Name: Ernie Threet

Location: Woods Furniture, 4918 Taylor Court; Just Cause Consignment, 100 N. Palm

Contact: (209) 604-9233

Hours of Operation: Woods Furniture 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; Just Cause Consignment 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

History of Business:

After years of working as a general contractor, Turlock resident Ernie Threet has entered the life of retirement. But instead of sitting back and relaxing, Threet took to his garage to find himself a hobby. It was at this time that Threet discovered a new passion in making unique furniture items out of wood.

“It just came natural that when I retired that I find a hobby that I enjoy doing,” said Threet, who has lived in Turlock since 1952. “So I started making furniture and other wood items in my garage.”

Using primarily reclaimed wood, Threet says that many of the items he makes have a unique look that has become very popular in home décor.

“I enjoy making things that are one of a kind,” said Threet. “I use reclaimed wood because it has a lot of character, it’s been very popular.”

Reclaimed wood typically comes from old barns or factories, although sometimes it can also come from less traditional structures like boxcars or wine barrels, giving it the unique look that so many are looking for when decorating their homes.

Threet says that he has been building things out of wood since he was 13. He was later approached by local business owner Randy Woods of Woods Furniture if he’d like to feature some of his items in their showroom. Since saying yes, Threet has also featured some of his items in the Just Cause Consignment store —a local downtown business selling lightly used furniture.

Although he mainly makes tables, Threet says that he likes to make just about anything that can be made out of wood.

Business Specialty: Reclaimed wood home décor, coffee tables, end tables, bird houses, chairs, accent tables, benches