MEET RICK
Growing up in a small farming community, much like New Sharon, Iowa, Rick found his love for construction and woodworking as a teen beginning to roof.
Throughout the years of helping friends with their never-ending project lists - from pouring concrete to building a garage - Rick learned much more than how to use the tools of the trade. He learned the value of hard work and a job well done was something to be proud of.
As life has changed with grown kids and retirement on the horizon, Rick has rediscovered his passion for woodworking and began working to make it a sideline business. However, it is not all about the money - it’s the satisfaction of creating something unique that brings a smile to someone’s face.
If you have a project you’ve been thinking about, contact Rick at Cheney’s Grove Woodworking!
BEHIND THE NAME
Cheney’s Grove is the township of Rick’s hometown Saybrook, Illinois, which is located in McLean County. It used to be much like New Sharon - thriving agriculture, businesses, schools, churches, and many community organizations. Unfortunately time and change has taken a toll on the community. School consolidations took them out of town and many businesses have closed. Today it is a shell of its former self.
What hasn’t changed - Just like Mahaska County - it is still a strong agricultural area. Some of the richest farm ground is in McLean county. And while he grew up a “city” kid, Rick spent his time running around friend’s farms and occasionally driving a tractor in the fall to plow, disc stalks, or chisel plow. Nothing better than the smell of fresh turned black dirt in the spring or fall!
While Rick still carries fond memories of his childhood in Cheney’s Grove Township, he considers New Sharon, Iowa his hometown - maybe because it is so much like where he came from.