’m really excited about the future of Dapper Woodworks. Right now, my employee and I have a strong rhythm in production and are able to get products out the door faster than ever before. The goal is to continue improving efficiency while maintaining the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail we’re known for. As we grow, I’m hopeful we’ll be able to add more team members and continue building a strong, skilled shop culture.
I’m also looking forward to having more time to focus on product design and expanding our menswear accessory offerings. One of our most recent projects is a line of stainless steel and brass collar stays, engraved with unique patterns and fully designed, cut, engraved, and finished in-house. It’s been exciting to push into new materials and continue elevating everyday menswear essentials.
Another major step forward for us has been investing in a CNC lathe, which will allow us to begin producing many of our metal components in-house, including tie pegs, lapel pins, cufflinks, and tuxedo studs. This opens up a lot of creative freedom and helps us tighten quality control while expanding what we’re able to offer.
Overall, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow thoughtfully — expanding the product line, building the team, and keeping Dapper Woodworks focused on craftsmanship, innovation, and high-quality menswear accessories.
Pricing:
- Tie Racks start at $140
- Shoe horns start are $190
- Lapel Pins are $30
- Tuxedo Stud sets are $130
Contact Info:
- Website: dapper woodworks.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dapperwoodworks
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/dapperwoodworks
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/justin-trewitt-00066752
