By Michelle Williams |
Stories. Everybody has one. Down through the centuries, the art of storytelling has been practiced as a way to memorialize history, to entertain, and to enlighten. In speaking with Brett Porter, owner/operator of, and builder/craftsman at, Porter Furniture, one can immediately see he appreciates a good story.
Since a young age, Porter has been around craftsmen working with wood. His father had a small woodworking hobby shop in the family home basement, and it was there Brett’s hobby of crafting wood into furniture began. Fast forward a few years and Porter found himself in a new season of life, which included the need for furniture. When a friend gifted him an old barn, with his father as a mentor he put his knowledge to use and built his own furniture, finding not only a new passion, but new purpose: melding personal stories with the story of reclaimed wood.
Word spread about Porter’s furniture and he soon needed a storefront. While his intent was not necessarily to open a business in his hometown of Raytown, he found a space that fit his needs on 63rd Street. Quickly outgrowing the 63rd Street space, he moved to a larger space in Raytown Plaza before taking over the former Smith Brothers Hardware location in 2020. Amidst all the turmoil of the time, Porter’s business grew as people were home and decided to upgrade their furniture, using monies previously earmarked for travel and vacations. This would prove a pivotal time for Porter as he built up his brand and looked toward the future.
A
s the pandemic continued to impact the world, Brett Porter persisted, knowing “running a business is more than skill, or talent, or sales ability, but is sticking it out and doing what needs to be done to make it work.” He also began building cabinets, going beyond furniture to adapt to a larger market. While some of the cabinetry is made from reclaimed wood, his signature style, other woods are also offered. As of this time, the furniture and cabinets are about equal in sales. Porter often provides the lumber for his clients, though some have their own.
An example is the great-granddaughter who came in and wanted the table her grandfather had built (with his name and date carved into the bottom of a plank) to be repaired. Unfortunately, the repair was not possible, but Porter salvaged the plank with the grandfather’s carving and incorporated it into a new table built from other reclaimed wood.
It is here in a reflective moment Porter shares his favorite quote, “The journey is the destination.” He stresses the importance of enjoying the process itself, not just the outcome. Making a conscious effort to celebrate the little victories, taking pride in the accomplishment, and sharing the joy in and of the moment with his employees are very important to Porter. Bringing the clients stories into the process, along with the wood’s story, is of paramount importance as well. Each barn or structure was a large part of a life and held great importance; Brett seeks to honor that in everything he crafts.
So, what’s next for Porter Furniture? Currently the location is being remodeled to expand the showroom space. Porter wants to be a part of Raytown’s growth, so he is expanding his current space to fit his needs. He does not rule out a satellite storefront in the future, but right now is focused on the current space and its centralized manufacturing. Indicating the importance of being able to show people where the furniture and cabinets are built, instead of a warehouse where you lose the personal attachment, Porter once again places the focus on the individual side of the build and on the stories still to come. One of those stories might be yours, so visit Porter Furniture online or in person and let Brett know the Chamber sent you!