Can bourbon and scotch peacefully coexist on the palate of a true connoisseur? Join us on the B-Team Podcast as we entertain this spirited debate with our first inbound guest, Charley Preston from The Workbench Collective. Laugh along with us as we share tales of guest recruitment challenges, involving Rob Nelson’s amusing avoidance of his own rolodex, and celebrate Charley's enthusiasm and his bourbon-toting entrance. We swap stories and flavors, comparing the prestige of scotch with the inviting embrace of bourbon, all while pairing these delights with cigar tales that set the mood for a delightful tasting session.
Navigate the ups and downs of family life, homeschooling, and woodworking with us as we share personal anecdotes from the pandemic parenting trenches. Charley reflects on life with his wife Jessica and their four lively kids, blending humor with heartfelt insights into homeschooling in Alaska. With nostalgia for old-school woodshop classes, we champion hands-on learning that sparks creativity in students who might not flourish in traditional classrooms. From woodworking to weight loss, our conversation embraces the "dad bod" and the artistry of crafting, all while championing trial and error as the ultimate teacher.
Our conversation takes a surprising turn as we discuss the unexpected allure of relocating to Arkansas from Alaska. Overcoming initial hesitations, one finds a home in Arkansas’ rolling hills and vibrant community, staying for over a decade. We explore traditional craftsmanship's role in modern maker spaces and talk about The Workbench Collective's new location in Springdale. Offering memberships to a fully equipped woodworking shop, this initiative provides tools and classes for aspiring craftsmen. Cap it all off with a lively discussion on Matt's new fashion statement—a baby blue hat—and you have an episode full of humor, wisdom, and community spirit. Cheers to creativity and camaraderie!
More About this Episode
Crafting Community and Confidence: Inside The Workbench Collective’s Mission to Bring Woodworking Back
In an age dominated by digital devices and virtual experiences, there’s a growing desire to reconnect with the tangible world. People are yearning for activities that ground them, inspire creativity, and cultivate real-world skills. Enter The Workbench Collective, a community woodshop and learning space in Northwest Arkansas that’s doing just that. Founded by Charley Preston, a craftsman with roots in Alaska, The Workbench Collective isn’t just about woodworking—it’s about building confidence, community, and a culture that values creativity and craftsmanship.
But this isn’t just another maker space. It’s a modern twist on traditional skills, where kids and adults alike can unplug, roll up their sleeves, and discover the joy of creating something real. Whether you’re a parent looking for enriching activities for your child, an adult wanting to learn a new skill, or an experienced woodworker needing space and tools, The Workbench Collective is a place where people and ideas come together.
From Alaska to Arkansas: A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Charley Preston’s journey to founding The Workbench Collective is as layered and textured as the wood he works with. Growing up in Homer, Alaska, Charley was immersed in a culture of self-reliance and hands-on skills. He got his first scroll saw at eight and apprenticed under a wooden boat builder, learning the value of patience, precision, and craftsmanship. But like many people, he eventually found himself in a white-collar job that paid the bills but didn’t feed his passion.
Everything changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeschooling his four children with his wife, Jessica, Charley saw an opportunity: woodworking classes for homeschooled kids. “I realized there was a huge demand for hands-on learning, especially when schools were going remote,” Charley explains. “Kids were stuck at home, and parents were desperate for meaningful, educational activities.”
The idea took off almost immediately, tapping into a growing need for tactile learning experiences. But as much as he loved Alaska, Charley and his family were ready for a change. After two years of full-time RV living, they narrowed their options down to Idaho and Northwest Arkansas. Arkansas won out for its community, culture, and climate. And with that decision, The Workbench Collective was born.
Why Woodworking? The Case for Hands-On Learning
In today’s world, hands-on skills are becoming a rare commodity. Shop classes are disappearing from schools, replaced by coding workshops and digital design. While technology is crucial, there’s something irreplaceable about the experience of working with your hands. It’s about more than just building things; it’s about building confidence, resilience, and creativity.
