Meet The Crew
At Woodchop Willies, the work matters.
But the people behind it matter just as much.
We’re a crew of experienced carpenters who’ve spent years building side by side, learning the trade the right way, and taking pride in every piece that leaves the shop. What started as a shared skill turned into something more.
A team built on trust, hard work, and a commitment to doing things right.
Around here, everyone’s got a role, a reputation, and a nickname.
This is where you’ll meet the crew.
The ones behind the builds, the ideas, and the sawdust.
From the hands that shape the wood to the ones keeping things moving behind the scenes, every part of what we do comes from the people right here in the shop.
We don’t cut corners (except the ones that are supposed to be cut), and we don’t build anything we wouldn’t stand behind ourselves.
The Roots
The foundation
Built on years of experience and hard work
Woodchop Willie
Most of what we build starts with Willie.
He’s the one with the ideas, the tools, and the know-how to bring it all together. While I handle customers and the online side, Willie’s usually in the shop turning raw wood into something solid.
He keeps to himself, but his work speaks for itself. After 20+ years working alongside him, I can say he sees things a little differently—where most people see a pile of lumber, he’s already halfway done in his head.
He’s serious about the work, but outside the shop he’s got a sense of humor that keeps things moving. Probably could’ve been an inventor if he went that route.
And if something sells, you’ll know—he gets more fired up than I do.
Hickory Rick
I'm Hickory Rick.
People call me Hickory Rick.
I handle the customer side of things for Woodchop Willies.
Messages, posts, and making sure people know what we’re building.
If you’ve reached out, you’ve probably talked to me.
I’ve been working alongside Willie for over 20 years, so while I’m not in the shop every day, I know what goes into the work. My job is just to make it clear, simple, and worth it for the people on the other side.
I tend to talk things through, sometimes longer than I probably should.
But I’d rather get it right than rush it.
Outside of this, I’m with my kids, writing, or listening to music.
I believe in what we’re building here.
I’m just doing my part to help people see it.
Roughcut Ralph
Ralph’s a big reason things work the way they do around here
Truth is, Willie and Rick have both learned a lot of what they know from him.
We call him Roughcut Ralph, but there’s nothing rough about the way he works.
He understands wood.
How it moves, how it holds, and how to make a build come together the right way without wasting time or material.
He’s been working with us for over 20 years, and he’s the guy you go to when something doesn’t quite add up yet. Most of the time, he’s already got it figured out before anyone else says a word.
He’s not big on talking—but when he does, it usually saves the rest of us a headache.
I’ve seen a lot of builds come together over the years, and more often than not, Ralph’s had a hand in making sure they last.
Around here, if Ralph says it’ll hold—you don’t question it.
Roughcut Ralph doesn’t check if a wall is level.
The wall checks itself before he walks in.
The Yoots
The next generation
Learning the trade and having fun doing it.
Sycamore Steve
Steve’s my oldest.
He’s just starting to find his way into the shop.
He’s a teenager now, still figuring things out, but when it comes to being outside, playing sports, or getting his hands dirty, that’s where he does best.
He’s been showing more interest in what we’re building and stepping in when he can.
He’s not afraid to try, even when he doesn’t have it all down yet.
That matters.
At home, he’s usually the one beating me in video games and making sure I don't forget it.
He’s a great kid with a lot of potential.
Right now, he’s learning.
We’re letting him take it one step at a time.
Cedar Sally
Sally’s my daughter.
She is my heart in all of this.
She’s 10, full of energy, and always creating something.
Whether it’s drawings, notes, or organizing anything she can get her hands on, she’s always adding her own touch.
Around here, she keeps everybody in line, especially her brothers.
Packing lunches, organizing just about anything, making me coffee, and leaving notes in places I don’t expect but probably need.
She’s got an eye for the finished product too
She notices the details and takes it all in.
Lately, she’s been wanting to help with photos and videos, which fits her pretty well.
She loves to dance, keeps things light, and makes sure there’s some heart in everything we do.
Pinecone Pete
Pete’s my youngest.
He is probably the most entertaining one I have.
He’s 8, full of energy, and runs on a steady diet of cereal, Cheetos, honey buns, and anything else that isn't the the healthiest.
He’s a little quiet at first, but once he gets comfortable, he’s all over the place.
He’s into Minecraft, Roblox, soccer, and basketball.
Somehow, he still has a better handle on numbers than most of us.
He gets along with just about everybody, even his brother and sister.
He usually tries to stay out of the chaos, until it looks like fun.
Right now, he’s mostly watching and learning
But if there’s snacks around or something needs “testing,” he’s already on it.
Pretty sure if we ever built something just to see if it holds up, he’d be the first one to put it to the test.
“Cedar Sally can organize the entire shop faster than the rest of us can lose the tape measure.”
- Sycamore Steve