My name is Benjamin Jernigan, and I was raised throughout the Triangle, spending time in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. My journey into the trades began early, watching my father in his workshop as he crafted gifts for family members and built furniture for our home. From a young age, I discovered the beauty of making and creating, surrounded by a family and community of makers who valued practical, handcrafted items. It wasn’t long before I realized that creating with my hands was my true passion.

In high school, I started honing my skills and found my niche in woodworking. I built everything I could—furniture, cabinets, doors—anything that could be shaped from wood. Mr. Yow, one of my teachers, might not remember me, but he had a significant influence on my career by introducing me to the basics of shop work, sparking what would become a lifelong pursuit.

After high school, I transitioned into finish carpentry, working on stair treads, door jambs, and home trim, including base and crown molding. As I grew in the trade, I became increasingly drawn to the craftsmanship and precision required in fine furniture making. Working in shops, I fell in love with the process—the ability to slow down and focus on producing the best possible product was incredibly rewarding. With years of experience behind me, I decided to channel my passion into founding Jernigan Craftworks. This company is built on the principle that the process is just as important as the product, and everything I create is held to the highest standard. I’m committed to using sustainably sourced materials and employing sustainable building practices. My vision for Jernigan Craftworks is not just a business, but a community for people who, simply put, "love well-made things."

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