Meet Long-Time Finish Carpenter Mark Grant!

As a long-time carpenter of nearly 40 years, Mark Grant is an exceptional Shop and Field Manager who loves to work with his hands. He has worked with our team for nearly 18 years on various residential and commercial projects around the Des Moines Metro area and beyond.

Photo of Mark in the J.T. Unique shop where he spends a lot of time perfecting the pieces we use to make your project beautiful and unique.

A History in the Business

Though Mark has worked with our team for nearly two decades, he hasn’t always been with us! Prior to working with JT Unique and J. Thompson Builders, Mark had his own carpentry business and worked on residential and commercial remodeling projects. We were lucky to find him in 2001 while we were working on an interior finishing project at a local hotel. Mark then worked as a Shop Supervisor for several years before taking on a more field superintendent role. Though he supervises others and coordinates finishing projects and communication with the homeowners, Mark is still very hands-on at the work sites as well as in our shop.

Project Preferences

Mark has worked on a variety of residential projects which include new construction and remodels. He has also worked with our team on a variety of hotel projects including the Stoney Creek line of hotels, one of our prized partnerships that you can read about in the past blogs How J.T. Unique Uses Reclaimed Wood, Custom Stains + More to Transform a Hotel, Broken Arrow Oklahoma Hotel Project and Broken Arrow Oklahoma Hotel Tower Design. 

Throughout the years, Mark has found that his favorite projects to work on include custom fireplace mantels, cabinetry, and entertainment systems as well as trim and other interior and exterior finishing projects. He describes his most interesting projects being intricate stairwells, railing, and wainscoting. Starting with raw wood and seeing the project through to the very end is something Mark takes pride in. In fact, it isn’t abnormal to see Mark helping with on-site installation of a product he helped fabricate in the shop! His expertise in all stages of finish carpentry makes him a valuable team member.

Some of the Past Projects Mark Takes Pride In

Beautifully designed custom cabinetry and fireplace mantel by J.T. Unique

An intricate custom staircase designed and installed by J.T. Unique.

A simple, but detailed contrasting staircase also designed and installed by J.T. Unique.

Off the Clock

As a dedicated father of four and husband of 38 years, Mark lives with his wife near Adel on a secluded piece of land in a house that he built a few decades ago. He enjoys the peace and serenity his private oasis brings him, especially when soaking in his pool. As with Mark’s carpentry, he was a very hands-on father who enjoyed being involved in his kids’ athletic and extra-curricular activities when they were young. Mark beams when he speaks of his family. He and his wife now enjoy traveling to Tennessee to visit their oldest son and three grandchildren.

As you can tell, Mark thoroughly enjoys what he does (and is pretty good at it too!) Like they say – “if you find something you enjoy doing, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Want to know more about what our team is up to? Keep up to date on team members and the beautiful custom pieces coming in and out of the shop by following us on Facebook.