The Most Admirable Vermont Woods Studio

Faithful readers may have noticed that I’m attracted to smallish craftspeople and entrepreneurs that are doing good green things. For many it’s a passionate response to a deeply felt individual commitment.

Such seems to be the case with Vermont Woods Studios,  founded, as they tell it, “by a talented group of world-class furniture makers, working independently from small studios scattered across Vermont, who came together to share their passions both for excellence in craftsmanship and for sustainable forestry.”

This unusual business model appears to be working nicely as the company seems to be thriving while others are struggling. Part of their unique story is how they are implementing high tech 
biz & marketing aspects in a traditionally low-tech industry. Heck, before they turn on the computer to check the web analytics to tweak 
their latest Internet marketing they have to first feed the horses 
on their organic farm.

The wood for their furniture, offered in many styles – Shaker, Mission, Modern, Cottage – is sourced from Vermont’s Green Mountains in compliance with sustainable forest management principles, as you would expect. But what I find extraordinary is their commitment to social responsibility. In their words, “Vermont Woods Studios works to provide gifted independent furniture makers, who are unable to afford conventional channels for marketing their goods, access to the furniture market. We encourage this multi-cultural group of passionate craftspeople, dedicated to utmost quality and style, by matching them with customers both online and through galleries and expositions.”

Conversely, up to 90% of the imported wood furniture in North America is 
made from wood that is illegally harvested in the world’s rapidly 
diminishing rainforests, often by exploited workers. Think about that when sourcing your projects. Reward excellence.