Brad Cornell wanted to obtain some barn wood for a couple personal projects. Naturally, he ended up taking down an entire barn. While this is a funny story for dinner parties, it is also the story about the birth of a business. Brad ended up selling the wood he didn’t need from that first barn, and it became a business. As Brad’s wife, Lauren, describes, “Here we are…many barns later.”
The only difference today is that, rather than selling the original barn wood, the Cornells now sell specialty reclaimed products. Specifically, Signature Woods sells unique reclaimed fireplace mantels and authentic sliding barn doors (and the hardware that goes along with it).
The Cornells have officially been in business since 2012. They started working full-time together about a year and a half ago, when they got married. Originally, the couple was located in Zumbrota, Minnesota–a prime location for scavenging barn wood. However, due to their growth, they required a new space. Thus commenced a ten month search for the perfect space. Searching from Eau Claire to Northfield, the Cornells loooked high and low for the next home of their business.
Finally, the Cornells settled in Northfield in a space that will, according to Lauren, “facilitate growth for our business.” While the Northfield community is visiting this business, they should also extend a warm welcome to its owners, who also recently relocated to the beautiful city.
The Cornells decided on Northfield as the next home for themselves and their business because they felt in their hearts that it was the right place for them. Additionally, their new building facilitates expansion and growth. It also offers a showcase for their products. Lauren explains, “We wanted a space for people to come touch the materials so they can truly visualize it in their homes..” Brad and Lauren want to create a custom experience for their customers, with thorough consultations relating to interior design and installation. A bonus for customers: all of Signature Woods’ products can be installed by the purchaser with basic handy skills.
We asked the Cornells what advice they have for other business owners looking for a space. Brad responded, “Persistence was a main factor for us. We spent a lot of time praying and looking for the right place. We decided it wasn’t a good thing to settle for something less than what we wanted, so we waited for the Lord to show us the right place, that way we wouldn’t have any regrets in the future. People looking for a place should keep their expectations high throughout the process. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the right place immediately. It took a long time, but when we walked into the is place, we knew it was just right. It was exactly what we wanted.”
They are currently finishing up the renovation process in their new building, but plan to have a grand opening sometime in July or August. Until they can have open store hours, they are taking appointments by phone & email and can be reached at 651-214-9611 or signaturewoods@gmail.com. To keep tabs on them & to check out their products, go to their website at www.signaturewoodsepiq.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/signaturewoods.