Charley’s philosophy is straightforward yet profound: “If you assume kids can’t do something, they won’t. But if you believe they can, they will.” He’s seen it firsthand. Kids who initially hesitate to touch a scroll saw end up mastering it, their confidence growing with each cut. “They rise to the occasion every time,” he says. “And that confidence spills over into other areas of their lives—school, social interactions, even sports.”
It’s not just about kids, either. Adults find a sense of accomplishment and stress relief in woodworking that’s hard to match with any digital activity. In a society increasingly obsessed with instant gratification, woodworking teaches patience, problem-solving, and perseverance.
What Makes The Workbench Collective Different?
The Workbench Collective is more than just a woodshop. It’s a community hub designed to bring people together through creativity and craftsmanship. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Hands-On Classes for All Ages
- Kids’ Classes: Starting as early as third grade, kids learn everything from hand tools to scroll saws and band saws. The classes are designed to teach practical skills while fostering creativity and problem-solving.
- Adult Workshops: Perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics or seasoned woodworkers looking to expand their skills. Upcoming projects include cutting boards, pizza peels, and even custom furniture.
- Date Nights and Group Events: Imagine a night out where you and your partner build something together—no screens, no distractions, just sawdust and satisfaction.
- Community Woodshop MembershipsFor adults who want to work on personal projects but don’t have the space, tools, or budget for a home workshop, Workbench Collective offers a community woodshop with a membership model that’s as flexible as it is affordable:
- Basic Plan: About $100-$120/month for 5 days of access
- Mid-Tier Plan: 10 days a month
- Unlimited Plan: $300/month for unlimited access, including a personal locker
It’s basically a gym membership for woodworking. Whether you’re making custom furniture, crafting gifts, or just want a space to de-stress, this setup allows you to do it all without the hefty price tag of setting up your own shop.
The Role of Risk and Reward in Learning
Charley believes that our culture has become too risk-averse, especially when it comes to kids. “Screens won’t cut your finger off, but they’ll cut off your creativity,” he says. The Workbench Collective flips that narrative by creating a safe yet challenging environment where calculated risks are part of the learning process.
“When kids or adults realize they can master a machine they once found intimidating, it’s empowering,” Charley explains. “And that empowerment translates to other areas of their lives.”
Building a Community of Makers
What makes The Workbench Collective truly unique is its focus on community. This isn’t just a place to make things; it’s a place to meet people, share ideas, and build connections. Charley’s vision is to create a space where creativity is contagious, and people from all walks of life can learn from each other.
Charley isn’t doing this alone. His business partner, Clay Ferguson, brings a different but complementary set of skills. A Bentonville native and University of Arkansas graduate, Clay is an engineer with a knack for design and organization. He’s the guy who built the custom furniture at Heroes Coffee locations, blending function with artistic flair. Together, they’re crafting more than just wood—they’re crafting community.
Why Northwest Arkansas?
Northwest Arkansas is in the midst of a transformation. It’s no longer just Walmart’s backyard; it’s a growing hub for culture, community, and creativity. But as the area continues to urbanize, there’s a risk of losing the small-town charm and hands-on culture that make it special. The Workbench Collective is a counterbalance to that, offering a place to slow down, get your hands dirty, and connect with others.
Located in Springdale, right off I-49 and Sunset, The Workbench Collective is easily accessible to residents from Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville. The shop itself is a testament to craftsmanship, blending modern amenities with old-school charm.
Special Offer for B-Team Podcast Listeners
To celebrate their launch and their appearance on the B-Team Podcast, The Workbench Collective is offering 15% off the Unlimited Membership Plan. Just use the coupon code B-TEAM at checkout. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, this is the perfect opportunity to join a community of makers and creators.
The Future of Craftsmanship in a Digital World
As technology continues to dominate daily life, the importance of tactile, hands-on experiences is only growing. The Workbench Collective isn’t just teaching woodworking; it’s teaching people how to slow down, engage with the world, and build something meaningful—whether that’s a piece of furniture or a sense of community.
Charley’s vision is simple but powerful: “We’re not just building things. We’re building people.” And in a world that’s increasingly disconnected, that’s a mission worth supporting.
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