MORE THAN A WOODSHOP
This is where fear turns to confidence. Where curiosity breeds capability. Where bold ideas take beautiful form.
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and virtual experiences, we're creating a sanctuary for those who crave the satisfaction of making something real with their own two hands.
OUR STORY
FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES TO COMMUNITY CREATION
Sawdust Studios was born from a simple observation: woodworking transforms people.
When founder Cruz Chavez watched beginners create their first projects, he noticed something remarkable happening. Beyond the cutting boards and coffee tables, people were discovering capabilities they never knew they had. As a successful construction company owner, Cruz had mastered the art of building structures, but his true passion lay in building confidence.
That revelation sparked an idea: what if everyone had access to professional tools, expert guidance, and a supportive community that celebrated progress over perfection? What if barriers that keep people from discovering woodworking (expensive equipment, limited space, and lack of knowledge) simply disappeared?
Sawdust Studios opened its doors in 2020 with a radical commitment: to break down every obstacle between curious beginners and the transformative experience of making. No gatekeeping. No judgment. Just genuine guidance and premium tools available whenever inspiration strikes.
meet the founder
Cruz Chavez
Cruz brings more than 15 years of construction and woodworking experience to Sawdust Studios, but his most valuable skill is the ability to make complex craftsmanship approachable for everyone.
After running his own successful construction company, Cruz recognized that his greatest satisfaction came not from completing projects himself, but from helping others discover what they were capable of building.
"There's this moment when someone sees their finished project and can't believe they made it themselves. That moment of realization—that's what Sawdust Studios is built to create."
His approach to teaching combines technical precision with encouraging patience, creating an environment where beginners feel capable and experienced makers feel challenged.
When not in the shop, Cruz can be found working on his self-built home, designing new workshop concepts, or introducing his kids to the joy of making.
JOINING OWNERSHIP IN 2025
Zach Gramke
Some people find woodworking. For others, woodworking finds them precisely when they need it most. For Zach, our new co-owner at Sawdust Studios, it was both.
Zach's story with woodworking began in middle school under the guidance of a shop teacher everyone called "Edge." What started as classroom projects evolved into an enormous armoire he built in high school – a piece that still stands in his parents' home today. Though life took him toward a fulfilling 10-year elementary teaching career at Ridgeway Elementary here in Columbia, Zach never completely set down his tools, crafting shelves for his classroom and furniture for the home he shared with his wife Maddie and their daughters, Emersyn and Blair.
In early 2021, life took an unexpected turn when Maddie was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she bravely battled through treatments, Zach made the difficult decision to step away from teaching – both from burnout and with a newfound determination to pursue long-held dreams after witnessing Maddie's courage. Sawdust Studios was on his radar, a place where he could finally dive deeper into his passion for woodworking.
But life had other plans. In June 2022, Maddie was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Zach's decision to leave teaching now meant something entirely different – it gave him the precious gift of spending every day with Maddie and their daughters during her final eight months. After Maddie passed on January 21, 2023, Zach did the only thing possible – he put one foot in front of the other.
One year later, in January 2024, those steps led him to Sawdust Studios, where he joined our Apprenticeship program. With his future uncertain, Zach found something unexpected happening within our walls. Among the tools, the sawdust, and the community of makers, he began rediscovering himself.
"I loved being in the shop and could never get enough time there," Zach shares. "I started thinking about starting my own woodworking business, and the thought excited me so much. But as I kept dreaming and making plans, I kept thinking about how much I loved being at Sawdust."
That realization led to a simple question asked of our founder Cruz:
"Would you ever consider having a partner?" The answer was an emphatic yes. In what Zach describes as a "bittersweet twist of fate," he and Cruz signed their operating agreement on January 21, 2025 – exactly two years after Maddie's passing.
"I can't help but think she had something to do with orchestrating all this," Zach reflects. "She would be so proud of the steps I've taken to live my life in exactly the way I want to."
Why This Matters for Our Community:
Zach's journey embodies everything Sawdust Studios stands for – the healing power of creating with your hands, the strength found in community, and the transformation that happens when you discover what you're truly capable of building.
As co-owner, Zach brings not just his woodworking skills, but his experience as an educator, his perspective as someone who's faced life's deepest challenges, and his firsthand understanding of how making things can help rebuild what seems broken.
"I know firsthand that belonging to a woodworking community can help people who are going through difficult times," Zach says. "It helped me find my way forward when I couldn't see the path ahead."
We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Zach as co-owner. His presence strengthens our commitment to creating a space where everyone can discover their inherent capability to create – not just beautiful objects, but meaningful lives.
Welcome to the next chapter of Sawdust Studios. We invite you to stop by, meet Zach, and perhaps discover what you're capable of building, too.
Pull up a chair. Grab a tool. Let's build something remarkable.
OUR SPACE
WHERE MAKING HAPPENS 24/7
Walk into our 7,000-square-foot workshop and you'll immediately notice the difference.
Professional-grade equipment fills the space. Everything is meticulously maintained, thoughtfully arranged, and ready for your project.
But the most remarkable feature? The lights never go off. Members have round-the-clock access because we understand that creativity doesn't follow business hours. That flash of inspiration at 11pm deserves a workshop that's ready when you are.
Our space combines the accessibility of a gym with the capability of a professional woodshop. The result is an environment where making feels possible for everyone, whether you're turning your first bowl or crafting heirloom furniture.
OUR APPROACH
WHERE INTIMIDATION ENDS AND INNOVATION BEGINS
We believe perfection is the enemy of progress. That every mistake is a lesson. That growth happens outside our comfort zone.
Our teaching philosophy centers on one truth: people learn best by doing.
Instead of lengthy demonstrations or explanations, we get tools in hands quickly. We break complex techniques into approachable steps, creating an environment where mistakes become learning opportunities and everyone is expected to succeed.
This approach has led to our signature workshop promise: "Want to build something remarkable? Give us two hours."
Does this mean we cut corners on safety? Never. It means we've mastered the art of teaching efficiently. We keep explanations clear, demonstrations relevant, and support constant throughout the learning process.
DISCOVER WHAT YOU'RE CAPABLE OF MAKING
JOIN US
Whether you're looking to create a single beautiful project or develop skills that last a lifetime, Sawdust Studios offers the tools, guidance, and community to make it happen.