Six Generations of Woodworking
The Brokaw's began their family business in 1981, a few years after Joel and Karma Brokaw were married. Their seven children, all J’s and K’s, represent the 6th generation of woodworking.
Karma’s great-great-grandfather, Josiah Countryman (1830-1914) was a furniture maker/undertaker. His son, John Valentine Countryman was also a woodworker and architect. Although his sons were woodworkers by trade, his daughter, Irma, was captured by woodworking. After she married, she encouraged her son, Fred Bachmann, as a woodworker. In 1975, Joel Brokaw started an apprenticeship with Fred Bachmann as a cabinet maker. Joel later graduated with a BA in Industrial Technology and taught in four Iowa high schools.
Joel and Karma enjoy working with wood and value the individual gifts and talents of each of their children. Four of their seven children help in the business. Jackson is a gifted lathe artist. Keilah designs cutting boards, handles the Etsy store and communications, including tours of the gallery and shop. Kaylin gives tours, works in production and displays in the gallery. Justin personalizes the wood using his laser and handles the financials of JK Creative Wood.
Creating individually designed desk and dining accessories is the emphasis of JK Creative Wood. The items they make together display their love of quality woodworking and their love of family working together.
