|
Maynard Kurtz, head of our Prairie department, came to us later in life after several missionary stints overseas. The current designer, Gene Short,
spent ten years here as a chair maker, producing among other things the famous ‘Marilyn Chair’ designed by internationally renowned architect Arturo Isozaki. Gene and one of these curvaceous chairs are shown below.
John Hooley studied industrial arts in college to prepare for a career in woodworking. He loves woodworking so much that he is often found after hours in the shop
building things for friends and family. Jud Gingrich is our carving and veneering expert, coming to us after doing custom furniture and marquetry work on the east coast. In
his current role as project manager he oversees each piece as it passes through the shop.
Stan Shetler (on the jointer at left) was one of Swartzendruber’s first employees, and has a wealth of woodworking
knowledge and experience that he applies to large custom projects. Tim Haarer has built over 500 tables of all styles and sizes in his career at Swartzendrubers. He prides himself on doing it right every time.
These are a few of the people that are behind the beautiful work you see on these pages of our web site. |
n the old days, furniture was built by hand, one piece at a time by a skilled craftsman. It’s highly trained and experienced employees
like these that make our furniture what it is today. For instance, Sam Haarer (shown here next to a hand carved curio) has been a woodworker for over 40 years. He has an incredible ability to figure
out how to make the most complicated pieces. Master craftsman Bob Toews worked in construction before spending two years as an apprentice and moving into building wall units,
entertainment centers and dining tables. 
