Our story
The Beginning …
We're two brothers, Jacob and Eli Froneberger, who grew up in wonderful Marin County, where we still reside and call home. As lifelong enthusiasts of the outdoors, we've dedicated much of our free time to hiking, backpacking, camping, and spending countless days river rafting. Our deep connection with pristine nature underscores the importance we place on being responsible stewards of the planet and inspires us to create beauty in the world ourselves.
In 2012, while working for a company in the sustainable agriculture sector that crushed and disposed of roughly 20 pallets per month, our desire to make an impact on waste took hold. We developed the idea to turn these old pallets into planter boxes. Initially crafted to contain pervasive plants, our reclaimed pieces caught the interest of passersby in our garden. Joining the local farmers' market, we sold our first planter box with a branded piece of a pallet across the top rail reading 'Greenport,' and so our company was born. We set up shop at farmers' markets all over Marin and quickly developed a clientele base from our pop-ups, taking on jobs for local businesses and homeowners interested in a variety of custom cabinetry, millworks, and installations. In 2014, we solidified our vision to create functional works of art by moving out of our garage and renting our first shop, building pieces for homes, commercial spaces, and some of the fantastic restaurants and wineries in the area.
The rise in popularity of 'reclaimed' often led to instances of subpar craftsmanship due to the forgiving nature of its rustic charm, overshadowing imperfections in fabrication and finishing standards. When we started Greenport, we recognized the need for quality, enduring products that were environmentally friendly without sacrificing the precision of higher-end millwork. Through investments in tools like electric planers, old-fashioned spoke shaves, hand planes, and sanding equipment, we breathed new life into weathered resources, reviving their inner beauty. Turning a basketball court into cabinetry is one thing; mastering the art of making it look like new and function beautifully is the challenge that we wholeheartedly embraced from the very beginning.
We embarked on another journey; milling our own lumber from fallen trees around the Bay Area, and showcasing the process on social media. We evolved into a central hub where people sought us out to repurpose fallen trees into custom installations. Our warehouse overflowed with windfall from across the region. Spending thousands of hours working directly with wood at its source, our expertise in woodworking is grounded in a practical understanding of the materials we work with.
While we had accumulated years of experience in various trades, working for other contractors, framing, welding, finishing and doing our own millworks, we had to acknowledge the divide between ‘good’ and ‘mastery’. Reaching toward the pinnacle required learning from the very best. Seeking guidance, we enlisted Dan Stalzer, a distinguished instructor from the Krenov School of Fine Woodworking, to impart the essential methods for crafting our bespoke pieces.
After years of refining our skills as subcontractors in cabinetry and finish carpentry under Stalzer's guidance, a pivotal challenge emerged. Despite our meticulous craftsmanship, our installations faced complications on job sites due to subpar work. For instance, our precisely plumb, square, and level built-in cabinets struggled to fit within the walls of newly constructed or renovated houses because another subcontractor had inaccurately erected the framework.
This realization ignited a determination to deepen our proficiency in various building trades, fueling a passion for overseeing every aspect of the process. We aspired to guarantee that every facet of our clients' projects met the highest standards. Before long, we immersed ourselves in mastering masonry, plumbing, electrical work, tile installation, and nearly every other trade essential for constructing a house from the ground up. We acquired this extensive knowledge from licensed professionals who, willingly and often eagerly, shared their expertise with us.
Understanding the limitations of being a jack of all trades and master of none, we transformed our approach to hiring and recruiting. Our team is now diverse, comprised of highly proficient individuals, and we have cultivated enduring relationships with trusted subcontractors. This ensures that each member of our team brings years of experience and a depth of knowledge to their craft, creating a team filled with experts. This shift propelled us beyond crafting cabinetry and custom furniture, allowing us to evolve into creators of transformative spaces.
Our Goals
We created this business to cut down on environmental hardship, while also providing our customers with an exemplary product where style and function intersect. We personalize our design to fit a specific style in your home, garden, or business. It can be difficult to find a quality, lasting product that suits your needs in a market designed by, and for, mass production. This is why our tailored solutions are designed to exceed the industry norm, while providing you with custom, eco-friendly designs that harmonize with your individual style. All of the materials we salvage are hand selected and of the highest quality; everything sourced is FSC certified.
Now you know a little about us and our goals; let us help you achieve yours. Doing our part for the environment doesn't mean that we cut corners when it comes to quality or beauty. We are confident that our work will speak for itself.
