Maker Stories

This Just In-spiration: Meet Ben & Christen Aroh

January 4, 2017

Ben & Christen Aroh - UncommonGoods

It’s about time we found a fun and functional solution for all of us chronic key-forgetters. Ben and Christen Aroh, the makers of our new Wooden States of America and USA Magnetic Key Holders, met in college and have become partners – both in their marriage and in their business. Together they’ve created these homey works of art that help us hold onto our keys. Ben does the woodworking, and Christen helps to keep the business side running smoothly while also working as an elementary school music teacher. 

We know you appreciate the inspiring, motivating stories behind our products just as much as we do, so settle in and read our interview with Ben about how he and Christen have made magnetic, key-saving magic in their Louisville, Kentucky woodshop.

Tell us about your background. Did you always know you wanted to be an artist/maker?

My dad is a very skilled carpenter, so naturally I spent a lot of my childhood in our woodshop watching and learning from him. I absolutely loved “tinkering around” — building treehouses, wooden swords, go-carts and other things that elementary-aged boys think are cool. Our neighborhood was home to ten boys (all around the same age), so we were constantly trying to find creative ways to keep ourselves entertained. Back then, I always wanted to grow up and become a custom home builder. So, in a sense, I always planned on working with my hands, building things.

Ben Aroh - UncommonGoods

What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist/maker?

This may not be a good thing, but I like being in control of my day. Every morning, I wake up early, make coffee for my wife and I and then start working. If I don’t get anything done, then the company won’t make money that day. But what’s exciting is the freedom and control I have over my life. This can be stressful at times, but it’s always exciting.

ben-working-in-shop

I hear the inspiration for your Magnetic Wooden States came from a problem you were dealing with every day. What was it, and how did your creation help solve it?

Yes, this is true! In college, I lived with three other guys in this neat, old Victorian house. I somehow kept getting locked out of the house while my other roommates were gone. Every time this happened, I would crawl through the damp, dirty cellar to break into our house. This was not fun, so one weekend I went home to create the “solution.” Instead of leaving my key on a table somewhere in the house, I would hang them on a “piece of magnetic wood.” In my mind, this would be a funny solution to the problem, and one that I may actually use. I created the first Wooden State (in the shape of Kentucky) and it snowballed into a business from there.

ben-working-in-shop-2

How exactly are the states made? Fill us in on your process, from start to finish.

The states start as panels of glued-up cherry boards. I then cut out 12 states from each panel on my CNC router. The states are sanded by hand, stained and sprayed with a durable finish. Last step is to glue in the four magnets, box ‘em up & ship ‘em out! I’m moving into a bigger shop right after Christmas, the next step is to automate a few more steps in the production process because we’re having difficulty keeping up with orders.

Ben Aroh Magnetic USA

Was running a business something you were always interested in? How is it working with your wife, Christen, as a business partner?

Yes, I have always loved business/entrepreneurship! In elementary school, I would collect golf balls from a nearby golf course pond, set up a “golf balls for sale” stand and then sell them back to the golfers. This sounds funny, but I would make good money doing it (at least enough money to buy a new bike or Nerf gun on occasion). I learned from a young age that working for myself had lots of perks – so I have always made that a priority in life.

Christen is the best partner I could ask for. She works full time as an elementary music teacher — but she still finds time to help out with the business. I value her opinion very highly and would not be nearly as successful without her. My dad is another figure who is very instrumental in this business. I can always count on him when I need a helping hand (which is quite often).

states-on-wall

Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near as you work? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?

Not a trinket, but I love to work with my headphones and a good audiobook. I typically listen to a book or two a week. I’ve been on a huge fantasy kick lately. I’ve listened to all the Game of Thrones books, Lord of the Rings and five Brandon Sanderson books (all in the past few months). But I supplement these with a few non-fiction books on occasion. I just listened to Hillbilly Elegy this week — incredible book.

states-stacked

Do you have a quote or mantra keeps you motivated?

Hmm, not that comes to mind, however I am motivated by the people around me. They are a solid support structure and great influence on my life/business. Growing a business can be tough, so I’m very thankful for everyone who is involved in some way.

13 Comments

  • Reply Kathy Kendrick April 22, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Will you be adding WV to your options?

    • Reply Marisa April 25, 2017 at 6:43 pm

      Hi Kathy, thanks for your question. At the moment we are only stocking 12 states. However, if we hear from enough customers that they would like other states, we’ll add the most-requested ones. We’re glad you like this item enough to inquire!

  • Reply Audrey A Kupsco June 8, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    Do you make a magnetic Kentucky? I woould like to order one for my daughter and her family who just bought their first house in Goshen, Kentucky

    • Reply Hadley June 9, 2017 at 10:00 am

      Hi Audrey,
      We don’t currently offer Kentucky-shaped keyholders, but that’s a great suggestion! I’ve reached out to our buying team to let them know there’s interest.

  • Reply Lisha July 3, 2017 at 2:25 pm

    Love the US version. You have 4 strong magnets on each piece. Can you put keys all over the US, or are you limited to the spot where the 4 magnets are?

    • Reply Hadley July 11, 2017 at 9:54 am

      Hi, Lisha. We love the US version, too! Keys will only stick to the areas where the magnets are placed, so there’s room for about four rings’ worth. Hope that helps.

  • Reply Kate November 22, 2017 at 8:26 am

    Hi, these look fantastic, and the idea is really great! I’m hoping there is enough support to do the entire state of Michigan – or perhaps a separate one of just the Upper Peninsula. I would also love to see the Upper Peninsula on the US version.

    • Reply Hadley November 22, 2017 at 9:48 am

      Hi, Kate–thanks for your feedback. I’ll pass it on to our buyers!

  • Reply Kim Baldwin December 17, 2017 at 8:03 pm

    Will the magnets affect keyless entry fobs?

  • Reply Garrett January 22, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    Hi! My friend bought me Ohio and I am looking for my home state of Oregon. Any plan on stocking Oregon? Thank you and love your work.

    Warmly,

    Garrett

    • Reply Hadley January 23, 2018 at 11:58 am

      Hi, Garrett! No Oregon yet, but I’ll pass your suggestion on to our buyers in case we do choose to bring in some new states. Thanks for your feedback!

  • Reply Jennifer May 1, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    Hi,
    Theses are really coo!
    Is there any option for personalizing the key holder? With perhaps a date or address?
    Also, do the magnets hold only single keys?
    Thank you

    • Reply Hadley May 2, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      Hi, Jennifer! We don’t currently offer personalized key holders, but we can pass the suggestion on to our buyers for future consideration. As far as the magnets go, they’re pretty strong! I don’t know that there’s a hard limit on how many keys each can hold, but the photos on our item page should be a good reference.

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