Journey > Destination
Founded in 2008 with a hammer, a chisel, hubris and a dream.
Still a company of two people (any true Mom & Pop shop is), our machines are faster, but we still touch every piece, and answer every email personally.
Our journey from dreamers to “manufacturers” has been equal parts sweat and customer feedback.
We will keep getting better as long as we have both in ample supply.
Check out our website, shoot us a message or maybe even become one of our awsome customers and join us on the journey.
August, Jen & Josh
Our adventure in Manufacturing started with the building of a Straw-Bale house in Lincoln Nebraska. Because of the lack of available green building materials in 1999, we formulated a plan to start a business that could bring these materials to the Midwest, and Straw Sticks & Bricks was founded in 2001. Through our years of working with some great green materials, we began to look at the bigger picture, or as it were, the smaller picture: local manufacturing. We saw several US based manufacturers of various materials come and go, and knew that most green building materials were coming from overseas.
Slate-ish was initially discovered by accident - the way all good ideas come about, it seems. Our work installing Richlite countertops left us with a LOT of scrap material, and a chance encounter with a dropped piece gave us an idea of how to use this scrap. Once we cut and hand-chiseled this material, we knew we had a winner.
We pushed to source additional raw material in 2014, and discovered just how much scrap was being created. We automated some splitting in 2018 to increase our production capacity, reduce prices, and save Josh’s wrists and hands from missed hammer swings.
We continue to push for better production methods, and to present product improvements for our customers. Every day is a new discussion about how to build our business in a way that diverts waste, utilizes American-made tooling and raw materials, and helps keep small manufacturing in the USA.
Josh started working in finish carpentry and construction in the early 90’s. An inventor at heart, he designs and builds most of our equipment from scratch. He’s an avid cyclist, and pretty much never stops thinking about Slate-ish.
Jen’s first construction experience was on their straw bale house, and she worked hard to became a local expert on green building materials and methods, pushing education for her community. She uses recycled materials (including Slate-ish scrap) to make jewelry and dabbles in photography.
August is a DnD and VR fanatic, and freshly graduated from the same high school as both his parents and his paternal grandparents. He has grown up amid the entrepreneurial spirit, and lends a hand at the shop when needed.
Piper - part cat, climbs trees, more playful than is probably necessary. Keeps the shop clear of mice. Very cuddly and good for morale.
Want to meet the Slate-ish Team? We’re happy to introduce you! Click HERE