Collection: About Us

CoFounder

Nick Leonard

I have always had a love for making things and working with my hands.  As a young boy, I was always taking apart machines and motors at our family's Textile Mill.  The mill is where I learned electricity, physics, and how to problem solve by using what I had to create a solution.

 

The thing about being a maker is having the confidence to do something.  If you want to do something, do it.  Don't hold back.  I have been told many times I wouldn't be able to do something or that I didn't have the skills needed.  "Tell me I can't do something and you will see me go do it".

The love for design and woodworking really escalated when I was able to design and help build my dream home, which everyone said I couldn't do.  The whole process was invigorating yet challenging, but was an eye opening experience with huge amounts for knowledge gained.  Once I was settled at home, I quickly grew out of the small one car sized shop I thought would be enough.  And this is where the Statedwoods Co. shop got its start.  

Co-founder landon mathers

Landon Mathers

I began my journey in building and remodeling homes while working with Keith Smith Construction in the Winston-Salem area. In May 2023, a year after Nick transitioned from his full-time day job to pursue Statedwoods Co. full time, I made the decision to join him full-time.

My love for woodworking stems from my grandfather, who spent countless hours in his shop crafting something new. Many of the furniture pieces in my home were made by him, and I now cherish and use many of the same tools he once did.

Nick and I first met in college back in 2011 and quickly bonded over our shared interests, including golf, photography, woodworking, fly fishing, hunting, and college sports. These hobbies laid the foundation for our friendship and ultimately inspired the path we’re on today.

I’m thrilled about the journey ahead with Statedwoods—the connections we’ll build, the projects we’ll create, and the opportunity to share our passion for woodworking with others.