About Us

Where Quality Takes Shape: The Story of The Honest Chisel

 

At The Honest Chisel, we believe a piece of woodwork should be more than just an object. It should be a centerpiece for memories, a functional work of art, and a testament to quality craftsmanship. It’s a philosophy born from a long-standing friendship and a shared, deep-seated passion for building things that last.

 

A Friendship Forged and Rediscovered

 

Our story begins back in 1996, working together at a local grocery store where a fast friendship was formed. For the next couple of decades, life took us on different but complementary paths. Steve built a career managing stores, owning a construction business, and honing a remarkable talent for fabricating everything from custom vehicles to signs and games. Meanwhile, Mike built his expertise in management, real estate, and design, always drawn back to his love for building and creating unique woodworking projects.

It wasn't until Steve moved back to the Gulf Coast that we reconnected. We quickly realized that our separate journeys had given us the perfect set of skills—Steve's hands-on mastery and Mike's eye for design. That shared passion for quality work and creative problem-solving was the spark that ignited The Honest Chisel.

 

Meet the Craftsmen

 

Mike Johnson As a builder of the duo, Mike brings creative visions to life with precision and a steady hand. His background in real estate and management gives him a sharp eye for the practical details, ensuring every piece is not only flawlessly constructed but also perfectly suited to the client's space and needs. Mike's passion is in the craft itself...the expert execution of the build, the quality of the joinery, and the satisfying final details that guarantee a lifetime of use.

Steve Ballans Steve is the master of fabrication, a natural problem-solver who can build just about anything. With years of hands-on experience in construction and custom projects, he brings a deep understanding of materials and structure to the workshop. His expertise ensures that every piece isn't just well-designed, but is built with unshakable integrity and strength.

 

The "Honest" in Our Name

 

We chose the name "The Honest Chisel" because it represents the core of our values. To us, honesty means using quality, durable materials. It means transparent communication throughout the entire design and build process. Most importantly, it means putting our full integrity and skill into every joint we cut and every surface we finish. It's our promise that the piece you receive is as well-made as it is beautiful.

Thank you for taking the time to learn our story. Whether you're looking for the perfect entertainment for your wedding day or a custom piece you've been dreaming of, we'd be honored to share our craft with you.

Let's build something great together.