One-man shop produces heirloom-quality furniture

• What: Handmade furniture

• Company: Nooga-Wood Custom Furniture

• Address: 315 First Ave., Dayton, Tenn.

• Website: www.nooga-wood.com

• Telephone: 883-9929

• Owner: Matt Campbell

• What's special: Campbell said that, thanks to his design consultations, his customers get exactly what they want and an heirloom-quality finished product. "I build things to last longer than I will," he said. "I don't build things that will be breaking down in a few years and be put on the side of the road. I build things to be passed down from generation to generation."

• The origin story: Campbell said he first became interested in woodworking when he built a wooden box as a high school art project. When he and his wife moved into their home in 2006, he began making projects as a hobby, and he eventually began receiving commissions for work. He officially went into business in 2009.

• How long does it take to make: Campbell said he has a backlog of about two months of work, but he can complete an assignment, including consultation and construction, in two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the design.

• Where it's sold: 95 percent of Nooga-Wood's business is commission-based.

• What it costs: $500 (a simple, small table) to $5,000 (a hutch or king-size bed with elaborate detailing).

• Future expansions planned: Although he said he would eventually like to see his work represented in area galleries, Campbell expressed contentment with his one-man business model that allows him to work efficiently with high attention to detail.

• Lessons of the trade: "Work as efficiently as possible," Campbell said. "Time is definitely money. You can't get into the custom furniture-making business if you just enjoy woodworking. Primarily, you have to be a business person first and a woodworker second."

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