Pleasant Ranch

Birdhouse Architects

Hello!

Welcome to Pleasant Ranch! I create unique, midcentury/modern birdhouses and other items in wood, metal and plastic in Winooski, VT USA. I have a shop full of tools - including a CNC machine - which allow me to cut, carve, shape, and sand my way through my creative process. I am always striving to find new ways to express myself artistically through my work; creating pieces that go beyond mere function.

My Story…

With a couple of decades of professional experience in music, media and design jobs under my belt, I found myself ready for something new around 2012. I started by making a few simple projects: a set of cornhole boards for my Dad, some small household stuff, and soon tried my hand at a “modern” birdhouse. After posting it on social media, that first birdhouse sold almost immediately. More and more, I found myself sneaking off to the basement - and later the garage - to whip up all sorts of new projects. All the while, amassing better tools and materials.

By 2014, I had watched every woodworking video on YouTube and I even scored a couple of internships with some local guitar makers. These luthier friends not only provided me with some great tips - improving my accuracy and production - but they also made an excellent source for small, yet exotic wood off-cuts that I could use for my crafty projects. I was accepted to the BCA Artist Market that summer; by September I had left my "day job.”

Nearly four more years of grinding out projects large and small in my unheated, one-car garage, and finally it was time to move into a REAL commercial space. In Jan 2018, I opened up shop at 150 West Canal St. in Winooski - a space nearly three times the size of the garage; fully insulated and climate-controlled, and located in the friendliest little city in the world.

Social Media

I am very active on Instagram: @pleasantranch

You’ll find accounts for Pleasant Ranch on Facebook and TikTok as well. I’m less active on those these days, but you never know?

FAQ's

What is Pleasant Ranch? Like, do you have cattle?

Pleasant Ranch refers to our ranch-style home on a pleasant little street in Vermont. I started the business in my garage there; and while I have since moved to a larger commercial space, the name stuck.

What the heck is a CNC?

The term ‘CNC’ refers to “computer numerical control,” which is a manufacturing method that automates the control, movement and precision of machine tools through the use of preprogrammed computer software. Basically, it means that anything I can draw on a computer, I can carve into material.

Do you engrave stuff?

Absolutely. Any of my products and can be engraved, either by CNC (see above), by hand, with a wood burning pen, or by outsourcing my local laser shop. I can create, setup and print almost ANY text or image imaginable onto wood. Email me with your ideas!

I saw your Vermont bottle openers, and they are pretty sweet, but I want a Minnesota one. Do you accept custom orders?

Yes. I accept custom orders for almost anything! If you have an idea for a project, hit me up at info@pleasantranch.com. Let's make something cool.

When are you going to put up another YouTube video on your channel?

Argh! I know, right??? I am afraid that with my current density of orders, I am finding it harder and harder to release videos on any kind of schedule. But! I do find time to upload shorter “reels” to Instagram now and then. You can still subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE. If you like seeing videos of my process, feel free to let me know in the comments section!