A Hobby That The Family Can Enjoy
Levi Ritz seen here working on a custom flag being made out of the wood from an old barn.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Finding a way to unwind and relieve stress is something many people do. Many people enjoy different hobbies and pastimes but, for one Oskaloosa man, woodworking has been his release.
Levi Ritz, an Ottumwa Police Officer by day, started off last year by making a few cornhole (bean bag toss) sets for some friends, in particular a thin blue line board that would represent law enforcement. This was to be for himself and his fellow officers.
That sparked interest from other friends who wanted a set for themselves. “The rest is history”, says Ritz, who has since been inundated with requests from others for his work.
“I started building, thinking I would make one or two, here and there. No big deal. Christmas rolled around, and it went crazy”, says Ritz.
From that point, the demand has increased, not only for the cornhole sets, but also wood flags and wood dice. “There’s a bunch of other things I would like to start building; I just don’t have the time”, adds Ritz.
With the increased demand, “The wife and I have come together. She’s the brains of the operation and I’m kind of the meat I guess”.
The duo now tag team in the effort. Ritz’ wife Buffy assembles and builds many of the items that help complete the game sets, like the actual cornhole (bean) bags. Buffy also helps to build the boards and the yahtzee dice. “She helps with everything”.
“We had no idea this was going to happen”, say the couple, who both work full-time. It was hoped that the effort would help provide some extra side money for the family. “Around Christmas time was the idea.”
Since Christmas, the orders haven’t stopped, with an assembly line of game sets and flags working their way out of the small garage shop the couple has at their home.
Ritz said that he’s always had an interest in woodworking, but “never really dove head first” into the craft. Ritz said he’s worked construction remodeling homes, but had little experience with finish types of carpentry. “Now, I’ve really started doing it, and it’s become fun. It’s a family deal; we can all get together and do it.”
For Ritz, those extra joys come not only from the appreciation by his clients for a job well done, but he also enjoys giving back to the community. He has donated his work to various raffles for charity, including ‘Relay for Life’ and ‘Bras 4 Cause’.
You can find out more out about Ritz Board by visiting their Facebook page HERE.
