Our History

The Brokaw’s began their family business in 1981, a few years after Joel and Karma Brokaw were married. Their seven children, all J’s and K’s, represent the 6th generation of woodworking.

Karma’s great-great-grandfather, Josiah Countryman (1830-1914) was a furniture maker/undertaker. His son, John Valentine Countryman was also a woodworker and architect. Although his sons were woodworkers by trade, his daughter, Irma, was captured by woodworking. After she married, she encouraged her son, Fred Bachmann, as a woodworker. In 1975, Joel Brokaw started an apprenticeship with Fred Bachmann as a cabinet maker. Joel later graduated with a BA in Industrial Technology and taught in four Iowa high schools.

Joel and Karma enjoy working with wood and value the individual gifts and talents of each of their children.

Creating individually designed desk and dining accessories is the emphasis of JK Creative Wood. The items they make together display their love of quality woodworking and their love of family working together.

Generations Working Together

Everyone of our children have worked here at some time or another, from running the shop, packing orders, design work, finance and accounting, delivering furniture, and helping at countless art shows. We couldn't do it without them. The next generation has started getting involved as well. We're so blessed to have our grandchildren come in on the weekends and help pack orders, setup cutting boards and work in the gallery.

Get the full story

Stop by our gallery to learn more about the history. We have a collection of tools and and pieces the iconic Hutch that Josiah Countryman made in the in the mid 1800's.

Deeper look into the History