We had the good fortune of connecting with Erik Gilgenast and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erik, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
The amount of time ,effort and energy required be successful and remain relevant.

What should our readers know about your business?
The foundation of my business is built with the Soldier in mind. Every Plaque and Award created reflects the career or accomplishments of that Soldier within the finished product. I’ve served for 15 years and still active. Most of which have been as a Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces. I’ve seen fellow Green Berets leave teams with nothing in hand, but their own humility , never asking for anything in return. This is our way. To recognize them with an honorary plaque that has a Team Picture, Team Logo and small dedication is a way of saying ” Thank You “, and it means the world to many of us.

The people I serve with have done a lot. They deserve to be recognized among their peers with their accomplishments at the end of their time on that team, or during retirement. When a Soldier leaves a team, its nice to know that time spent and hours of back breaking work, blood, sweat and tears and days of no sleep conducting training and operations didn’t go to waste. For us, training and deployments are a constant. It never ends and never will end until our time is up within the Army. This is the path we have chosen, and it is not for everyone.

This is why I started my business. I saw a gap in that side of the house. Guys would leave teams and receive nothing. Not because they didn’t do well or did something wrong. Many of these teams are just so busy that the time for other things is non existent.

Ill receive calls from my counterparts that say ” Erik, we had a great dude on our ODA (Operation Detachment Alpha), Sergeant First Class so-n-so, you know him? ”

” yeah , I knew him”

” He did 4 deployments with this team and gave everything he had. we weren’t able to get him an team plaque when he got out, can you do something for him? This is what we have in mind.”

At that point ill begin designing and creating a single plaque, or shadow box or whatever the team comes up with. I pour my heart and soul into it because its going to a soldier and a service member who has carried the weight, burdens and scars that many do not see. Its a memory of that team mounted on the wall of all the things they did and were willing to do in both hard times and great times with some of the closest friends they’ve ever had.

Getting to where I am at now has not been easy. It has been a rollercoaster ride of emotion. I’ve had to shut my business down a few times due to deployments and just being unequivocally busy. Once I return home, I start it back up. I’ve been flooded with orders in the past and some I just haven’t been able to do. But I get up everyday and keep moving forward. They’re times ill be up at 0400 in the morning, finish a workout, get to work on base only to come home at 1700 and go straight into my shop until 2200 or 2300 at night, and wake up and do it all over again. I spend hours figuring out how to better templates and designs, or different wood techniques , not just because I love woodwork, but because I know training my abilities will make me a master at my craft, and those pieces of art dedicated to the Green Berets that I have served with or served before me are going to hang on their wall or families wall forever.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Woodland Park, Colorado is a beautiful city. Its more a small mountain town with an unobstructed and most beautiful view of Pikes peak. We have shops that really bring the mountain life to a reality.

Tweeds is where one would go for fine furniture. the epitome of the exquisite mountain furniture. its pricey, but a wonderful shop and just overall exciting to look at.

The Human Bean. A small coffee shop that serves many in woodland park on their way to work headed down the pass. a quick in and out for a fast drink to get you going.

Joanie’s – a small town delicatessen and hands down the best breakfast food in Woodland Park. there is no equal. If you say there is anything better, you may find your cat missing the following morning. ( that’s a joke )

Colorado gear lab – a small shop that sells outdoor equipment for those seeking adventure. hiking shoes, boots, gloves , bags and used gear consignment. its a great last stop shop on your way to your camp site or weekend adventure. really down to earth and polite owners.

Bierwerks – a great place to kick back and have a beer and a bratwurst with the feeling of Bavaria, Germany in mind. its a very popular place in the evening.

Serranos Mexican Restaurant – You wont find better Mexican food in Woodland Park or in the springs without traveling to Mexico yourself. Pepe’ the owner is top notch and makes phenomenal street tacos, salsa everything else you can think of.

They’re numerous trails to hike, bike, or run on within the area. you just have to find them. there is something for everyone up here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a solid shoutout to Wade Myers of W.M. Woodworks. Wade took me under his wing and taught me several things that have led me to my current success. Without Wade I would have never been able to get where I am now with woodwork. Sometimes all someone needs are the small nuances that connect the dots to create the full picture.

My Mother and Father at Concrete-In-Counters LLC, who from a young age always encouraged me to continue driving forward, and to have a no quit mentality. You will only grow and gain success through time, effort, and the ability to continue when it seems useless to continue. You cannot appreciated success without failure.

And lastly, but most important, my Wife Kassidi, who without faltering has been by my side throughout my Military career as well as building my woodworking business. An unwavering force without equal who through the thick and thin has remained alongside me. They’re not words to describe the drive and motivation she resonates. My career and business would not be the same without her. She is my backbone and support in so many ways.

Website: Hausgilgenastwoodworks.com

Instagram: @hausgilgenastwoodworks

Image Credits
all photos belong to Haus Gilgenast Woodworks

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.