Today we’d like to introduce you to Collin Christensen and Mike Sink.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Woodology is an artisan woodworking shop providing handmade wooden goods. We are a two-man shop, Collin and Mike, and we’re located just outside Atlanta, GA. We both love and live in Atlanta, and feed off of the creative energy of the city. Mike learned the basics of woodworking in high school building skateboard ramps. He was fortunate enough to take formal carpentry classes that provided an outlet for his creativity. Mike started Woodology out of his garage in Grant Park in 2010 because of his desire to do work that aligned with his passion and values, while working in his own space and in his own time. This allowed him the work/family balance he had longed for.
In the Fall of 2012, Collin joined Mike and they quickly became friends and eventually partners in the business. Collin had always worked with his hands a bit, but never truly discovered his creative roots until living in Atlanta and working at Woodology. He has found his passion in wood; whether building a table, making a fire, or using sawdust in his garden, wood is not only his livelihood but his recreation too!
We have a united vision of creating custom wood products for our clients and treating them like partners throughout the process. Our job is to bring their vision to life and might include repurposing an old door as a kitchen table, or finding the right hardware for their custom built-in. For us, the best part is delivering quality and timeless pieces that will last. And while Collin succeeds in the details, it’s Mike who keeps the big picture in mind and brings years of experience. We have found our differences strengthen our collaboration, which fosters joy and satisfaction in our work.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many challenges along the way. Mike started this business by himself in the middle of the economic downturn after 2008. It was an uphill battle to get enough work to stay afloat, let alone make a profit. Mike started the business near the Grant Park neighborhood, and it was awesome to be in the city where most of the work was and where Woodology could feed off of the creativity and energy of the city. Then the business was forced to move outside the city. Mike and Collin still both live in the city, but it is harder to feel the energy and creativity that flows from the city streets.
We have also had many small business growing pains in our pricing. It is very difficult to balance keeping your prices low enough to get a sufficient amount of work, but high enough to value the quality we deliver and provide for our two families. We have had a good amount of stuff stolen. Once a whole truck full of tools and twice we have had large trailers stolen. Those things are hard, but they come with doing business in a city, so we have learned to do the best with what we have.
Please tell us about Woodology.
We listen and work closely with the people who reach out to us so that we can fully understand what they are looking for. Often people reach out to us because no one else is willing and/or able to build what they are looking for. We love that Atlanta has many different types of homes and from different eras of style, so we get to build a wide variety of pieces. We build everything from super glossy white modern bathroom vanities to reclaimed barn wood tables to clean-lined mid-century modern walnut credenzas to customized functional closet spaces. Another thing we have enjoyed doing is building new pieces out of older sentimental pieces or material that people already have. We once built a mosaic piece of art out of the wood from a crib that a family had used for years with their children. We love working with our clients to bring life to their ideas.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Collin’s favorite childhood memory is going on long road trips in the family van. Mom, dad, three brothers, and often the dog, pulling a trailer full of stuff from New Hampshire to Nebraska. Mike’s favorite childhood memory is going to the beach in North Carolina with his family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4389 Sentry Drive, Suite G, Tucker, GA 30084
- Website: woodology.us
- Phone: 404-668-2337
- Email: collin@woodology.us
- Instagram: @woodology
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
