Meet the JK Team.

Our story.

The Brokaw’s began their family business in 1981, a few years after Joel and Karma Brokaw were married. Their seven children, all J’s and K’s, represent the 6th generation of woodworking.

Karma’s great-great-grandfather, Josiah Countryman (1830-1914) was a furniture maker/undertaker. His son, John Valentine Countryman was also a woodworker and architect. Although his sons were woodworkers by trade, his daughter, Irma, was captured by woodworking. After she married, she encouraged her son, Fred Bachmann, as a woodworker. In 1975, Joel Brokaw started an apprenticeship with Fred Bachmann as a cabinet maker. Joel later graduated with a BA in Industrial Technology and taught in four Iowa high schools.

Joel and Karma enjoy working with wood and value the individual gifts and talents of each of their children. Five of their seven children help in the business. Jackson is a gifted lathe artist. Keilah designs cutting boards, handles the Etsy store and communications, including tours of the gallery and shop. Kaylin gives tours, works in production and displays in the gallery. Justin handles the financials of JK Creative Wood.  He and his wife, Ranee, own Holbrook Trading Company–featuring handmade home goods.  Their sons, Jordan and Jackson are full time electricians. Jordan and his wife, Holly, help around the shop in their free time. Holly owns her own business–Holly Kay Designs–featuring custom made graphics.  Their daughter Kidron and son Jeremy are both in full-time ministry alongside their families out-of-state.  We are so grateful for each our of seven kids. They are such a blessing not only to our business, but most importantly to our family! 

Creating individually designed desk and dining accessories is the emphasis of JK Creative Wood. The items they make together display their love of quality woodworking and their love of family working together.

Joel Brokaw

Joel Brokaw

Master Craftsman, Owner

Joel has over 35 years of woodworking under his belt. His knowledge of craftsmanship is what drives JK Creative Wood everyday. His precision skill on the table saw is second to none, which shows in JK’s signature checkered design (and no missing fingers, knock on wood). Joel sparks the humor in the workplace, often light-spirited which gives an optimal work environment for our craftsmen to create in. Joel does most of the traveling and retail sales at art shows across the Midwest.

Jackson Brokaw

Jackson Brokaw

Craftsman

Jackson is the fith of the Brokaw seven kids. He is a certified electrician by trade but is skilled in many areas. His lathework is exceptional and he can practically make anything he sets his mind to. 

Justin Brokaw

Justin Brokaw

Financial Adivsor

Justin is the oldest of the Brokaw children and has a sweet family of his own. He provides financing expertise to our business. 

Karma Brokaw

Karma Brokaw

Designer, Owner

Karma has been around woodworking her entire life. She knows the ins-outs of the woodworking. Karma’s father Fred has been creating custom cabinets for nearly 60 years, giving her a jump start at an early age. Karma is the heart-beat of JK and often found setting up the individual designs, packing orders, helping customers, answering the phone, and much more.

Keilah Graber

Keilah Graber

Designer, Communications

Keilah is number 6 in the line-up of the Brokaw kids. Her main role is marketing our Facebook, Instagram and Etsy pages. She also designs our products and helps in our shop with production.

Shawna Borntrager

Shawna Borntrager

Designer, Shipping

Shawna designs graphics to be lasered into our products, along with helping out in the shop.  She helps set up the beautiful designs, along with assisting in all of the processes.