Our Story | Benchmark

Our Mission

At Benchmark Fine Woodworking, we aspire to be a modern-day Da Vinci studio, a creative workshop and gallery built around intention and curiosity.

We care deeply about how things are made, but we’re just as interested in what happens when there isn’t a clear end goal. By blending traditional woodworking with modern tools like CNC machines and digital design, we treat making as a form of exploration — a way to learn, test ideas, and rethink what’s possible. Benchmark is a place where tools are shared, knowledge is passed along, and experimentation is encouraged, whether the result becomes a finished piece or simply leads to a better question. Our work is always evolving, and that’s by design..

Our Values

Intentional Curiosity

We approach making with care and purpose, but we stay open to where the process leads. Curiosity is part of the work here — experimenting, prototyping, and asking questions are just as valuable as producing finished pieces.

Constant Reinvention

We expect to evolve. As tools, ideas, and people change, so does the way we work and what we make. Constant reinvention is about staying responsive, reflective, and open to new possibilities.

Shared Knowledge

Benchmark is built around people. Makers, students, visitors, and collaborators are all part of the ecosystem. Skills are shared, questions are welcomed, and no one is expected to be perfect.

Thoughtfully Made

Quality still matters here. Materials are chosen intentionally, details are considered, and work is built to last — whether it’s made by hand, by machine, or both.

Meet Our Team!

We’re a small team brought together by a shared love of craft, curiosity, and the simple joy of building things well. What started as individual passions has grown into a close-knit group that supports one another like family — celebrating wins, solving challenges, and learning side by side. We believe the best work comes from environments where people feel valued, encouraged, and inspired, and we strive to create that not only for ourselves, but for every artisan and client who walks through our doors.

Jon rITTER

Founder and CEO

Chloe Showler

Social Media, Marketing, and Gallery Coordinator

eRIC cASEY

CNC and Electronics Specialist

bILL STOWE

Lead Woodworking Artisan