I started making toys two years ago when business was slow at the Main Outdoor Living store in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.
I’ve always enjoyed working with wood. My uncle Joel Zook made Conestoga wagons to scale, and I was always fascinated by what he made.
I have made toys such as fire trucks, tractors, loaders, and more. Before, I always used plans that I bought.
The shed truck and trailer with the Mule and sheds (pictured) are the first toys I made without plans. Once I figured out the scale, it was easy enough to get measurements from a real trailer to make my toys.
I use basic shop tools to make the toys. Walnut and soft maple are the preferred types of lumber I use.
Evenings and wintertime are when I find time to do most of the toys, but when making them, I lose track of time. My evenings are not long enough.
I’ve sold a few items so far. Most of the time, I put them on a shelf and move on to the next toy. I’m excited to see what the next one will look like.
My real job is retail sales on our shed lot selling sheds, chicken coops, outdoor furniture, and related items. We have two companies at our location.
My son, Leon, manufactures chicken coops and sheds. He wholesales his products to other shed lots.
I have my shed rig on display at our store. The reaction from my friends and truckers is, “Wow! How much time do you have in it, and what would it cost?”
I have about 140 to150 hours in making the complete rig.
My family and friends give me encouragement to go on. We are truly blessed in many ways. God is good.
