About Us
About Gates Hollow Woodworks
Gates Hollow Woodworks (GHW) started, unofficially, in early 2020. It started as an outlet to relieve the cabin fever that built up as a result of the lockdowns caused by the COVID 19 global pandemic. Throughout 2020 friends and family became interested in the items we offered. These translated into “word of mouth” references and things began to grow a little as the world got out. We even managed to attend a (properly socially distanced) craft fair late in 2020. Despite the terrible weather, there seemed to be quite a lot of interest. So, in January of 2021, we’ve decided to officially give it a go.
At GHW we specialize in small accessories for your home. These are usually, but not always, centered around the kitchen and bar. The accessories include cutting boards, charcuterie boards, wine displays, whiskey and beer flight trays, and many others. Look for other items to be added in the future.
At GHW we take pride in our craftsmanship. All accessories are carefully handcrafted. Only appropriate hardwoods are used and no stains or dyes are ever used. Clearcoat finishes are used to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. If the accessory is intended to come into direct contact with food, then only 100% food safe finishes are used. These items will need periodic care to maintain the beauty and protection – please refer to our Use and Care page for instructions. Other items that won’t come into contact with food are protected with a marine-grade spar urethane.
We look to support other local small businesses when we’re able to. All hardwoods used in our products are acquired from a local hardwood retailer. Business cards and product tags were purchased through a local printer. Even the beer we enjoy after a long day of crafting in the workshop is from local craft breweries.
About the Maker
Hi! I’m Mike Gates. By day I am a Systems Integration Engineering Manager for a telecommunications manufacturer. Basically, I’m a tech geek. I do, however, enjoy it. I’ve been working in various roles in the telecommunications engineering field for more than 30 years. I started as a guy who liked computers and then worked my way through on the job training and formal education to get to where I am today.
I started tinkering with making things in much the same manner. I’ve always been someone who liked to understand how things were put together and how they worked. I’ve never been afraid to get my hands dirty while repairing my own vehicle, lawn mower, or what have you. I started dabbling with making and quickly gravitated to woodworking.
I, like many others, found myself working from home in early 2020 thanks to COVID 19. I needed an outlet to relieve the cabin fever and boredom of isolation. Enter woodworking. I started making cutting boards, charcuterie boards, serving trays, and other things. My wife and I can only use so many of these types of things, so GHW was born.
Basically, I’m just a tech nerd who happens to enjoy doing some woodworking on the side. I will occasionally make things that we need or to give as gifts. GHW gave me a way to continue making and provide an outlet for the items I make. Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me and GHW!
