Home & real estate
Calvin Horning
If I Were a Carpenter
Remarkable architectural millwork is the hallmark of Potter County’s Carpenter’s Shop
T
Story and Photography by Georgiana DeCarlo
he olfactory effect of stepping through the door of The Carpenter’s Shop is similar to that of stepping into a forest on a warm, balmy day. The fragrance of various hardwoods on the floor, walls, and ceiling inspires a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of one of Pennsylvania’s prides: its rich hardwoods. This small office is a testimony to the craftsmanship turned out in the woodshop next door. The Carpenter’s Shop is thriving: its expansive customer base led proprietor Calvin Horning to construct a large warehouse on the site years ago, and this year yet another addition is slated. The bandsaw, table saw and jointer that Horning first purchased in 1978 when he started his woodworking venture are still in use alongside current top-of-the-line 32
woodworking equipment. Horning said the business is bursting at the seams and he doesn’t foresee it slowing down any time soon. He honed his business methods years ago, and two and a half decades later his standard of doing business still hasn’t changed: he provides the best architectural millwork available, with a focus on customer satisfaction. But now his business is nationwide in scope. The grandson of a woodcrafter, Horning shares his love for woodworking with his family, who he said is invaluable to his life and work. His wife, Mabel, and daughter Shalee manage the office. Son Shawn handles the lumber side of the business. “I am very blessed,” he said, “I have my family here and a great group of guys.” He has plenty of reasons to be proud. The Carpenter’s Shop’s creations have ended
up in some the most prestigious homes in America, though because the business creates items ordered by furniture outlets, contractors and other businesses, it’s often hard to tell just where they’ll turn up. Of a few bragging points Horning can be sure, however. His shop created the woodwork for an educational clock featured on a network television show. And parts of a trolley ended up in a gift for a former President of the U.S. An order of 20,000 soap dishes were filled for the home shopping channel QVC and an upscale outdoor lifestyle catalogue. Today most of Horning’s business is still generated via word of mouth, though he still uses brokerage firms, sales representatives and operates a website to promote the shop. See Carpenter on page 34