Rowan Woodwork founder Suzanne Walton is a student of the Let My People Go Surfing philosophy of business. Among many progressive workplace ideals—like on-site childcare and ample parental leave—the book by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard champions giving your employees enough trust and freedom to be able to live a good life.
In the marketplace, however, that’s more complicated than it sounds. “There’s always a deadline and it’s the most important thing in the world,” says Walton. “But it can wear you out and suddenly this thing you love doing is a burden.”
In the case of Rowan Woodwork, the Kingston-based custom cabinetry company she founded in 2014, it was the combination of their in-demand style of minimalist, high-end projects, strategic team expansion, and use of advanced modeling technology that finally made the work-life balance equation click into place. As a result, the team is now doing five days of work in four.
Other businesses might take on more projects; instead, Walton and the team of five designers and cabinet makers are looking to expand their impact outside the walls of their Midtown workshop. “We have grand visions of making Rowan an example of what a utopian business might look like,” says Brady Jennings, Rowan’s CTO. “We hope to foster a coalition of Hudson Valley craftspeople from all the trades, who make it their goal to pump resources directly into the community in the form of money, education, and support.”
The team is currently planning an annual benefit auction using pieces they can duplicate from other custom work or passion projects the team is starting to explore in their gained time. Fridays at Rowan Woodwork are now spent in pursuit of skills outside the ones the team currently employs for clients. They run the gamut from painting to upholstery, welding, and more.
And with Midtown Kingston’s industrial buildings filling up again, a coalition of craftspeople is already ripe for the making. Rowan Woodwork shares the 10,000-square-foot former auto body shop it made its home in 2019 with upholstery company Ommella, New York Heartwoods, and Hammerheart Forge. The building is on the same street as Great Life Brewing, Technical Coatings Corporation, and Caliber Granite.
The city’s blue collar past is part of what drew Walton to it when she relocated there from Manchester in the 1990s. “That very industrial, working class history lends itself to people being creative,” she says. Her upbringing in England, where young people often discover their line of work through on-site apprenticeships instead of the classroom, has helped fuel another of Rowan Woodwork’s aspirations.
The team is still working out the details, but there is a strong drive to introduce younger people to practical skill sets and trades like woodworking. “The hope is that marginalized and otherwise poorer youth in the community who might not ever have the opportunity to learn a craft will be introduced to it and become the next generation of tradesmen and women,” says Jennings.
The enthusiasm for the kind of workplace that thinks beyond profit is something the entire Rowan Woodwork team shares. “I’m excited that we all have the same passion and goals to be a part of and help the community,” says Ryon Emerich, who moved to Kingston to join Rowan after 14 years as a union carpenter in New York City. “There is so much change that is taking place. Some good, some not. It’s refreshing to be a part of something good in these challenging times.”
This article appears in October 2020.
Nailed it! This captures everything Rowan is about so vividly well – beauty, fun, and community. An incredible business with great talent in the Hudson Valley.
From the aesthetic, to owner, and team, just beautiful all around. Keep at it!
Rowan is an amazing business centered around high quality craftsmanship, with a visionary and creative leader, who infuses detailed woodwork with a relaxed and professional team of employees. You feel it ,and see it the moment you walk in the door.
Completely captured the essence of the company, what a great place to do business with. The talents of the employees are utilized and oblivious in the beautifully crafted products made. Could not recommend them enough.
I’ve known the Rowan team since it’s founding and I’ve listened and taken a lot of what Suzanne (and team) stand for into my own business: hard work, attention to detail are the basics but what she really stands for is unity and finding happiness and satisfaction in the craft. My father always said if you can find something you love to do and make money at it… you’ll never work a day in you life. Now… I’m not saying it isn’t a tremendous amount of work and Suzanne is one of the hardest working people I’ve met, but I’ll say this… I know she loves what she does and the people she does it with. And the end result is astounding. Much respect. ❤️
Great article about a true business leader in the Hudson Valley. Rowan really does embrace a ‘Let My People Go Surfing’ approach to their employees and business. Having watched them grow over the years, I am so thrilled to see them receive the recognition they deserve. Also, they are very philanthropic to local multiple community non-profits which is just awesome. Can’t wait to see their success continue to grow!😎
Sue and the Rowan team are simply the best!
