Meet the LogHeads
Gwen and Tommy Mitchell have one impressive rags-to-riches story, or as we like to say, a "logs-to-riches" story. Meet these popular makers of contemporary country furniture.
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Humble Beginning
Gwen and Tommy have been marriage and business partners for over 20 years. Tommy started building log furniture when Gwen asked him to make her a vanity table. It turned out so well that he turned their garage into a workshop and started designing and building log furniture. Since they didn't have a storefront for what would eventually become Rocky Top Log Furniture, they would sit on the corner of a busy intersection on weekends and sell his furniture out of their truck. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
Impressive Client List
Today, Tommy and Gwen's company, Rocky Top Log Furniture, has over 50 employees and is the nation's largest manufacturer of northern white cedar log furniture and log railing. They also custom-build log homes, and their client list includes Disneyland, Six Flags, Knott's Berry Farm and the U.S. Army. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
ManPower
They may look tough, but they’re really creative masterminds. These are only a few of the hardworking Rocky Top employees.
Tools and Materials
Tommy gets most of his cedar logs from northern Michigan and has spent a lot of time in logging camps looking for just the right supplier. He also keeps an ample supply of chainsaws at the ready. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
Truck Bed
This is one of Tommy's original and most popular designs, constructed from an upcycled tailgate, cedar logs and reclaimed wood.
Knott's Berry Farm
Tommy built the furnishings for a new restaurant at the famous California amusement park. Here, he and Gwen, with a few of the park's more popular employees, cut the ribbon on the new eatery.
Tommy Inspects His Work
Before the Knott's Berry Farm restaurant opened, Tommy made sure every table and chair was perfect.
Another Satisfied Customer
Tommy gets a high-five from one of the regulars at Knott's Berry Farm.
Fences and Sign Posts
Tommy and his LogHeads crew have also done work for other amusement parks. This is Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
Daffy Fencing
Tons of happy hands have touched the LogHeads' railing here at this Six Flags Splashwater Kingdom in Lake George N.Y.
Healing Retreat
The LogHeads also outfitted the Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness in Bluemont, Va. The retreat is a rural sanctuary that provides free accommodations, recreational and therapeutic activities to help our nation's veterans and military personnel.
Indoor Water Park
LogHeads crafted the dining tables and rockers for the Westgate Resort Wild Bear Falls WaterPark in Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Log Architecture
The cedar posts and railing beautifully complement the natural stone walls.
Big Sky Country
Tommy's clientele stretches far and wide. Every room at the Kelly Inn in Yellowstone, Mont., is filled with LogHeads furnishings.
Conference Table
Tommy's office looks more like a bar at a rustic lodge than an office. Here, he and Gwen discuss one of his latest designs — a new bed for Gwen. Every morning, Tommy holds meetings with his staff at the bar. He finds the counter-height, L-shaped configuration much easier to work at and to brainstorm with his crew. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
Aged Materials
Tommy's office walls are lined with reclaimed lumber from an old barn. He likes to mix salvaged wood with natural wood in a lot of his furniture design and artwork. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
Gwen's Office
Gwen runs the day-to-day operations at Rocky Top Furniture. Her office is a bit more feminine than Tommy's and there are no power tools anywhere in site. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
Mixing Station
Tommy creates all the finishes that go on Rocky Top's furniture. He'll blend paints and stains until he gets just the right mix. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
"Drawing Notebook"
Tommy rarely uses pen and paper to sketch up his designs. He finds that a scrap 1x6 board and a permanent marker work better. (Photo by Judson Ridgeway)
Cabin Attire
Tommy describes his style as "clean rustic:" Nature without a lot of fuss or froufrou.
Multipurpose Design
Tommy likes to create furniture that serves more than one function like this storage bench, which can also be used as a hat rack.
Kick Back in Country Style
Sit back and relax in this paddle-arm sofa chair made from reclaimed wood and country-inspired upholstery.
The Contemporary Country Look
Neutral-toned panels and drawer fronts offset the richly stained posts to give this suite a modern vibe.
Complete a Collection
The clear finish on this set showcases the wood's natural beauty.
Create Ideal Dining Space
Perfect for a growing family or entertaining friends, this six-foot dining table provides plenty of seating and elbow room.
Create a Space to Work
A country-style workspace gets an outdoorsy touch with a large log desk and chair made with contrasting wood tones.
Uniquely Country
This line of bedroom furniture is like a snowflake – no two are exactly alike. The log's natural root base makes each bed unique, while the reclaimed panels on the bed and the drawer fronts are also one-of-a-kind creations.
Handmade Personal Touches
This hand-hewn dresser is masterfully designed to add a natural, earthy look to any bedroom.
Fun With LogHead Style
This hand-hewn log bed from Rocky Top's Starburst collection has a fun touch with its decorative headboard and footboard.
Create Simple, Country Style
Rocky Top's Cedar Kentucky line of furniture provides a more Western feel to the rustic style.
Rustic Room Appeal
This stunning four-drawer console with its matching log-trimmed mirror is perfect for an entryway, dining room or against a sofa back.
Reclaim Your Dining Space
This 12-person reclaimed-wood dining table is ideal for large family dinners and friendly get-togethers.
Add Some Curves
Tree don't always grow straight, neither does this bed with its slightly curved posts, headboard and footboard.
Add a Rustic Touch
Give your bedroom a rustic feel while adding more storage with this six-drawer walnut and cedar dresser.
Giving Back
Tommy also helped build this log home for a family that lost their previous home and belongings in a house fire.
A Meaningful Mantel
To make their new home extra special, Tommy handcrafted this mantel for a family that had lost their previous home in a fire.
Road Warriors
They’re not all work, Gwen and Tommy Mitchell’s like to spend their spare time on the open road.
