Conversations with Brad Cooley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Cooley.

Hi Brad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Technically, I started by helping my dad do random projects around the house. Once I got to high school, I took a two-year program during the school day where we built a house-ground up over those two years. When I graduated, I attempted to join the carpenters union.

However, 2008 wasn’t a great time for builders. Following a couple of interviews where the employers said they weren’t really hiring, I decided to go back to school. Fast forward a few years, I became a professional engineer. After my wife and I bought our house and started a couple of home repairs, I ended up buying some tools for those repairs.

Since I had a small selection of tools I had a couple of people ask if I could make some tables and cabinets. Since then and over the past couple of years, my tool collection and project list have grown. Significantly.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Relatively smooth road. The struggles of running a small business on top of a full-time job are simply the time it takes to not only do the labor portion but also the administration.

My wife is a huge help in keeping track of everything and providing support!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Most generally speaking, woodworker/furniture maker. I wouldn’t necessarily say I specialize in any one aspect because I really strive at making any project a reality.

I very rarely turn down a potential client’s desire as I love the challenges that come with a new/different project. I try to work with all of my clients on several digital renditions (when needed) and work with them directly to make the piece of furniture exactly as they envision so they can cherish the piece forever.

I put as much thought and effort into every single project (big or small, relative to the project) to end with a finished piece they will want to keep forever and hopefully pass down through generations.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Not necessarily my favorite but my biggest childhood memory was playing with my dad and brother when I fell to the ground and really struggled to stand back up. Fast forward a few months and several doctor visits later, I was diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

Layman’s terms, the blood supply to the ball joint in both of my hips was restricted and I was told if it would have happened much longer I would have likely needed a double hip replacement… IN FIRST GRADE! I was also told I would likely never be able to run at full capacity, play sports, or do anything that would cause quick movements in my hips.

However, after finding the Shriner’s hospital in STL they got me on a path to recovery which included two years of full leg casts and braces. Since I couldn’t exactly go outside and play much, I talked my parents into letting me get a puppy to play with within the house.

That dog quickly became my best bud and from then until his last day we did everything together. RIP buddy! Since the first grade and the amazing help we received from the Shriners Hospital, I was able to go on throughout school playing all sports.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcooleydesign