Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Barnett.
Hi Luke, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began woodworking when I was 12 years old. My grandma would pay me to pull the weeds from her driveway, and one day she asked if I would help her trim one of her houses instead. I was so desperate to get away from weeds I said yes immediately. She took me to Lowes and bought a table saw and miter saw. We brought them home and I asked her “How do you use these things?”
She replied “I don’t know, that’s up to you to figure out!” So I read the manuals and figured it out… and luckily did not cut anything off in the process. That’s where it all started.
After high school, I got my Builder’s License and worked in construction. Somewhere along the way I discovered Windsor Chairs and became completely obsessed with them. I learned a lot from other Windsor Chairmakers, but was mostly self-trained. I sold Windsor Chairs as my primary profession for about 8 years before starting the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute with my wife Dena Koehn.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was a rocky road for sure. I didn’t do well in high school. I was homeless a lot of the time, staying at friend’s places and not going to school. Eventually I dropped out and began working construction jobs. When I was in school, teachers and counselors told me I wasn’t smart and I wouldn’t amount to much, so I should go into the trades. I eventually got my GED. During that process, I was scoring higher on the math portions of tests than most high school seniors. I didn’t realize it then, but now looking back I know that I wasn’t stupid at all, I was actually pretty smart. That’s why I am so passionate about elevating trades education. It is not an alternate education, it is essential and should be elevated.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2015, my wife Dena Koehn and I founded the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. I had been making chairs for about 8 years at this time, and had won many awards and recognitions. People would travel learn chairmaking from me, and we would also travel around the midwest teaching. At some point, we realized we did not need to travel, and we could stay in my hometown of Adrian, MI. Students would come here to learn.
We have now grown into one of the most respected woodworking schools in the nation, drawing students from across the country and around the world. What sets us apart isn’t just the quality of our instruction—it’s the culture of creativity, respect, and craftsmanship that defines everything we do.
Here, education is immersive, hands-on, and deeply personal. Students of all ages and skill levels come together to learn everything from traditional joinery and fine furniture making to timber framing and design. Whether you’re building your first project or refining your professional skills, you’ll be supported by a passionate community of artists, makers, and educators who believe in the transformative power of craft. Every person here is equally obsessed with this craft.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My greatest joy is watching our students grow their skills and create pieces that are, frankly, magnificent. It blows my mind the creativity and dedication of our students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sbwi.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambeaufordwoodworkinginst/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamBeaufordWoodshop/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sambeaufordwoodshop
