About Us

Welcome to Knot Your Average Grain, a Veteran-Owned and operated business specializing in custom CNC work and laser engraving. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of services and skills, and we’re committed to bringing your unique vision to life. Whether you need a single custom item or a large batch of personalized products, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Military officers in white uniforms and caps during a salute ceremony, with an American flag in the background.

Meet The Maker

A man with a beard and tattoos, wearing a cap, dark hoodie, and hearing protection, is working on a woodworking project in a workshop. He is using a hand plane on a piece of wood, with wood shavings around him.

Welcome to My Workshop!

I'm so glad you're here and excited to share a little bit about myself. My name is John, and I'm the owner and craftsman behind Knot Your Average Grain. Before I became a full-time woodworker, I spent 20 years serving in the U.S. Navy, where I retired as a Chief Petty Officer.

I joined the Navy in 2001, right after graduating high school in New Hampshire. I began my career as a Fire Controlman, but after a few years, I transitioned to Navy Counselor, which took me to new challenges and experiences. During my time in service, I was stationed aboard the USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) for nearly six years and later became a recruiter, traveling across the country, with my final assignment in Buffalo, NY.

When I retired and returned home to New Hampshire, I knew it was time to follow my passion for woodworking. I set up my workshop on the beautiful Seacoast of NH, where I now create custom wood pieces that reflect the same dedication and precision that I applied during my military career.

Along the way, I’ve been blessed with an incredible family—my wife, three amazing sons and pup—who support and inspire me every day. Building custom pieces in my shop isn’t just a career; it’s a way of giving back to my community and creating lasting pieces for families to enjoy.

Thank you for visiting my workshop—I look forward to bringing your ideas to life with the same care and craftsmanship that I’ve always strived for, whether on the job or in the shop.

Family outdoors in winter, standing in front of Christmas trees, wearing jackets and beanies, smiling, with a man holding a golden retriever.

Meet the Team

  • A woman with glasses and a floral blouse sits at a desk in a room with paddle-shaped objects on the wall and a window in the background.

    Keri

    Director of Operations - Army Veteran

  • A middle-aged man with curly gray hair and a beard, wearing a light blue T-shirt with a graphic of cars, smiling and standing outside near a brick house with a sliding door and a window.

    Kevin

    Paddle Wrapper Extraordinaire - Navy Veteran

  • Josh

    Craftsman - Marine Veteran