First Place, West Region
Robert Riebe
Caldwell, ID

Shining Store

Ever since Robert Riebe bought his LT30 sawmill back in 1991, he has been accumulating good logs that were being taken down and disposed of as firewood. He has used the wood to build his house, a friend's cabin, furniture, and various outbuildings. In addition to sawing, he is self-employed in the shoe repair trade and owns his own shop in downtown Boise.

"Last year I had the opportunity to move to a better location and purchase commercial space. I knew I could make an attractive business with an old-time feel using wood from my Wood-Mizer," commented Robert.

Robert started putting the black walnut and black locust and elm boards to work. He created a design so his shop would have an old-fashion shoe shine stand as well as a retail area for shoe shine products. He tied it all together with wood floors, cabinets, wainscot, trim and shelves. Shining Store.

Many of Robert's customers are impressed with the beauty of wood and the fine craftsmanship. For Robert, he appreciates his shop was able to renew materials that might have otherwise been thrown away. "I derive a lot of satisfaction from it," concluded Robert.