He goes to work every day like many across the north. He does it knowing that he’s a fourth generation Leelanau County entrepreneur.
“My great uncle Louie was a founder, or involved in the Sleeping Bear Dune rides,” said Curtis Warnes, .
Grandparents and parents all invested in the local economy to make a living and that is what Curtis Warnes is doing.
About 12 years ago he returned to the area after schooling and bouncing around learning about life.
He took his love of metal, steel specifically, and started creating. Then, he noticed how well steel and wood complemented each other.
“They go together so well,” explained Curtis. “That was something that became instantly appealing to me, taking something ridged, typically cold to the touch and taking something warm and natural. It comes from nature with its own character.”
He creates some standard items, but you will also find items that were the fruit of his own creativity. The butterfly chair has become a trademark.
As he says, being a small business he rarely says no to a job. But, yes, he loves the vision and creation of that original idea.
He can get lost in his work as the hours fly by.
From his shop in Empire, Curtis, like many, has taken a dream and carved out a living in Northern Michigan.
“It’s been a slow process. There have been a lot of sacrifices that have been made. But in the end, now I can look back and say it was worth it because I absolutely love what I do,” said Curtis.
Curtis, like so many, returned to Northern Michigan for the quality of life, and he’s using his talent to add to that quality.
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