When it comes to small businesses making awesome products, the folks at Muirwood pop to the top of the list for me. I was originally introduced to their store by way of their iconic Railroad Spike Bottle Openers. What I thought was a small shop with one quirky product evolved into a full fledged homeware outpost. I've included their story below as well as some of my favorite picks from their store. I highly recommend checking them out and purchasing their products for all of your homeware needs.
Kristin and Scott Fischer were looking for a dining table for their home in Key West, Florida, and having trouble finding something just right. Fed up and committed to finding something locally made, they decided to do it themselves using wood from a local lumber store. While most of us would have stopped there, Kristin and Scott kept going—and soon enough, they had a full-fledged business on their hands: Muirwood Reclamations. However, it wasn’t until Scott was re-stationed to Chicago the two officially launched the business, but this was definitely the conception.
Originally from Chicago, the two enjoyed the transition back to the Midwest. Though, when winter hit, they found themselves looking for a new hobby. Scott took to building again, but this time found a bucket of old, rusty railroad spikes. Scott would find himself in the garage on days between shifts and began building more tables. One night, he reached for an old spike to pop the top of a beer. Bingo! Soon after, he got to cutting and drilling to create the duo's very first Railroad Spike Bottle Opener.
In April 2015, the two launched their online shop and from there, the possibilities were endless.
During the summer of 2018, Scott officially ended his career with the United States Coast Guard and transitioned to civilian life and leaving the day-to-day operations to Kristin.
In early 2020, they said goodbye to Muirwood Reclamations and hello to - Muirwood! As solely Muirwood, they continue to grow, develop, and source trendsetting housewares that get the conversation started.
