Tom Garavaglia is a native St. Louisan who found he had a love for woodworking. Although professionally trained as an IT professional, he decided he needed a hobby that was not IT related. After years watching home improvement and woodworking shows on Public Television, Tom decided to try his hand at woodworking and found he loved it. He had found his hobby and it fed his soul. While Tom originally followed plans by master craftsman Norm Abrams, making numerous tables, benches, and cabinets, he eventually began to create his own designs based upon specifc requests from family and friends. Eventually, the Rhodes Ave. Woodsmith site was launched to allow Tom to share his woodworking projects with others.

While Tom was always open to selling his creations, this was more a hobby than anything. However, when the economy took another downward turn in 2009 and Tom was forced to find new employment with a local home improvement store, Rhodes Ave. Woodsmith as a business came into being to help supplement his income.

In 2010, a friend asked Tom if he could build a round-top wooden storm door to replace his shabby aluminum one. Tom took on the challenge and created a beautiful new storm door. Another friend had a wooden entry door that needed some serious restoration. Once again, Tom took on the challenge and restored their door to its former beauty. These two challenges resulted in a new business direction for Rhodes Ave. Woodsmith: Entry and Storm Door restoration and New Entry and Storm Doors!

In September 2015, with a backlog of door orders, Tom left his job at the home improvement store and Rhodes Ave. Woodsmith became a full-time business and the main source of the household income.

Tom would love to build something for you. Contact Us and let us quote your project!