Rising Stars: Meet Orion Mata

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orion Mata.

Hi Orion, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Michigan and at age 17 I left home and joined the ARMY after graduation. I served as a Military Policeman for eight and a half years and have remained in public service since then. This July, I will celebrate 27 years working in law enforcement.

I have a beautiful and supportive wife who put up with me putting a CNC machine in our sub-basement. I have four wonderful children and two extremely cute grand-babies. I started the Police, Fire, and Military Motorcycle Club called the SHEPHERDS in 2012. Our club has raised tens of thousands for First Responder and Veteran charities.

Our most successful ride was to Washington DC where we raised just over $20,000 and were able to fund three service dogs through Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH) a local Veteran’s charity. Last year FISH helped me get my first book published. Our Friend Abe is a story about my family who befriends a gnome named Abe who lives in the forest by my mom’s cabin.

I’ve always had a knack for creating things and working with my hands. I worked construction jobs with my dad who had his own handyman/remodeling business. Both of my brothers work construction to this day and one of them also has his own business, Arrowhead Remodeling out of Belton, Missouri. I look at something and think, I can build that, or if I built that I’d do something a little different. Professionally my life has taken a much different route than my father and brothers but I started my small hobby/business and absolutely love creating personalized pieces for people.

My grandfather on my mother’s side was a woodcarver and created some awesome pieces. He specialized in totem poles but also did a lot of animal carvings. He was extremely talented and I always loved going to his house to see the totem poles in the yard and to see what else he was working on. I remember watching him in his shop working and my grandmother outside painting the pieces he created. My step-dad took over the business and he was extremely talented at carving as well. He made some truly awe-inspiring pieces with a realism that my grandfather never mastered.

About four years ago my friends opened a bar in Lee’s Summit. They wanted some saloon-style doors made and got a quote from another carpenter that was completely outrageous. I offered to make the doors for them for the cost of materials. They also asked me to design and build a display case for their mug club. I took that and ran with it and created a beautiful and functional piece for their bar. After that, I thought why not do this to make a little extra cash on the side since I’m getting a lot of exposure at their bar. I created my logo which is a homage to my Native American heritage and my family.

Since I started my business, I’ve been honored to make some meaningful pieces. Two of the most important pieces I designed and made were Legacy Benches for two WWII Marines that I met through FISH. I love it when my customers give me a sketch or send me a picture they pulled from the internet and ask me to make it for them. I’ve been privileged to work with great customers who have recommended me to others. I’ve run a few ads here and there but for the most part, my business relies on word of mouth.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since I started my small business I’ve run into several obstacles and challenges.

One of them is making a mistake on a project and having to start over. The other challenge for custom carpentry work is accurately estimating the time it takes to complete a project. Some projects go smooth and I have no issues getting them done in the time I estimated. Some take much longer than expected and even though I’m still making money, I don’t make nearly as much as I should have.

I also have found that people want custom work at Walmart prices. Doing bids takes time especially on a complicated project. I have to draw it up and then determine a material list and estimate my time. Sometimes that takes a few hours to figure all that out and then when I send out the quote I either get nothing back at all or the “Oh my” response. I really try to be reasonable and I don’t mark up my material costs at all.

Since COVID, lumber prices fluctuate so much that I’ve had to guarantee quotes for only three days. I understand the pressure it puts on my customers but I can’t see another way to operate right now.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love taking people’s ideas and turning them into tangible products.

Doing this work allows me to express my artistic side which I don’t get to do much in my regular line of work. Last year during a charity ride I visited the Crazy Horse Memorial. I was very impressed with the museum and ran into the curator who is also from Kansas City. I was inspired by the museum and wanted to create a piece to donate. I am very proud of that piece which I called “The Tale of Two Wolves” and it is on the agenda for the committee to consider it for donation.

A few other pieces I am particularly proud of are the Legacy Benches I made for two WWII Marines. It means a lot to me that FISH entrusted me with those projects, knowing they will tell the story of those two great men.

Recently, I was asked to make a coin holder for Blaize Madrid-Evans who was the Independence Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty. I put a lot of time and effort into making a piece for his mother. I was extremely proud of how that turned out and the reaction I got when I delivered it.

I think what sets me apart from other people is that I want to get to know who I’m making things for and exceed their expectations. I try to take every detail into account and make sure my customers know they got their money’s worth when they see the final project.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a very subjective word and not that easy to define. When I think of success I think of my children. My three boys all work hard and have a great work ethic.

I have been able to provide everything they needed and most of the stuff they wanted, so that’s how I define success. If I can do something I love, make a difference in people’s lives and support my family then I am successful. I don’t need a bunch of money, a big house, or a fancy truck, I just need to be able to provide a comfortable life for my family.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matacustomwoodworking/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matacustomwoodworking/