National Hardwood Magazine - February 2021

Quality Craftsmanship,

Quality Craftsmanship, Family and Value Continue at OakBridge Timber Framing Ltd. “Our mission is to build dreams that bring families together and enrich lives.” –Johnny Miller, OwnerCEO, OakBridge Timber Framing Ltd. The Millers, who own OakBridge Timber Framing, prefer to use Red and White Oak Hardwood lumber and Douglas fir softwood lumber. By Michelle Keller Established in 1986 by Johnny Miller and Levi Hochstetler, the company is composed of three generations of an Amish family. Loudonville, OH — OakBridge Timber Framing Ltd., based here, pre-cuts and installs timber frame homes. The company purchases 125,000 board feet annually of Hardwoods and 70,000 in softwoods. In the past 10 years, the company has experienced growth both in employees and production. “My sons have also become partners and are active in the family business,” explained Owner and CEO Johnny Miller. “In 2010 there were only a handful of us. Today, we have nearly tripled the amount of wood we use and a lot has changed since then.” He continued, “In 2014 we felt like we were at a crossroads. We wanted to move on up the mountain of excellence of service, client experience, quality of product and internal client (employee) experience. So we launched ‘Pinnacle 2014’. We got our suppliers and our associate companies together for a conference to thank everyone for helping us get this far up the mountain. We invited everyone to continue with us, or they had the option to stay at the comfortable heights they were in that would be their decision. The end result was that some decided to drop out and others joined the exciting climb! It has been a fun and strenuous climb.” Established in 1986 by Johnny Miller and Levi Hochstetler, the company is composed of three generations of an Amish family. Miller and Hochstetler began OakBridge Timber Framing from their experience raising barns in their youth. “Timber framing has always been part of our culture,” Miller said. “My father built mortise and tenon structures with his father.” OakBridge Timber Framing’s custom timber frame homes are constructed from White Oak and Douglas fir. Throughout history Amish and Mennonite people have been recognized for their hard work, attention to detail and true commitment to the craft of constructing barns and other buildings. Much like their Amish ancestors, the skilled craftsmen at Oak- Bridge take pride in their work as they craft each timber with hand tools. Utilizing a traditional draw bore technique with 1-inch pegs, the joiners achieve exact cuts and precision in the joinery of timbers. “We use a draw bore technique, Please turn to page 28 Committed to the environment, OakBridge Timber frame homes are constructed from the highest quality timbers. 18 FEBRUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 19