For Eric Pedersen, woodworking is more than just a craft; it’s a process shaped by patience and a willingness to figure things out. What began as a hobby has grown into a full-time business rooted in challenge, creativity, and craftsmanship.
“If you can build a box, you can build everything.”
For Pedersen, that philosophy is more than a starting point. It shapes how he approaches every project.
A woodworker for the past 10 years and the owner of Pedersen Makes for the last two and a half, Pedersen works out of his home in Denville. He creates custom pieces for homes and businesses throughout the area, and increasingly beyond it.
From custom signs for local favorites like Ayres Knuth Farm and Indian Lake Bistro to more intricate, one-of-a-kind builds, Pedersen has developed a reputation for taking on projects that push his limits.
“I like when it seems like I’m not going to be able to figure it out because then it’s challenging."
That drive to take on the unknown is part of what defines his work. Clients often come to him with inspiration photos and an idea, and from there, Pedersen brings their vision to life—sketching designs, refining details, and ultimately building something entirely custom.
“I’ve been self-taught at everything I do now, like woodworking, machining, and sign making,” Pedersen said. “I’ve always been handy around the house.”
His introduction to woodworking, however, began long before Pedersen Makes existed. His grandfather, a carpenter and woodworker, was an early influence.
“My grandfather built a lot of birdhouses and things and I was always watching him and interested in it,” he added. “My father wouldn’t let me get involved because he thought I would get hurt.”
After his grandfather passed away, Pedersen inherited his tools and a meaningful connection to the craft that would later shape his career. He began by making small signs, using them as a way to practice and improve.
“I started out making signs for the home and it was something I could do and practice with to get better,” Pedersen explained. “Then I started trying to do different things.”
What started as experimentation soon gained traction, thanks in large part to the support of the local community. Pedersen began sharing his projects on social media, not just posting finished pieces, but also documenting the process behind them.
“As I was making things for fun, I would post them on Facebook and the stories behind building them as kind of a ‘Dear Diary’ and people really enjoyed reading them,” he said.
That openness, both in his work and in his storytelling, helped build a following. Orders began to come in, and what was once a side project slowly turned into something more.
At the time, Pedersen was balancing three jobs, working as a full-time machine shop coordinator, a part-time professor, and alongside a contractor, often logging up to 60 hours a week. It was his wife, Katie, a Denville native he met on a blind date, who saw the potential early on.
“She recognized I was good at building things and encouraged me to start my own business,” Pedersen said.
Today, that leap has paid off in more ways than one.
“I get to spend a lot of time with my kids now that I have my own business.”
Pedersen and his wife now have three children together, and the flexibility of running his own business has allowed him to be more present at home—something he doesn’t take for granted.
While his work continues to expand, his roots remain local. He sources wood from local providers and builds each piece out of his garage workshop.
“I have a garage behind my house and I build everything there. I have all of my machines and tools there,” he said.
Among his many projects, one stands out as a personal favorite: a handcrafted cottage he built for Sheeran Real Estate.
“I met the Sheerans through my wife’s family and I built a little Irish cottage for them about two years ago. That was my favorite thing to build.”
Beyond craftsmanship, Pedersen is also deeply committed to giving back. Recently, he built a custom wood table and auctioned it online to support the Dillon Garrity Foundation, raising $850, then personally contributing to bring the total to $1,000.
“When I learned about the Dillon Garrity Foundation, I wanted to do something to give back because that’s such an important cause,” he said. “I was very happy someone was willing to donate so much for that.”
His openness extends beyond his work and into his personal life as well. Diagnosed with OCD and bipolar disorder as a child, Pedersen has been candid about his journey and the role mental health plays in his life.
“I’ve been medicated now for 15 years, so it’s been really controlled ever since then. Mental health is super important to me,” he said. “It’s something I like talking about, I’m very open about my struggles.”
That honesty has become another point of connection with those who follow his work—adding depth to a business that is built not just on skill, but on authenticity.
What began with a simple idea—that if you can build a box, you can build anything—has evolved into something much larger. For Pedersen, each piece is more than just a project; it’s a reflection of persistence, creativity, and the willingness to take on something new, no matter how challenging it may seem.