In a corner of their 7,500sf woodworking production facility, Custom Woodcraft Inc. co-owners, J. R. Davis, Matt Raymond and Debbie Raymond

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It is a refuge for people who love water recreation and beautiful sunsets. Little Elm was the fastest growing city in Texas from 2000 to 2007. Its population increased five fold.

It’s hard to imagine this lakeside enclave as “recreational downsizing,” but it could be that for Matt Raymond. He is co-owner of Custom Woodcraft Inc. with wife, Debbie, son, Brandon, and production foreman, J. R. Davis.

Before he married Debbie in 2007, Matt lived in Alaska for 30 years.

“Alaska was a good place to grow up. You walk out the front door and walk down to the river to go fishing. You drive 15 minutes and go hunting. Since I had an airplane, I could fly out in the middle of nowhere and just hang out, fish, and do whatever I wanted,” he remembers somewhat wistfully.

“I don’t like summers here. Too hot. But, you go where the paychecks are,” Raymond adds.

“The paycheck” involves flying and, as of April 2009, Custom Woodcraft Inc.

“Having a cabinet shop or woodworking shop was always my Plan B if I had to stop flying,” says Raymond. But, both dreams happened together.

Out driving one day, Raymond spotted a “for sale” sign in front of the building, went inside, and talked to a gentleman. It was previous owner Ralph Potter, who started the business in 1968. In short order, the sale was final.

“I got hunting and fishing out of my system in Alaska,” says Raymond. Air conditioning and a 7,500sf woodworking production facility are sufficient lures today.

Custom Woodcraft Inc. does commercial and residential woodworking and laminate work.  –mh

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