Meet Mike Polivka | Custom Woodworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Polivka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what principle do you value most?
I believe that honesty is the best policy. In woodworking, I have seen hundreds of woodworkers sell “Reclaimed” furniture to clients. This “Reclaimed” furniture is typically made from cheap pine, purchased at the nearest Big Box Store. While this may be appropriate for some projects, I believe that clients deserve the highest quality materials and honesty in regards to how their product is being fabricated, or created specifically for them. Each project is different, and each client’s budget is different. I think that there are alternative solutions available while still utilizing high-quality materials the entire time. In my opinion, the entire project should be an open discussion with the client to assure that they are receiving a beautiful final product for their home.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Rust and Oak is a custom woodshop. Providing high-quality products for your home and office, from dining or conference room tables and floating shelves to baby’s room signs and artwork. I have focused on educating not only myself, but my clients as well to assure that they understand exactly what they are paying for. I think that clear and concise communication is critical throughout their project. I perform all of the work on my own, from the initial measurements and meetings to the design process and fabrication all the way to the installation. The final product is a piece of art. The client deserves that.

I began in 2014 up in the suburbs of Chicago. I started in memory of my best friend that passed; He and I always worked on projects together and in some way, we still do. I have realized over the years that life is too short and we must do what we love and are passionate about, if we can make a career out of that, we can excel at what we do. From the start, I think one of the coolest things that I’ve experienced, is that I had originally started my shop in the shed of the home I grew up in. So many amazing companies began in such a similar way, that watching Rust and Oak evolve over the years has kept me humble, growing from the shed to a two-car garage to a 1,400 sq ft warehouse. The quality and craftsmanship have evolved as well. It’s just a very cool experience to see firsthand.

Since the beginning I had always worked two jobs, (Woodworking) being my passion while fulfilling a full-time Project Management position in construction. I had left construction to educate myself in sales, which eventually became a nationwide partnership with a signage company to get my products into multiple businesses across the United States. I have constructed and built tables larger than I could ever imagine on my own and delivered them to shocked and excited clients. I have been fortunate enough to have met and worked for some incredible clients. All along the way figuring out exactly how I want to truly run my company. Once Covid took place, I downsized quite a bit and have even had to shut down shop in order to take a job in Arizona with a General Contractor. This strategic leap of faith got my wife and I out of Illinois, I knew that if I were to enter a new market, I would have to learn everything I could about the Pheonix area as well as the clientele. We have been through a lot of ups and downs on this journey. While in Arizona, I now see the lack of quality and craftsmanship here. I have witnessed first-hand the dishonesty or lack of communication from contractors or other woodworkers. I want to change that.

I want to be completely different. I want to provide beautiful pieces of art that sit in clients’ homes, that they can appreciate for years to come. Our Society has a “Throw-Away” mentality and it drives me insane. I want to provide a product that is durable and crafted for them to pass down to their children. As mentioned before, honesty is the best policy. Full and complete transparency is something that I preach to my clients. I want my clients to be excited about their projects and see them come to fruition before their eyes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being new to Arizona, my wife and I are constantly exploring new places. If / when friends come to town, we are drawn toward the Scottsdale area. We don’t necessarily have a favorite destination, however, we love taking Bird scooters from place to place! We love partaking in happy hours at many of the bars or restaurants in town as well! Being from the suburbs of Chicago, we realized that many of our restaurants back at home were chain restaurants. Down here, you do certainly experience that, but the variety of amazing dinner and lunch spots are never ending. It’s just a completely different atmosphere!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my wife, Mary, she is my rock and constantly pushes me to be the best that I can possibly be. She has been with me since the early years of my company and has been supportive since we met. I couldn’t have achieved all of this success without her.

Website: www.rustandoak.com

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