About US

Mission Statement

(What We Do Now)

To empower individuals, particularly veterans, and those with mental health and mobility challenges through the art of woodworking, providing high-quality Roman workbenches, tools, and comprehensive instruction. We foster creativity, personal growth, and mental well-being through the therapeutic benefits of traditional craftsmanship.

Vision Statement

(Where Are We Going?)

To be a leading provider of accessible woodworking solutions and education, transforming lives by integrating traditional craftsmanship with therapeutic practices. We envision a future where woodworking serves as a means for personal growth, mental health support, and community building, particularly among veterans.

My Story

Ryan Barnard is a veteran who has transformed personal challenges into a meaningful mission. After graduating high school in 2003, he enlisted in the Army and served two combat deployments to Iraq. During his service, Ryan sustained traumatic brain injuries that resulted in significant physical and mental health challenges.

Military Service and Transition

Ryan dedicated 17.5 years to military service, ultimately being medically retired in December 2020. Following his retirement, he relocated to San Antonio, Texas, with his family, where he began a comprehensive journey of medical treatment and personal recovery.

Healing Through Woodworking

Discovering woodworking became a pivotal point in Ryan's healing process. Using hand-tool woodworking, he developed a therapeutic approach to managing symptoms of Anxiety, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Depression. The craft provided him with multiple psychological benefits:

• Healthy and Productive Activity

• Serotonin Boost through a soothing activity

• Biofeedback

• Mindfulness Activities

• Sense of Accomplishment

• Creative Problem-Solving

• Community Connection

Professional Mission

Ryan transformed his healing experience into a professional mission. His woodworking business now focuses on:

• Hand tool instruction for mental health management

• Creating specialized workbenches for individuals with mobility challenges

• Selling woodworking tools and equipment

Through his work, Ryan not only manages his own mental health but also provides a supportive pathway for other veterans and individuals struggling with similar challenges.

Services

Service Area: San Antonio, Texas, and the surrounding areas.

Services:

• Hand-Tool Woodworking Instruction

• Tool Sales

• Custom Workbenches

• Private and Group Lessons

• Private Coaching

Hand-Tool Woodworking Instruction: Learn the Timeless Craft

1. In-Person Workshops & Classes (Up to 10 Students)

• Description: Immerse yourself in the art of hand-tool woodworking with our comprehensive in-person workshops. We provide everything you need: high-quality workbenches, a full range of hand tools, and premium materials.

• Flexibility: We bring the workshop to you! Our mobile training team can travel to your location or organization. We also partner with local Maker Spaces for convenient workshop locations.

• Benefits:

  • Hands-on learning in a supportive environment.

  • Access to professional-grade tools and materials.

  • Personalized guidance from experienced instructors.

  • Collaborative learning experience with fellow woodworking enthusiasts.

2. Virtual Hand-Tool Woodworking Lessons

• Description: Learn the fundamentals of hand-tool woodworking from the comfort of your own home! Our virtual classes, conducted via Zoom or Skype, utilize a professional audio-visual setup to ensure a clear and engaging learning experience.

• Benefits:

  • Flexible learning schedule.

  • Access to expert instruction from anywhere.

  • Interactive learning through live demonstrations and Q&A sessions.

  • Cost-effective learning.

3. Group Classes (4+ Students)

• Description: Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a fun and educational woodworking experience. Our group classes offer a collaborative learning environment where you can learn and create together.

• Benefits:

  • Shared learning experience.

  • Team-building opportunity.

  • Cost-effective option for groups.

  • Social interaction.

4. Private Lessons (1-2 Students, Ages 10+ with Parent/Guardian)

• Description: Receive personalized instruction tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our private lessons offer one-on-one or two-on-one coaching, perfect for beginners or those seeking to refine their skills. (For ages 10+, parent/guardian participation is required).

• Benefits:

  • Individualized attention and guidance.

  • Flexible scheduling.

  • Rapid skill development.

  • Safe learning environment for younger students.

5. Personalized Project Design & Coaching: Bring Your Dream Project to Life

• Description: Do you have a vision for a unique woodworking project? We can help you turn your dream into reality! Our personalized design and coaching service guides you through every step, from concept to completion. We utilize traditional, pre-industrial design methods and provide expert instruction on tool usage and finishing techniques, drawing inspiration from period examples.

• Benefits:

  • Expert guidance in project design and execution.

  • Learn traditional woodworking techniques.

  • Create a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted masterpiece.

  • Achieve your woodworking goals.

6. Coordinating Instructional and Coaching Services

• To elevate your woodworking skills, please use the contact form to arrange private instruction, group lessons, or individual coaching and lesson plans.

• We offer discounted rates for:

  • Virtual Instruction

  • Plane Wellness Members

  • Military Members

  • Veterans

  • First Responders