David Olson
Creativity is Dave's passion. That passion has led Dave on two vocational paths over the course of his life. After graduating from Pacific Lutheran University with a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy Dave moved to Gig Harbor, WA where he opened up shop as "Olsons Woodworking" on Dorotich Street. For five years Dave designed and built hardwood furniture with a specialty of roll top desks.
In 1984 Dave followed his calling into the ordained ministry and enrolled in Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. His pastoral ministry would bring him to serve in Thompson Falls, MT; Baker, MT; and Sandpoint, ID. At First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint, that creative passion saw its fulfillment in the development of Luther Park at Sandpoint, an 87 unit Assisted Living community.
Throughout his 4 years of seminary, and 25 years of full time ministry Dave continued to pursue his woodworking as an avocation. He constructed a home for a parishioner in Thompson Falls, completed many projects for the congregations he has served, as well as a diverse range of projects such as the trade booths that were commissioned by Litehouse Foods, kitchen cabinetry, and remodeling work.
One of the delights of woodworking being an avocation during those twenty five years is that it allowed Dave to follow his passion with work such as the boat "Nisse", his and Karla's bedroom set, and many other pieces of furniture and cabinetry for friends and family.
Today, Olsons WoodWorks is a partnership with Jens, Dave's son, and operates at 1231 Birch Street in Sandpoint, ID.
Jens Olson
Jens recently graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Career and Technical Education with a minor in Computer Science. He has grown up around Dave and woodworking, but really was bit by the bug junior year of college when he built a birch desk as a design project in his woodshop class.
After graduating college Jens substituted in the Post Falls School district. But jumped at the opportunity to move back to Sandpoint and work in the shop with his dad.