Who begins wanting to be a doctor, then decides to be a pastor, then a chaplain in the military, then an HVAC manager, then a teacher, then a professional woodworker? I do.

My name is Dan Ransdell. I have several passions in my life, but a few stand out: if it needs to be done, it needs to be done right, and never look a bear in the eyes unless you want a fight.

On a serious note, I am the embodiment of “Jack of all Trades”. What I thought was a hunger for new challenges and opportunity that has driven me from career to career has been revealed to me lately to probably just be ADD. Oops. However, education was a particularly good fit for me. It was constantly presenting new challenges and gave me opportunities to do what I loved: create “AHA!” moments that revealed students’ true potential. I want people to pursue their true dreams and I want even more to help remove their barriers, whatever those might be.

So how does this lead to being a professional woodworker? I have now turned a hobby into a profession. But I have some secret goals in mind.

1) I want Bear & Oak to become a company that builds new entrepreneurs to take on a challenge they once thought impossible. That does not mean just in woodworking. I want Bear & Oak to equip people to be ready to look their personal “bears” in the eye and win.

2) I want Bear & Oak to be where people go when no one else will take on a challenge. Have a ridiculous idea that everyone else shies away from? Bring it to Bear & Oak. Been told a piece is too risky? Bring it to Bear & Oak. Had people fail to bring your vision to reality? Bring it to Bear & Oak.

I hunger for the opportunity to take on a difficult challenge, look it in the eyes, and win. I want to help people do the same through the difficult, but often meditative art of woodworking. I want to help you make your dreams come true.