The story behind the bench
About The Broad Oak
A small Wisconsin family workshop. We build custom redwood coasters, reclaimed-wood American flags, and more! Every piece is handmade and meant to last.
- Made in WisconsinSmall workshop, big care
- Reclaimed woodSalvaged wall slats, real character
- 10% donated every orderTim Tebow Foundation
- Built to lastHand-finished for everyday life
Our Name & Our Roots
The name "The Broad Oak" holds a deep, personal significance for our family. It was chosen in memory of Jay's foster parents' first child, whom they lost at birth. In his memory, they planted an oak tree—a symbol of strength and endurance. Later, when they welcomed Jay into their home, that symbol of resilience took on new meaning. What began as a tribute has grown into a family legacy that we are honored to share with you.
Jay's Story
At 35 years old, Jay is the heart and soul of our workshop. His journey to this point hasn't been a straight line, but it is one defined by resilience, love, and the comfort of a steady routine.
Born with severe autism, Jay requires a high level of support, which led to him entering the foster care system early in life. At nine years old, everything changed when he was welcomed into his foster family's home. It was truly the perfect match: his foster dad was a woodshop teacher and his foster mom was a special education teacher. Together, they understood that for Jay, the world makes the most sense when it is predictable. They used their combined experience to establish the routines he needed to thrive, guiding him through school and helping him transition into a job at an assisted workshop after graduation.
For years, that job was his anchor. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the facility shut down, and the structure Jay relied on vanished overnight. The loss of his daily routine was difficult; he needed a new outlet to fill his days and, more importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.
That is when his foster dad, drawing on his years of teaching in the shop, invited Jay out to help.
What started as a way to pass the time quickly became a new passion. While Jay doesn't build the pieces himself, he has found his own meaningful role in the process. He loves being an essential helper—finding a natural rhythm in sanding, painting, staining, and sorting materials. He finds immense joy simply in being part of the action, watching raw wood transform into finished pieces right before his eyes.
Today, the shop is more than just a workplace; it is Jay's safe space. It gives him the daily structure he craves and the pride of contributing to something beautiful. It's a place where he can focus and be surrounded by the things he loves—including his faithful shop assistants. You'll often find him working alongside his furry friends: cats Arthur, Nips, and Pickles, and dogs Ove and Obie.
When he isn't helping out in the shop, Jay loves solving puzzles (which explains his knack for organization), enjoying a big bowl of mac and cheese, and spending time with his family. He continues to see his parents every week, keeping that vital family connection strong.
Giving back
Buy a piece, give back.
10% of every order is donated to the Tim Tebow Foundation, which supports families finding their own paths through hard seasons.
Bring handcrafted pieces home
Photos, dimensions, and current availability live on Etsy. Reach out if you'd like a custom name or finish, we love a good ask.