Meet the Makers

The people behind the goods matter.

Garretson Ridge is built around useful things made with care — and the people who make them. We want you to know more than a product name and a price. We want you to know where something came from, who made it, and why we thought it was worth carrying.

Some of the makers here work in small shops. Others have grown into established American brands. What they share is an attention to materials, usefulness, and making things worth keeping.

More stories are coming.

We’re still gathering photos, workshop stories, and a little more background from the people behind the goods we carry. As new makers join Garretson Ridge, you’ll find their stories here too.

Independent Makers

11 Metals

The maker behind the goods

Lee Hendricks grew up in Boone County, West Virginia, before heading to college to study music education and eventually moving to Nashville to pursue a career in music. Over the years, he built a full-time career as a touring musician, playing with artists including Bryan White, Edwin McCain, Olivia Newton-John, and Eric Church, whom he has played with since 2006.

Woodworking was always something Lee returned to, but during the pandemic he began seriously experimenting with epoxy resin, learning the material through small projects and plenty of trial and error. A few years later, he moved back to West Virginia to be closer to family, set up a dedicated shop, and began placing his work in local stores.

Today, Lee makes coasters, cutting boards, tables, and custom furniture, with his work carried by Tamarack and several other West Virginia shops and galleries.

Why we carry them

Lee’s work feels like a natural fit for Garretson Ridge: useful pieces made by hand, with real character and a clear connection to the person behind them. His coasters were already part of our home before the store existed, which made carrying 11 Metals an easy decision.

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OAK & INK

The maker behind the goods

Tyler was born and raised in Nashville, TN.  He has a passion for all things creative with a tinge of tradition.  Who OAK & INK is today is a culmination of the people and happenings of his past.  Influenced by his Southern roots, a true gentleman always follows up a nice gesture with a handwritten note. The seed for OAK & INK sprung from his endless search for professional stationery that not only reflected his personality, but gave himsomething that could convey more than the words he wrote.   OAK & INK strives to help revive the lost art of the handwritten note and its sentiment in the style and the class of the modern gentleman. 

His stationery is a creative blend of modern style with vintage artwork, stemming from inspiration received from the male figures in his life. Each line is named after and designed with their characteristics, hobbies or occupations in mind.

Whatever the reason or your occasion, he hopes one of his note cards will give you a creative way to express your thoughts and gratitude.

Why we carry them

Tyler's work and mission reflect a voice Garretson Ridge wants to give out to the world.  Thoughtful, intentional designs and  gratitude for the people around us.

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Machine Era

The maker behind the goods

Ryan and Adam formed Machine Era in 2013.  They are designers, innovators, craftsmen, machinists, and a few other things. They feel these characteristics give them a unique ability to bring products from concept to completion- a process they say they are obsess over. They are dedicated to crafting the highest quality machined everyday carry items. 

All of our products are created in our shop using manual and CNC machines in Richmond, Virginia. 

They use Swiss-type turning techniques that give them the ability to deliver parts that are extremely accurate with the best possible surface finish. Operational tolerances on these machines are usually reserved for medical and aerospace industries. This gives them the ability to add features, and control product weight/balance in ways not possible with other methods. 

Why we carry them

Machine Era makes the kind of everyday objects we’re drawn to at Garretson Ridge: simple, useful, thoughtfully designed, and built with no unnecessary fuss. Their pens feel substantial without being overworked, and the attention to materials and machining is obvious the moment you pick one up.

We carry Machine Era because they make tools that are meant to be used, carried, and kept—not replaced when the next trend comes along. That combination of practical design, American manufacturing, and long-term usefulness fits exactly what we want Garretson Ridge to stand for.

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Loyal Stricklin

The maker behind the goods

Loyal Stricklin is a leather, denim, and waxed canvas specialist brand based in Nashville Tennessee. They are intently focused on building the highest quality clothing, bags, and accessories as we possibly can, using materials only form the best mills, tanneries, and suppliers around the world, and assembling them all right here in the USA. 

Loyal Stricklin is owned and operated by Michael Stricklin with significant help from his trusted staff Sarah Stricklin (also his wife).

Almost all of his goods are produced in house, and what isn't, is always produced in the USA. 

Why we carry them

Loyal Stricklin makes beautiful leather pieces with a focus on thoughtful construction, quality materials, and the idea that things you own should be used for a long time.  Their leather goods are clean and understated, with the kind of details you notice more over time rather than all at once.

We carry Loyal Stricklin because their work fits the way we think everyday objects should be made: useful, durable, and designed to develop character through use. These aren’t pieces meant to be babied—they’re made to become part of your daily routine and tell a little of your story along the way.

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