A Northwoods success story

From humble beginnings to where they are now…this is the story of North Rustic Design.

With their attention to detail and by using only quality lumber, they supplied top of the line products and earned a reputation as a “go-to” source for fine wood.
After relocating to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Josh, began exploring the idea of a web based business that supplied quality wooden boxes and crates to the buying public.
After seeing the poor craftsmanship and cheaply made goods that had been available to folks, they chose a new approach. Their products would use only the best oak, cedar and pine available and their wares would be built to last a lifetime. With this “quality first” mindset and a strong midwest work ethic…North Rustic Design was born.
Starting out as a home based business in their house on the Eau Claire river, Josh began developing a line of products. He crafted over 30 new prototypes and the two of them began to refine their designs, add new merchandise and eliminate the ones they weren’t satisfied with. Josh scoured the web and put out feelers to track down suppliers of the best quality wood stock available.
Living in Wisconsin was a huge key to their success. The area was built on the lumber trade and some of the best wood in the world is gleaned from the northwoods.
Like any fledgling business, it started small. Armed only with a 2 1/2 H.P. air compressor, a table saw, some nail guns and a dream, the boys dove into their task. Many long hours and a never ending accumulation of sawdust began to pay off. People were taking notice and in 2012, cedar_box.com was launched. Business was taking off and they began to outgrow their work space. A new location with a full basement shop was needed and the Josh moved the operation to Zephyr Hill. Bigger and better equipment was brought in through shear determination and an uptick in sales. Josh, a highly educated and resourceful fellow, knew the downfall of most new business ventures, and instead of leveraging themselves to the hilt, they slowly expanded the shop based solely on the amount of orders they took in. It wasn’t long before new saws, compressors and work benches began to fill up the basement. Then it came. The first big order for over 1300 wholesale crates. Days, nights and weekends of cutting, building and staining culminated in an on time delivery of the best quality crates that money could buy. It wasn’t long before the next website was launched. Crateland.com was born and the dream was becoming reality.
Never ones to jeopardize the business, the he worked out of the Zephyr Hill location until it was no longer feasible. With crates and boxes piling up in the basement, garage and carport, the Bills looked at each other and agreed that it was time. In the spring of 2015 the entire shop was moved to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Now with a new, big shop and warehousing facilities at their disposal, the sky was the limit. New products were developed. New stain choices were added. They added a screen printing division to embellish their goods. More equipment was brought in and 5 employees were brought onboard to help keep up with demand.
During the summer of 2015 the guys built, stained and shipped in excess of 30,000 crates. The new guys all had the same passion and vision as Josh and a team of hard working and talented individuals was created. They strived for quality, cooperation and consistency. From the countless truckloads of raw lumber brought in to the grading, cutting, assembling and staining…they all had a common goal and belief.
Our product has to be the best!
Of course there were many who doubted us. As with any new business there are always cynics…but there is a reason why North Rustic Design is where it is today. Perseverance through the early, lean times. A strong ethic and an pride in our work sustain us. And most importantly, a ‘customer first’ mentality has been what got us here. It’s not about what we want…it’s about what the person buying the product deserves.
Every day at North Rustic Design is a new day. We are constantly expanding our inventory, launching new products and listening to our customers. We are a family here and we look out for each other. Our reputation is important to us and that is why all our work is top quality and 100% guaranteed.
From the early days of brainstorming by the river to working with such clients as Hallmark Corporation, Whole Foods, UGG Austrailia and others we have always held the same philosophy. Quality before profits.
Thats why if you want one crate of ten thousand, you can rest assured that you are getting the best product for your dollar and that we stand behind each and every one.
Thanks for reading!

A Northwoods success story

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