About Us
Our Mission
At Heart of Wood we create distinctive residential and commercial furniture from post-consumer, post-industrial and sustainably harvested materials – perfectly blending the beauty and warmth of real wood with the ethics of sustainable reuse. Our goal is simple: To provide elegant furniture for our customers while reducing the use of new lumber. By choosing Heart of Wood over “new” wood you are helping us to ease the demand being placed on our few remaining old growth forests, while at the same time keeping demolition refuse out of our landfills. It makes a positive statement about our values and exposes customers to the concepts of reuse and conservation.
Why we are Green
Being green is at the very foundation of what we do. While many manufacturers work diligently to make their offerings green, Heart of Wood started out that way. We didn’t need to re-engineer our line to meet the new reality. We were already there. Using materials and methods that respect the planet’s dwindling resources, Heart of Wood realizes that the production of interior and outdoor designs can be done in the USA and can be done in ways that are both planet friendly and socially responsible. At Heart of Wood, we proudly stand out from the crowd with a commitment to sustainability from the very beginning.
Our Practice
Heart of Wood thoroughly researches our sources, maintaining the highest standards in choosing genuinely eco-friendly products. When you buy from Heart of Wood, you are not just buying the finest wood furniture available; you are casting a dollar vote for sustainable forestry, and helping conserve forest through responsible wood use. We commonly work with Douglas Fir, reclaimed Tiger Wood, Redwood, Walnut and others.
Our Roots
Sharon and Bob Lewis own and operate Columbia Vista Corporation, a lumber mill based out of Vancouver, Washington. Columbia Vista Corporation is built on a foundation of quality products made by quality people through safe and environmentally responsible production methods. Recognized by both the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and the Forest Stewardship Council, Columbia Vista is proud to be a global leader in best management practices in utilizing green energy and sustainable forest management practices.
When a large tree blew down at their home, it is no surprise that the Lewis’ chose not to trim it down to fire wood. Instead, they transported the large tree segments to the mill for processing and in partnership with a master furniture builder, transformed the wood into a series of remarkable furniture pieces. It was with this first piece of salvaged wood, that Heart of Wood was born.
Today, Heart of Wood remains on the cutting edge of environmental awareness and action. Our professionalism demonstrates that highly ethical business practices can be sustained without sacrificing financial success; proving that integrity and passion can go hand in hand with profitability.
Our Staff
Sharon Lewis, Founder and CEO
Sharon is the visionary leader behind Heart of Wood. Her passion and desire to encourage the development of form and function through reclaimed wood products is the driving force and the creative inspiration behind every Heart of Wood product. Every astonishing piece of hand crafted beauty speaks to her sustainable philosophy. She is Chairperson of Columbia Vista Corporation, a mother and an exceptionally creative individual. Her personal and professional passion is to create opportunities for people to grow and achieve success. She loves gardening, cooking and being in the furniture business.
Craig Capistran, Builder
Craig has a long history in building custom wood furniture and has been a part of Heart of Wood since it’s inception. His creative and versatile skills in design and construction and personal dedication to environmental sustainability are apparent in every handcrafted piece he creates. Craig has been a dedicated student and teacher in Aikido Martial Arts for over 20 years and is also a talented percussionist. He enjoys spending time by the ocean, surfing, and working on his home three-barrel pilot micro brewing system.
Scott Olsen, Operations Manager
Scott has been a dedicated employee of the Columbia Vista Corporation for over 22 years. Recently recruited to help streamline operations for Heart of Wood, Scott brings a strong professional history in building supply chain management and lumber sales. He is an avid outdoors man and enjoys fishing and playing golf.