Welcome to the virtual version of Nick Neely’s woodshop, where the imaginary scent of sawdust and the real spirit of legacy blend to create something extraordinary. I'm Nick, a fourth-generation woodworker and a full-time firefighter, striking a balance between serving my community and crafting timeless pieces from beautiful trees. 

 

My tale unfurls with my great-grandfather, Cornelius Asbury Neely, a fellow whose hands were as deft as his spirit was steadfast. Back in the late 1800s, Cornelius discovered his calling in woodworking, chiseling his way into history by crafting telephone boxes, a marvel of the times. He laid the cornerstone of our family's saga in a modest workshop, where a belt-fed PTO, powered by nothing fancier than a farm-style tractor's engine, spun the wheels of innovation and toil. This wasn't merely a shop; it was the birthplace of artistry and skill, where every shaving of wood told a story of grit and determination.

 

Then came Clarence Neely, Cornelius's son, my great-grandfather. He worked shoulder-to-shoulder with his father, discovering the hidden mysteries of the wood shop and the subtle nuances of the accouterments before the winds of life sailed him in a different direction toward a career in insurance sales. His path, though different, was still paved with the values of our family's craft.

The torch of tradition was then passed to Joel Neely, my father, a man whose path lead him to become a general contractor, but whose soul was etched with the love for fine craftsmanship through furniture making. Joel's passion for constructing was sparked in college shop classes, igniting a lifelong journey in woodworking. Together, my father and I have shared countless hours, turning timber into treasures, each project strengthening our bond and honing our skills.

 

Now, it's my turn. Between adrenaline-fueled shifts as a firefighter, I retreat to my sanctuary - the woodshop. Here, under the banner of Asbury and Co., I honor my forefathers by continuing the legacy they so sturdily built. Each piece I create isn't just a blend of wood and work; it's a symphony of history, dedication, and artistry. It's a tribute to Cornelius's ingenuity, Clarence's versatility, and Joel's passion.

 

Asbury and Co. isn't just a brand; it's a living legacy. It's where the past meets the present, where the chisel meets the grain, and where the family legacy of woodworking endures, with both humility and pride, in the capable hands of a firefighter who has also embraced the age old craft of woodworking.

 

Welcome to my world. Welcome to a story etched in wood. Welcome to Asbury and Co.