Jackson is a Master Machinist and Artisan and has worked as an Entrepreneur, an Industrial Design Engineer and an Industrial Instructor for the KY school system. As well as certifications in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, he holds a degree in Machine Tool Technology from Western Kentucky University. Craig started working in the family machine shop when he was 12 years old sharpening jack hammer
bits. At the age of 18, when his father retired, Craig bought into the business with his brother-in-law and moved the business away from the family farm and into town. Together they grew the business and were doing business for area companies that included a Division of Toyota, Pinkerton Tobacco Company (now Swedish Match), and Industrial Mold. Due to other interests, his partner forced the sale of the company. Craig then went to work for Swedish Match as their in-house machinist eventually working his way up to be their Process Improvement Manager for the entire Owensboro, KY plant. In 2004, Craig started woodturning as a hobby and was completely frustrated with the complexity of traditional woodturning tools. Understanding that there was a better way to cut wood, he drew upon his experience to invent a totally new way to turn wood and founded Easy Wood Tools in his backyard garage in 2008. Referred to as “the Gillette of woodturning,” the replaceable carbide cutting tips are revolutionary and make it easy for all skill levels to join the hobby of woodturning, even the blind! Easy Wood Tools became the largest woodturning tool company in North and South America and achieved sales of $3.2 Million within 7 years and sells product in 20 plus countries. The company was on a growth plan that would reach sales of $10 million/year by 2018. To help achieve this goal, the decision was made to sell Easy Wood Tools to Pony Tools of Chicago, IL, in July 2015. Craig is now head of the Research and Development Division. The parent company of Pony Tools is currently in receivership and Easy Wood Tools will be transitioning to a new owner in the next few months. Jackson has been a Machinist-Fabricator for 28 years and is a Master Machinist and Artisan. He has worked as a machinist, fabricator, industrial design engineer, industrial instructor (7 years at KCTCS), and holds a degree in Machine Tool Technology from Western Kentucky University. He also holds certifications in Methods Time Management, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. Owning and Operating Easy Wood Tools was a great experience. Skills mastered include employee management, logistics, inventory control, and marketing. Customer satisfaction in areas of quality, price, delivery, and customer service are crucial to all business practices. Jackson was the driving force behind the Easy Wood Tools company and in the innovation, development, manufacturing and marketing of over 85 original products.
