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 Jerry Root, “JR” as he is known to his friends and family, hails from Madison, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Norma, moved from Susanville, California to Narrows, Virginia immediately upon their mutual retirement from the hotel/motel property management industry.
“JR” has been “tinkering” (as he calls it) with one wood cutting project or another since his early high school days. The idea for making these beautiful, handcrafted, hand painted birdhouses was a result of this passion and his love of all creatures, particularly birds. The first birdhouse was made for his wife. Needless to say, it was a big hit! So much so that friends and family started begging for one for themselves. He started producing just enough to fill these requests.
Both “JR” and Norma, being U. S. Air Force vets, became members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion and to provide a little variation, The Loyal Order of Moose. They took a birdhouse with them during one of their visits to these various organizations. As “JR” said, “Just to show my friends what the finished results of my hobby really looked like.” Needless to say, the birdhouse was a smashing success. Everyone wanted one. Being a generous man, “JR” donated birdhouses to these organizations allowing them to be sold for various fund raising functions and given away as door prizes.
Upon their arrival in Virginia the hobby suddenly took on new dimensions. It became a very viable business. However, “JR” refused to mass produce his creations. To this day, each finished birdhouse is still handcrafted and hand painted! “JR” tends to the shop and the fabrication end of the business. Norma takes care of the incoming orders, including shipping and, of course, the books.
At the present time, Wood Konnections markets and ships only in the United States.
An amusing phenomenon seems to happen whenever a client unpacks their brand new birdhouse. It seems that very few birds ever get a chance to set up residence in them. Most of them get hung in doors, “Because they are so beautiful!” the customers say.
“JR” and Norma sincerely hope that you will enjoy your own birdhouse as much!
Thank you!
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