Steve Kettenhoven’s interest in woodworking began about 35 years ago when he started making muskie lures to sell at sport shows. He created each lure body, one at a time, using a lathe or jigsaw. He hand-painted them in various colors and patterns, added the hardware and packaged them. The patience and trial-and-error he worked through in that process helped him in his current enterprise, Against The Grain Woodcraft.
Against The Grain Woodcraft, LLC, was founded in November of 2020 (by Steve Kettenhoven) and designed to be a business he could do in retirement, working the hours he wanted. He started with a scrollsaw and enough equipment that allowed him to dabble in creating wooden puzzles, ornaments, small clocks and a few other pieces. It took a lot of practice and determination, but he refined his work and filled orders. He was getting ready to expand into making cribbage boards when a business manager approached him inquiring about a sizeable order for custom cutting boards. It was a chance to upgrade his equipment and expand capabilities.
Steve looked to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), hopeful for a grant to acquire additional equipment. They connected him with the Venture Center at Fox Valley Technical College where he worked with the director to create a pre-feasibility report, feasibility analysis and a business plan.
“I had to do some homework,” Steve said. “I had to figure out how many pieces I’d have to sell within a specific period of time to be sustainable.”
The venture Center helped him evaluate the business and understand how much work it would take to run a business, but it also showed him that he could do it and, ultimately, he was able to acquire the additional equipment with the help of DVR.
Some of his best-selling products have been cutting boards, cribbage boards and seasonal products, but his favorite are the unique custom orders he gets such as personalized signs and other items that he takes from conception to final creation.
“It is so satisfying to see these projects come to life from a plain piece of wood, and there is no better reward than the thank you from a satisfied customer. This is my work, but it is also therapy,” Steve said.
Steve’s wife Kathleen works full time, but helps with assembling and decorating seasonal items and attending fall craft shows with some of their products.
“The craft fairs help to supplement the business income, but also helps to see what is out there and popular that sells well,” Steve concluded.
The current challenge for Steve is working in the confines of his small garage where only a portion is dedicated workspace. Plans are in the works to open a retail location in the near future where the back half will be workshop that would be customized with more lateral workspace to optimize working from his wheelchair. The front half will feature a retail store to meet with customers and sell his products.
