About Us

Woodworks officially became an incorporated business in 1999 to further Dick Schwab's vision of creating objects of beauty and utility from wood.  Dick, the founder of Woodworks, feels this type of job fits him better than any other.  Dick grew up in rural Minnesota, and has successfully grown in corporate America for the past 24 years.  Through Woodworks, Dick is able to return to his true passion:  working with his hands and being in the great outdoors.

The Woodworks shop is located in rural southeastern Iowa near Iowa City.  The shop provides services primarily to the surrounding region, but Dick hopes the business will grow and serve a larger area as well.  The shop is actually a complex of barns and machinery on ninety-two acres of land owned by Dick and his wife, Katherine Burford.  These extensive and beautiful barns, numbering eight in all, have been designed, built, and used by Dick over the years for projects and hobbies.  Many of them now are used to house the equipment necessary to run Woodworks and his other business Touched by the Light.

Woodworking has always been a passion rather than a commercial venture for Dick, and he doesn't want this to change.  He sees Woodworks as a way to further his hobby and passion.  Despite the fact Woodworks is now incorporated, he is still more concerned with providing high-quality products and services than he is with income.  In fact, Dick has always strongly supported a number of local numerous charities, often donating a selection of his woodworking projects for sale at benefit auctions.  He remains true to his values with Woodworks and his other business, Touched by the Light;  a number of products made in these two businesses are donated each year to charity.

Although the business is young, Dick has big hopes for the future.  Fine craftsmanship is always Dick's first and foremost concern, but just as important are his customers.  The business values treating customers with respect, honesty, and consideration.  By following these guidelines, he hopes Woodworks will become a respected and trusted name for high-quality woodworking products and services.