The Unfinished Furniture Journey: From Passion to Profession
Garrett Brown’s story is a testament to the power of turning one’s passion into a thriving profession. Five years ago, he finished a large art piece for his home with the help of a local artist, and a chance request from a friend to create a custom headboard set him on an unexpected path.
“Woodworking sort of fell into my lap,” Garrett recalls. “After making that first bed, I realized I had no clue how to actually craft one. So I enrolled in the Red Rocks School of Fine Woodworking, where I not only learned the craft, but also joined a communal workshop called Club Workshop.”
It was in this workshop that Garrett, with the help of his talented tattoo artist friend Milo Alfring, spent nearly five months bringing that first bed to life. The success of this project was the catalyst that propelled Garrett to pursue woodworking as a full-time career, even while attending school.
Embracing the Challenges: The Bumpiest Ride of a Lifetime
“Running my own business has been the most challenging pursuit of my entire life,” Garrett admits candidly. “It has been the bumpiest ride of my life.”
From taking on daunting projects like a giant 15-foot cherry sculpture for the Cherry Creek Arts Festival to fabricating three massive step-and-repeat walls for the Grammys, Garrett and his team at Garrett Brown Designs (GBD) have faced their fair share of obstacles.
The Grammys project, in particular, stands out as a true test of their mettle. With a tight four- to five-week timeline, Garrett had to tackle unfamiliar materials and techniques, including welding aluminum. The rush to complete the job on time meant that Garrett didn’t sleep for five days straight. And just when they thought they had it all figured out, disaster struck during the drive to Los Angeles.
“During the drive, all of the tape we used to apply the Grammy and CBS graphics to the walls failed, and most of the logos had fallen off. We loaded the walls into the Staples Center and proceeded to pull another all-nighter to complete the walls by 9 am the next morning.”
Yet, despite these daunting challenges, Garrett and his team have emerged stronger and more knowledgeable, proving that “GBD wouldn’t be where we are today without going through these struggles.”
Crafting a Unique Identity: What Sets GBD Apart
Garrett Brown Designs is a custom furniture business located in Denver, Colorado, specializing in high-end commercial spaces. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to customer service, attention to detail, and punctuality.
“At GBD, we believe what sets us apart is our customer service, attention to detail, and our punctuality,” Garrett explains. “We work closely with local designers, architects, and developers to turn their ideas and dreams into reality.”
In addition to their custom work, GBD also has a line of furniture available on their website, Unfinished Furniture. But the team isn’t resting on their laurels; they have big plans for the future, including the rollout of four new furniture lines in the next year, covering outdoor, residential, commercial, and home goods.
The Future Unfolds: Expanding Horizons and Embracing Growth
As GBD looks to the future, Garrett is excited about the company’s growth and expansion plans. “We are rolling out four different lines of furniture within the next year: Outdoor Line, Residential Line, Commercial Line, and a Homegoods Line. Our goal is to have our furniture sold in stores nationwide.”
The company is also preparing to move to a larger, 7,000-square-foot space in March, nearly doubling their current footprint. This move will provide the team with the resources and space they need to continue delivering their exceptional custom work and expand their product offerings.
“Follow our Instagram at Garrettbrowndesigns to see what we do every day,” Garrett encourages. “We are always looking for new and unique design-build work that leaves the viewer wondering how it was made.”
The Woodworking Journey: Passion, Perseverance, and Endless Possibilities
Garrett Brown’s journey from a chance woodworking project to running a thriving custom furniture business is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. GBD’s story is a testament to the endless possibilities that lie in the world of custom woodworking.
As Garrett reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his entrepreneurial journey, he offers a piece of advice that resonates with any aspiring woodworker or small business owner: “Accept help, ask for help, delegate. Find people that you trust and learn to ask for help. You can’t do it all on your own.”
The world of custom furniture-making is a vast and fascinating realm, filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. With companies like Garrett Brown Designs leading the way, the future of woodworking is as bright and innovative as the creations that emerge from their workshops.
So, whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting your journey, keep your eyes peeled for the wonderful wonders that lie ahead. The world of custom furniture is a true treasure trove, and the possibilities are endless.
