Wood From the Hood Welcomes Jessica Nelson as our New Project Manager
Jessica Nelson, Project Manager
We are excited to add to our growing team at Wood from the Hood. We welcome Jessica Nelson as our new Project Manager!
Jessica’s background in furniture design, production, and lumber sales will be a wonderful asset to our customers as she manages all aspects of the production process.
Jessica is not afraid to jump in and get her feet wet. She has built and designed furniture plus her experience at Youngblood Lumber will help expand the lumber services available at Wood from the Hood. Here’s more about Jessica:
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in southern Wisconsin. I was one of the first 2 women to build a house from the ground up for Habitat for Humanity in an advanced construction class my senior year of high school. I moved to Minneapolis for the Fine Art, Furniture Design program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design.
What experience do you bring to the WFTH table?
After graduating from MCAD I worked for 9 years at a local custom furniture shop. I designed and built custom furniture, store fixtures and one of a kind pieces of art for residential and commercial settings. I also partnered with a friend and opened my own custom furniture shop where I got a first-hand perspective of managing a small business. For the last 6 years I had the opportunity to work on the Youngblood Lumber Company customer service team. My knowledge of lumber and working with customers grew exponentially working alongside coworkers that had 20-30 years’ experience in the industry.
How will your experience help you serve WFTH customers?
I think through my work history in the industry as a designer, fabricator, installer and business owner I can relate to most customers coming into WFTH. I can help with all aspects of their vision from start to finish. What wood to use, how much material they will need, suggestions on how to fabricate and finish down to the hardware and installation. I’m no expert, but I’ve definitely learned a few things over the years.
Relatable certifications and passions?
I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Furniture design from MCAD (Minneapolis College of Art and Design). I also build custom canvas stretchers for local painters which keeps me busy nights and weekends.
Why are you excited to join the WFTH team?
I’ve always really enjoyed the relationships that are built when you are part of a small business and I’m excited to be part of a team that helps minimize the number of trees going through the chipper. I also really enjoy seeing the connection between the Wood From the Hood customer and their tree and the final products that they have us fabricate for the space where the tree once stood. I find the whole process fascinating and look forward to learning more, all the while supporting other local small companies in the process.
What would surprise people to know about you?
I’m a member of an all women’s motorcycle club, I’ve been deer hunting with my dad every year since I was 12 and I am an apprentice steam engineer.
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