Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joe Bogan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Joe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I had been making random items to include cutting boards for a few years already. I really enjoy challenging myself and making things from scratch, though, most of those items had been for my use or given away as gifts to friends and family. I took on a new endeavor of creating an end-grain teak cutting board for a friend and made a few extras. I was proud of my results and the cutting boards, but the response I received from friends and family was really overwhelming. To have so many people impressed with my work was a great feeling, and really encouraging. That day spurred the idea that I could do this as a business.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and as I mentioned earlier, I like making things from scratch. From having an idea in my head to seeing the finished product in my hands gives me a great sense of accomplishment. As a hands-on guy, I work with many types of mediums but began woodworking over 13 years ago. Throughout the years I’ve made a variety of items… anything from patio furniture to a few luxury keepsake boxes. Occasionally, I’ll make things out of necessity, but oftentimes it’s simply to see if it can be done. When I made the cutting board for my friend and decided I would start this venture, I knew it had to be right for me. By that I mean, I’m somewhat of a perfectionist. If I were to sell an item and put my name on it, I wanted to ensure it was my best, every time. Today, my business makes one of kind, end-grain teak cutting boards and serving trays. I even created my own conditioning oil and board butter. I personally make every single item that comes from my business and ensure the customer receives a product that will look great in their homes and can be passed on to the next generation. This personal investment into every product brings me satisfaction by adding my name and logo to every piece. Additionally, as a disabled combat Veteran proud to serve this Nation, I’m honored to include “Handcrafted in the USA” as a guarantee of my craftsmanship and the product being made and shipped by me, from Tampa Bay USA.
In a short time, I’ve been able to build a great customer base who mean the world to me. I really enjoy collaborating with them to personalize their boards with family names and/or crests, personal messages, business logos, etc. My cutting boards are even sent out with a small bottle of my conditioning oil, and I pride myself in also sending a handwritten note with every board. I’m lucky enough to have reached customers all over the country and have shipped a board to almost every state and even a few overseas, like Europe, Asia, and Africa. I also take pleasure in partnering with One Tree Planted®. Bogan Fine Woodworking guarantees one tree is planted for every board I sell.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There are so many rewarding steps when being able to build an item with your hands. I love seeing how every board comes out completely different. The unique grain pattern in Teak ensures that. Though it’s rare, but the most rewarding feature must be when I’m able to hand deliver one of my boards to a local customer. I’m able to shake their hand and see their face light up when they see their board for the first time. It’s such an honor knowing that I’ve been able to construct an item that will be used in parties, events, meal preps and pasted down for generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boganboards.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boganfinewoodworking
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Boganfinewoodworking
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bogan-93b7b6211/
- Other: Made in Tampa Bay interview: https://www.fox13news.com/news/from-riverview-garage-veteran-crafts-unique-teak-gifts FAQ: https://boganboards.com/pages/faq Osprey Observer interview: https://www.ospreyobserver.com/2021/08/riverview-veteran-starts-new-woodworking-business/