Hi, I'm Jeff Ronald, the proud owner of Oak Orchard Custom Woodworking, LLC. My journey to becoming a master woodworker is one of passion, dedication, and a blend of diverse experiences. For over 20 years, I have built a career in the IT software development industry — transitioning from roles in quality assurance and management to leading global teams and coaching enterprises. My 15-year tenure at Thomson Reuters and nearly six rewarding years at Bayer Crop Science have provided me with invaluable lessons and a foundation of discipline and innovation that I now bring into my woodworking craft.

​

Woodworking has been a lifelong passion — one that began over 30 years ago on Oak Street in a small town in Illinois. It was there that my father introduced me to the world of woodworking, teaching me not only how to cut my first piece of wood or read a tape measure (even if I did just “count the tics” a little longer than dad thought necessary, haha), but also the importance of patience, hard work, and the art of joinery. The "Oak" in Oak Orchard honors that humble beginning, while "Orchard" pays tribute to the street I've called home for the past 15 years with my amazing wife, Michelle, and our two knucklehead kids (daughter 13, son 11). It’s here that I’ve refined my woodworking skills — immersing myself in books, classes, and countless projects — to become the craftsman I am today.

​

At Oak Orchard Custom Woodworking, I combine the creative and strategic thinking demanded by the corporate world with the patience and meticulous craftsmanship of woodworking. Every project is a testament to my love of the craft and a commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. I’m grateful for every experience along the way, and I’m excited to bring the art of woodworking to life for you. I can’t wait to see what we will create!

 

Best Regards,

Jeff Ronald