Craftsman builds woodworking business on late father’s legacy
Dec. 1, 2022
Dale Schoffelman’s name lives on in his son’s business — and in the custom woodworking he inspired.
Founder and craftsman Tim “TJ” Schoffelman was inspired and encouraged to start DaleTree Decks & Custom Woodworking after the death of his father in 2015 as the result of a motorcycle accident.
“In one of our last conversations, he was encouraging me to go on my own with the woodworking business,” Schoffelman explained.
At the time, the husband and father of three was working in insurance and, after conversations with his wife, started to seriously consider the business in 2017 and went full time in July 2020.
He’ll be one of 50 makers with work for sale at Saturday’s 605 Made Holiday Market, offering handmade charcuterie boards, flower vases and candleholders.
Schoffelman’s primary business is building decks in the warmer months, but he shifts to more custom woodworking such as dining tables, desks, end tables and smaller goods around the holidays.
“Part of what we do is pray for and encourage our customers who invest in a deck or any one of our custom durable goods,” he said. “So many people were there for my family when I lost my dad, so it’s our way of paying it forward. We want people to be encouraged, inspired and enjoy the product they’ve purchased.”
This will be DaleTree’s second appearance at the holiday market, and for the first time, in addition to other custom goods, Schoffelman will feature Christmas ornaments this year.
“The biggest reward is seeing customers’ faces or hearing their reaction when they’ve seen the custom work and it makes them happy,” he said.
The 605 Made Holiday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the underground parking garage at Cherapa Place. Admission is free.
The event is co-organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business and sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dow Rummel Village.
Here’s a look at the other makers you’ll find there.
