Photographer / Cindy Heigl
A good woodworker, such as Richard Shepperd, can build a wide range of different items, and make them all look great in the process.
When customers take a look at Shepperd’s creations, they are extremely pleased with the results. Shepperd says he has been with Knox Wood for a long time and has been able to continually improve his work. Over the years, he has grown his business through positive word of mouth, and a dedication to excellence
“I started here on Election Day in 1972,” Shepperd says. “I voted and then brought (over) the last load (of wood.) I think it was Nov. 2, 1972. I’ve been here a long time.”
Shepperd noted that at Knox Wood Shop, they always stress creativity, functionality, and most importantly, quality. Everything is made with the utmost care and expertise.
Shepperd loves the work he does and has for a long time. His dedication to his craft began when he was a boy. As a high school senior at Griffith High School (in Griffith Indiana), he even taught freshmen woodshop.
“I guess that’s how I was made,” Shepperd says. “I love to build things. I was a crane operator on construction jobs from 1964, after graduation, until buying this shop, and moving to Knox, Indiana.”
Shepperd has garnered a strong following of customers over the years, and even made cabinets for former Chicago Bears head coach, Dave Wannstedt.
“I turned down a job for (former Chicago Bulls player) Scotty Pippen,” Shepperd says. “He didn’t give me enough time. I also built two jobs for HGTV.”
Knox Wood Shop builds custom cabinets, custom furniture, kitchens, bathrooms, counters, tables, etc. His custom built-in bookshelves are impressive and sturdy. Shepperd also makes custom license plates, custom trash bins, apple cutting boards, and custom vanity lights.
Other projects have included beautiful wedding picture frames, dog food bowls, and custom bathtub accent pieces. He has also worked on kitchens with hickory wood and made natural maple headboards.
Shepperd says he is also expanding into new projects.
“I recently purchased additional machinery, and I’m making custom wood bowls cut from downed trees,” Shepperd says. “I never cut a tree to get wood. I reclaim downed trees.”
Loyal Customers
Shepperd takes a lot of satisfaction in knowing that his customers are pleased with his work.
“I am currently doing cabinets for the grandchildren of my early customers,” Shepperd says. “They are the third generation of the family of customers.”
Shepperd believes Knox is a wonderful community.
“Knox has been a great place to raise my children,” Shepperd says. “Everything here gets better with the growth of Starke County. There are new businesses that bring new families and new friends.”
Shepperd also has his family to keep him company when he is not working, “I have grandchildren that live close – Darla, Tammy, Wendi, Amy, and Angie.”
He plans to keep doing his creative woodworking for years to come.
“At 73, I’m still going strong, and I thank God for all he has given me,” Shepperd says.
Knox Wood Shop is located at 1290 W. 150 S. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit knoxwoodshop.com or call 317-772-3358.
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