Meet Tim McClellan | Designer, Builder, Storyteller

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

Hi Tim, how do you think about risk?
I am the 5th child of nine siblings. 4 older and 4 younger. I was a timid kid afraid of many things both real and imagined. I feared rejection, failure, disappointment, lack and ultimately discovering I was not worthy. The greatest gift I have ever received was one unknowingly given to me by my brothers and sisters. Being able to witness them and their fearless approach to life (at least that is how it appeared to me at the time) gave me courage to face my fears and take chances. Because they were family and they loved me they relentlessly pushed me out of my comfort zone. Risk taking stretches you beyond your known world and opens up a new world full of infinite possibilities. Life is far more exciting and rewarding the more you push yourself and take risks. One risk that fundamentally changed the course of my life was when Bethany and I decided, together, (though we were not married) to welcome our daughter Riley into this world. I learned how to love. I learned how to live. Taking risks with my companies over the years has been challenging at times. When your business employs other people that rely on you to successfully navigate the economic waters mistakes can be costly. But if you, as the captain of the ship, play it too safe and never leave the harbor the business will suffer. One must venture out to the open sea to discover new opportunity. Early in my career I took the risk of designing and marketing an entirely new style of furniture, Refined Rustic, using reclaimed barnwood and discovered that there was a huge demand for it. I risked going on HGTV to compete in Ellen Degeneres’s hit show “Ellen’s Design Challenge”. And man am I glad I did! I am currently taking risks developing new furniture and accessories for a hit TV show, so we shall see how that turns out. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My two greatest passions are to be the best role model and father I can possibly be, and to build truly unique creations and share their stories with the world. My first piece of furniture that I designed and build was in 1985 in Virginia. Mom took the whole family to a Dude Ranch for a week of horseback riding and water sports on the lake. I was not too interested in horses so I passed on the rides and went into the nearby woods. It was there that I was inspired to make a chair. A dining chair. Out of sticks. I was 16 at the time and one the next few days I crafted a chair. It blew my mind. I had no idea that I had it in me to create such a well constructed and beautiful piece. I gained so much confidence and sense of worth from that project that I knew I would make a career out of designing and building beautiful things. To this day I am fascinated by natures perfect balance of form and function. Nature marries these to things together, both form and function, into a tapestry of flawless harmony. In 1991 I started my furniture business, Western Heritage Furniture, with the purpose of using discarded, reclaimed materials to build one-of-a-kind pieces of heirloom furniture. I would salvage old buildings and repurpose the wood into unique, refined rustic furniture, The business was an overnight success story after 10 hard years. Business did take off in 2000 and we built quite a successful company becoming, at one point, the largest employer in town. I have ventured out since 2010 and launched a few other businesses. Making biodiesel equipment, couple of TV shows, hosted my own show, “Boomtown Builder” on DIY Network, a custom auto restoration company and designing furniture and accessories for outside companies. I am currently working on quite a few custom projects and designing some new products in partnership with a popular TV show. It has not always been easy but it has always been worthy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Napa of Arizona. Page Springs, Az. is wine country. We are located right next to Sedona in a wonderful little valley that is home to some of Arizona’s best vineyards. A day trip visiting the tasting rooms is a day well spent. Caduceus Cellars is one of my favorites along with Javelina Leap and Page Springs Cellars. Wrap up the day with dinner at Up the Creek restaurant. A visit to the Verde Valley is not complete until you climb up the mountain to the old mining town of Jerome, AZ. Once one the largest cities to the state Jerome currently has a population of just 444. There is lots to do and lots to see in the little town. The Gold King Mine is a wonderful “out door” hands on museum that will transport you back in time. Jerome is a town full of artists and creators. Shopping is a must to see all the extraordinary art and creations of the local folks. Jerome Artist Cooperative is packed with unique pieces that will blow your mind. Lunch at the Haunted Hamburger is a must. Back down the mountain and across the valley is the popular tourist destination, Sedona. The landscape is truly mesmerizing and all who come are moved by its majesty. The views and the food at Mariposa Restaurant are both extraordinary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I ‘d like to give a shoutout to Maynard James Keenan for his faith in my abilities and commissioning me to fabricate multiple, one-of-a-kind vehicles. Without him I would not know the true depth of my creativity or the full extent of my talents.

Website: tim@timmcclellandesigns.com

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Image Credits
Micheal McClellan