The Story Behind Arlington Woodworks: How Loss Led to the Creation of a Purpose-Driven Brand

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way. Some of these challenges bring joy and growth, while others leave a lasting impact on our hearts. For me, the journey that led to the creation of Arlington Woodworks was deeply shaped by both loss and healing.

My name is Jesse Arlington, and I’m the founder of Arlington Woodworks. Before diving into the world of woodworking, I served in the U.S. Navy, where I learned invaluable lessons in discipline, resilience, and serving a purpose larger than myself. But it wasn’t until a series of personal losses that I realized I had a new purpose—one that would allow me to not only honor the memory of my loved ones but also make a positive impact on the world.

A Sudden Loss

In May of 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, my personal life took an unexpected and devastating turn. On May 29, 2020, I lost my father. Tragically, he passed away suddenly before he could even make it to the hospital. His final words to to the doctor, "Tell my wife that I love her," continue to echo in my heart.

As I was processing this immense loss, my family was already grappling with another painful battle. My brother, Aaron, had been fighting stage 4 colon cancer for several years. On November 17, 2021, surrounded by family, Aaron passed away. Losing him was the hardest day of my life.

The Darkness of Grief

In the months and years that followed, grief overwhelmed me. I fell into a deep depression. My once-passionate hobby of woodworking, which had always been my outlet for creativity and calm, faded into the background. My workshop became a reflection of my state of mind—disorganized, cluttered, and abandoned.

But even in the darkest moments, I knew that I needed to find a way forward. Slowly, as I began to confront my grief, I returned to woodworking. It was during this process of rebuilding that I realized something: this was more than just a hobby. It was a way for me to heal, to create something meaningful from the pain, and to honor the memory of my brother.

A New Purpose: Arlington Woodworks is Born

One evening, as my wife and I sat down to dinner, we had a conversation about how we could make a bigger impact, something that would honor Aaron’s memory and give back to others. It was then that the idea struck me: Arlington Woodworks. A business that would create beautiful, high-quality wood finishes while supporting charitable causes and spreading awareness for important causes.

Arlington Woodworks isn’t just a woodworking business—it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of resilience, and the importance of giving back. With every jar of Arlington Woodworks No. 524 that leaves our shop, we are not just selling a product. We are sharing a piece of our story—a story of love, loss, and hope.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

As we built Arlington Woodworks, we wanted to ensure that our products reflected the same values of care and respect that we had for the memory of our loved ones. That’s why we made it a priority to offer all-natural, eco-friendly wood finishes that are safe for your home, good for the environment, and made with 100% organic ingredients. Every product we create is crafted with dedication, passion, and a deep sense of purpose.

The Arlington Woodworks Mission

At Arlington Woodworks, our mission is simple: to create high-quality, eco-friendly wood finishes that rejuvenate and protect your wood furniture, while supporting the causes that matter most. Through every project we complete, we aim to inspire others to turn their pain into purpose and to give back to the communities that need it most.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our story, and we invite you to be part of this journey with us. Whether you’re a woodworking enthusiast or someone simply looking to rejuvenate your favorite wood furniture, Arlington Woodworks is here to help.

Thank you for supporting Arlington Woodworks, a brand born out of love, loss, and a commitment to making a difference.

Ready to rejuvenate your wood furniture with an eco-friendly finish that supports a greater purpose? Shop Arlington Woodworks No. 524 today and join us in making a lasting impact.