They work hard and smart to give you a product that is beautiful and meticulously crafted.
Sue is one of the most generous people you will ever meet and it’s reflected in how this business is run.
Awesome piece on a super talented group of people! Rowan’s design sense is right on. I’m blown away every time I cruise photos of the finished work. Suzanne Walton and her team’s enthusiasm for what they do translates into everything Rowan touches, from interfacing with clients, product suppliers, the community, their craftsmanship. Good people doing great work because they love what they do!
Five Star business in the Hudson Valley !!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rowan Woodwork will execute your design dream into a flawless reality. Talented artisans who’s talents ooze perfection and professionalism. I can’t recommend them enough! Congratulations on the write up. 👏🏼❤️
Suzanne is wonderful to work with. I love the design and esthetic of Rowan, I can’t wait to work with them again
Congratulations to the entire Rowan team on such a thoughtful and detailed article. The quality of product that comes out of this studio is beyond impressive to say the least. I am constantly in awe of the level of detail and design in each piece. I’ve stepped foot into this establishment multiple times always feeling like the space is relaxed, professional, and warm. I can’t wait to see how this company continues to make strides here in the HV!
Black Oak Builders has used several different millwork shops over the years, until we found out what it’s like to work with Suz and her team at Rowan. There is nothing that cannot achieve regardless of how challenging the task. We and our clients have been thrilled with the results and have never had issues with their work years down the road. Cannot recommend them enough.
Best kept secret in the Hudson Valley! I have had the pleasure to work with Rowan on several projects and have highly recommended them many times. Their esthetic, attention to detail and the quality of their materials and finishing work are superior to any company in this sector that I have ever worked with, and there have been many projects! They are always on time and available to answer questions, patiently. Suzanne, the founder, is always a step ahead and their designing tools are state of the art, which makes it easy to collaborate, if that’s what you like. Businesses like this are what makes the Hudson Valley great!
Love Suzanne and her group. I also work right down the street from her at J&C’s Fine Finishes/Furniture. I would definitely recommend her to anyone that is looking for high quality work. Very dedicated to detail and perfection.
It isn’t simply the commitment to unparalleled quality of workmanship—which is unequivocally second to none—it is Rowan and her team’s commitment to a holistic philosophy across the board that sees them give, support and invest in their community, especially the younger generations. Their grounded idealism, rooted in a deep and resounding appreciation for expertise coupled with artistry, is a wonderful example of a different approach to business; one which I sincerely hope becomes contagious. The team at Rowan is taking the road less traveled by, and that makes all the difference.
Isn’t it about time someone came up with a business model that makes people happy, happy to go to work, happy to do a good job get respect and then feel like you can give it in return. Furniture with good Karma!!
Rowan Woodwork is an excellent choice. Suzanne and her team deliver a level of excellence which is undeniable. I give them my highest recommendation.
Their dedication to quality can be summed up with the phrase “good enough is never good enough”.
We’re just finishing up a kitchen install with Rowan and I can’t even begin to describe how great the experience has been. From the get go it was clear they care deeply about their staff and community, not just the final product. It’s also not often that the building process is seamless and enjoyable, and for that I can’t recommend them any higher. Rowan should be anyone’s go-to for high-level, thoughtful design. I know they’ll be the first people I call when we have another project. Looking forward to seeing where the future takes them.
The wood! The lines! The beautiful construction! Can’t say enough about Suz and her awesome team. I had the unique experience of seeing her work first hand and it was incredible to see the focus, dedication and passion she brings to every job.
I love how in this article – Suzannes clarity for real values, in her work and life, shines through.
Her excellence in her work is matched by her good nature. Shes an inspiration.
I am very lucky to rent a space in Suzanne’s building for my own business. It is such an inspiration to work next to such a passionate, friendly, and professional group of people. I have collaborated with Suzanne on a couple projects and each time has been a pleasure.
Their work is impeccable and their commitment to creating community inspiring. Glad to be neighbor, and to see another woman-owned Kingston business thriving as much as Rowan is!
The article truly captures the essence and substance of Rowan and of course Suz herself. Every image I see of the work they do makes me want to remodel a room again. And the fact that such beautiful carpentry is made in an environment of a truly progressive workplace is a total bonus. Well done the Rowan team.