gmhTODAY 18 gmhToday Feb March 2018 | Page 20

Lisa pointed out that people have started coming to them for custom pieces inspired by furniture they ’ ve seen elsewhere that won ’ t quite fit in their homes .
They get some unusual requests . “ We had a client that didn ’ t like anything on the ground , so we designed every piece to mount on the walls ,” Joe laughed .
They also do a lot of design work for people who have a general idea of what they want but need help fleshing out their ideas into real pieces .
And the newest piece of their business is a Willow Glen
retail studio where they showcase smaller , more artistic pieces of Joe ’ s work in the Midtown Arts Mercantile — an idea they ’ d love to bring to Morgan Hill .
“ Anyone who is onsite there has to fabricate something ,” Lisa said .
The studio allows them to create smaller projects , and to experiment with other materials such as concrete , zinc and reclaimed materials like used bike tires or fire hoses .
They aren ’ t complaining about the thriving state of business now , but they do foresee a time when their son Trevor will take over a larger stake in the business . Since they have worked non-stop , seven days a week for the life of their business , they are looking forward to taking some time off .
“ One of our goals is to be not solely custom , but to use Joe ’ s artistry to build and create and sell what he makes ,” Lisa said .
They feel embraced by the local community of San Martin and do everything they can to give that love , and their dollars , back to it .
“ We think it ’ s really important , especially to the community in South County , to do business with other local small businesses ,” Joe said . “ We want to encourage the dollars be kept here rather than go to big box stores .”

Unapologetically committed to your satisfaction .

408.842.8118 www . leadoart . com 7436 Monterey Street , Gilroy
20
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018 gmhtoday . com