Meet Scott Hensen | Owner & Operator of Dust & Spark

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

Hi Scott, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
For years, I poured myself into every cut, joint, and finish—shaping each piece by hand until it felt right. That craftsmanship is still at the heart of Dust & Spark, but I’ve come to realize that building a lasting brand isn’t about doing it all myself. It’s about building capacity through people.

Shifting my mindset from solo maker to mentor has been one of the most challenging and rewarding transitions of my career. Today, my role is just as much about empowering my team as it is about creating heirloom furniture. I invest time in teaching, guiding, and giving my employees the tools to thrive—because every project that leaves our shop should carry the same level of care and precision, no matter who shapes it.

By mentoring instead of micromanaging, I’ve opened the door for Dust & Spark to grow beyond what my two hands could ever achieve alone. We’re not just crafting furniture; we’re cultivating a team that shares the same respect for materials, the same dedication to detail, and the same vision for timeless design. That’s how we scale capacity without sacrificing soul.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Dust & Spark was born out of a love for craftsmanship and a belief that furniture should be built to last for generations. From the start, attention to detail has set us apart—every joint, every finish, every design decision is intentional. But what really defines us isn’t just the work itself, it’s the way we’re choosing to build the business behind it.

I’ve learned that risk-taking is part of growth, but the real key is investing in people. I’m proud of the young talent in our shop and the culture we’re creating together. We’ve built Dust & Spark around trust, knowing that mistakes will happen, but that they’re opportunities to learn and come back stronger as a team. That’s why we’ve committed to a four-day work week, which gives us balance, rest, and the chance to bring our best selves into the shop.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of moments where I second-guessed myself and questioned the path forward. But the wisest move I’ve made was allowing others to step in and help shoulder the weight—mentors, friends, my wife, and now the process of adding a business partner. That step has freed me to focus on family and on building a company that lasts, rather than burning out by trying to do it all alone.

We’re also learning to move slowly when it matters, to dig into the root of challenges instead of rushing to put out fires. That patience has allowed us to make smarter, more educated pivots and has strengthened the foundation of Dust & Spark.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that Dust & Spark isn’t just about heirloom-quality furniture—it’s about building a healthier future for the trades. A future where craftsmanship is honored, people are empowered, and a culture of care shapes everything we create.

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.
When friends come to visit, I love showing them the places that make life here feel both grounded and full of adventure—especially the spots where I get to share time with my two daughters. We’d spend mornings biking or walking on the beautiful Boulder County open space paths nearby, then heading to the playground with coffee in hand. A mid morning treat at Jeannot’s in Lafayette is also a must for anyone visiting town.

Evenings, once the kids are tucked in, are for catching up with friends. 12 Degree Brewing is one of my favorite spots for a good beer and great conversation. Sundays are reserved for the Lafayette Farmer’s Market, where the mix of fresh produce, tasty food, and community feels like the best snapshot of our lifestyle.

Of course, getting outdoors is part of the rhythm here. We’d head up to the mountains for an epic mountain bike ride, hike, or backcountry skiing adventure. I believe the best memories are made when a little bit of “type 2” fun is involved.

It’s a mix of family time, local flavor, and mountain adventure—the perfect week for soaking up what makes this corner of Colorado so special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to thank my wife for standing by me and encouraging me to keep taking risks and try new things. Without her support, I wouldn’t have found the Handcrafted Network that has helped provide a sounding board, advice, and encouragement from other craftsmen around the country. Lastly, I’d love to thank my incredible friends and family who have helped me network, lift heavy furniture, and aid in crunch time sanding to get projects installed on time.

Website: https://www.dustandspark.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustandspark/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/dustandspark

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustandspark/

Image Credits
Behind the Apron Media and Anna Boardman Photography