At Swiss Furniture & Krafts, Manager Jacob Schwartz knows that the quality of each product speaks for itself. Customers know good quality when they see it – and they know when they don’t, too.
Schwartz focuses on quality and craftsmanship to give his clients the best piece possible, whether it’s made from oak, maple or hickory. Using his experience from the cabinet shop he’s worked in for the last handful of years, he uses techniques to ensure your custom piece lasts for generations to come, just like the furniture in his own home, passed down from his grandparents.
While rural areas often see young talent moving away for better job opportunities, many Shipshewana natives remain, held mostly by the Amish tradition of staying near the community. So, when Schwartz and his father, Marvin, had the opportunity to purchase the already existing woodworking business, they didn’t hesitate.
“I grew up around woodworking and played around with tools ever since I was a kid, and did some small projects,” Jacob Schwartz says. “When my dad and I had the chance to buy this, we jumped on it.”
Marvin has always dreamed of work for himself, just like his son. They both currently still work full-time jobs, with the younger Schwartz at a cabinet shop a few days a week and running Swiss Furniture on the other days. His goal is to work at his shop full time and hire four to five employees. The goal for his dad, as well, is to join him full time at the shop.
Right now, Schwartz accepts custom orders and would like to pick up a few wholesale accounts. The pieces he’s focusing on the most are coffee bars, hat boxes and hall towers – and soon, chandeliers.
“The hat box, designed for the Amish to keep our good hats in good condition, has a small cabinet with room for one hat and a small glove box underneath,” Schwartz says. “The coffee bar has room for your coffee maker, grounds, decor, and has six hooks hanging from the shelf for all your cups. There’s also room for decor if you want that as well. I love making these and can really customize it however a customer wants.”
Schwartz also wants to work a mini refrigerator into the design of his coffee bar, perfect for storing creamers. The coffee bars range from $1,800 to a little over $2,500, depending if the piece is made from oak or maple.
Schwartz is always ready to meet customers and display his craftsmanship.
“My favorite part about Shipshewana and the community is the people,” he says. “There’s always neighbors all around, wherever you go, and I’m always meeting friends and building relationships.”
Schwartz emphasizes the laser focus he has on making every single piece the best piece possible, ensuring that it’s put together to stay together, with a great finish to preserve the color.
“Our pieces will last years – for generations,” he says. “We have exceptional assembly and know we can offer quality pieces that you’ll have in your family for decades to come.”
Swiss Furniture & Krafts is accepting custom orders for the holidays and will also accept pieces already built that need a little extra customization.
Readers can find examples of the pieces Schwartz makes at the Midwest Home and Yard Show at the Michiana Event Center in February. To speak with him about custom orders, call 574-825-4277.
