Our Story

The Way Carpentry established in 2022.

Owners: James & Danielle Schroeder

As a child, I spent countless hours in my grandfather’s wood shop. the wood shop was one of my favorite places to be whenever I visited. I learned so much for him and made so many memories by his side.

Fastforward a few years, after marrying Danielle and receiving my bachelors in pastoral ministry at Trinity International University we decided to move to Indiana.

Before becoming a head pastor in Indiana, I installed granite countertops, built countertops in a shop, and then worked with a construction company learning all different trades.

My wife, Danielle, and I now settled in Jalapa, Indiana where we pastor our local church, Jalapa Chapel. We moved here in January of 2018 and absolutely love the community and church family God has given us. We also have three kiddos ages seven, five, and two.

After much prayer and consideration about a way to accrue some additional income, we decided to launch The Way Carpentry as a side business. This business is an incredible way for me to use many of the skills I’ve obtained in my own woodshop and work with my hands which I so enjoy.

We chose the name “The Way Carpentry” because Jesus said, He is the Way! John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Jesus is telling us here that He is the only way to the Father, there is no other way by which we can be saved, it’s by faith alone not by works! I’ve always loved the fact that Jesus was a carpenter and how He set the example of the way in which to live our lives! I wanted to make this a primary focal point in all my carpentry projects.

My wife and I are huge promoters of living in community and so often this occurs around the dinner table. This is why we have chosen to specialize in creating beautiful hand-crafted cutting boards, butcherblock, and charcuterie boards.

Our prayer is that our boards would be a blessing to each home in which they reside. We pray they would promote the gathering of family and friends around the table. We pray that communities would grow in depth of genuine relationship as they choose to intentionally do life together all while enjoying great food. And above all else, we pray that everything hand crafted and sent out from “The Way Carpentry” will bless others and bring glory to God!