We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rick Griggs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rick, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My father was military that he carried over to his home life. It was disciplined and we were expected to contribute with chores around the house. We were taught that you work for what you want and not to expect things for free. My first job was when I was in the third grade. I worked after school at a furniture store sweeping the floors and dusting furniture and appliances. I earned a dollar a day. Seemed like a lot of money then. I have always had a job since then. Each one teaching me to work hard, respect others and to have a realistic expectation of what I receive for the work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have had an array of experience across many fields. From on-air and management in radio to consulting professional sports teams and broadcast companies including ESPN to photography and woodworking. The common thread in all of them is my passion for what I do!
I have always been intrigued by woodworking. It started when my grandfather would take a stick or small branch and carve it. My uncle added to that interest with his own wood carving. Over the years I did a few projects here and there, but it was nowhere near the level it is now. I started doing turning which evolved into “live edge” slabs as tables and wall art. After finishing my first “live edge” table my wife began telling friends about it and encouraged me to do more tables. One thing led to another and now I am doing commissioned work for clients around the country.
It is rewarding to see the reaction of someone when they see the completed commission. To know that you have been able to impact them with your art, and I like to think that I am making art and not tables, is very special. One of my favorite experiences was creating a walnut coffee table. As I explained how I would work the piece and use stone in the voids in the wood the client asked if it would be OK to use stone he had. It turns out his father had given him the stones as a child. I said send them to me and we’ll see if they work. I received six different pieces and used three of them; there were just three voids to be filled. When the client saw the table with the stone inlay emotion was evident. The table had special meaning and became a family heirloom.
Woodworking is that it is therapeutic! You become so focused on what you are doing that it is refreshing and invigorating. And after spending a lifetime in radio where you can only hear and not see or hold the results it is gratifying to be able to see and touch the art I craft.
Nature does the work and I just try to accent the beauty with each piece. The wood and stone are carefully selected. The wood and stone come from the US, Australia, Central and South America and Asia. Each piece is meticulously planned from preparation and cleaning to sculpting and sanding to the inlay material and finishing.
My style comes from the way that I use stone and inlay. Many woodworkers do live edge tables but not the inlay. For example, I did a coffee table from live edge Oregon black walnut that had over 90 pieces of stone and inlay in it. The piece took six weeks to complete.
In addition to woodworking, I have spent over 40 years in the broadcast industry creating entertainment programming. I was one of the pioneers helping to create the Sports Radio format. I own the premiere and highly respected Sports Radio consulting firm, RSA Sports International, which was formed in 1992.
I am also an accomplished photographer having been invited to display my work at the Lishui (China) Photography Festival. Four of my pieces were placed on permanent display in Lishui Photography Museum. I have displayed my photography in galleries and private showings in the Pacific Northwest.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important is believing in yourself! When you put your mind to it you will have incredible accomplishments. It takes focus, energy, passion, and conviction. It is easy to get derailed because there are a million reasons why something cannot be done. However when you are focused you will find a way to overcome barriers that are in your way,
Throughout my life I have encountered many times when someone told me, “Ah, you can’t do that” or “It can’t be done”. I actually love those situations with a very simple reply, “Watch me!”
My advise is first realize your success will come from commitment; the energy and effort you put toward your challenge. Second, along the way it is human nature for others to focus on roadblocks and barriers to discourage you from accomplishing your challenge. There are always those that are supportive and encouraging. Make those people your friends! The third and an important aspect is always give back. When you are successful share with others whether it is your time, mentoring or a financial gift. When you share it comes back to you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
They held me accountable for my actions and inactions which generated responsibility. They showed me that the decisions impacted the outcome. Frustrating at times especially as a teenager but absolutely the best thing they did.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturalwoodedge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveedgecreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickgriggsaz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rickgriggs9074
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@liveedgecreations
