by Markita Williams
An experienced woodworker with a knack for bringing designs to life, Micah Eckenfels believes the materials used in a project are more than just the lumber a layman might see. “It’s an organic material,” he explains. “No two pieces are the same. Everything you build is unique for one reason or another.” The inherent variation of color and grain reflects a deeper story in every piece. Micah’s enthusiasm for his medium inspired the creation of Misty Mountain Woodworks, a business he has spent more than 17 years building from the ground up in the Bozeman area. Through a passion for craftsmanship and developing strong connections, Misty Mountain takes on an array of projects to create innovative design solutions that stand apart in the world of bespoke woodworking.
“I have always loved anything related to working with my hands,” Micah shares, noting that his love for woodworking began to emerge in childhood as he watched his father’s casual dabbling in the hobby. Throughout his adolescence into adulthood, Micah began to make his affinity for hands on work professional by immersing himself in Bozeman’s booming housing industry during the early 2000s. Eight years in general contracting gave him broadly applicable skills, but it was his time in finish carpentry that sparked a fascination with the final touches that make a house a home.
“I have always loved anything related to working with my hands.”
–Micah Eckenfels, Founder, Owner, Misty Mountain Woodworks
In 2007, keen to pursue his newfound passion for elevated finish carpentry further, Micah took the leap of faith and founded Misty Mountain Wood works out of his young family’s home garage. He started small with trim and cabinet installations, projects he could manage out of his modest shop while he grew his business into something greater. A combination of dedication, hard work, and resilience helped to push Misty Mountain through the 2008 financial crisis, coming out on the other end with strong professional connections and a reputation for impeccable final products. By 2010, Micah established a lasting partnership with local builder Ebbighausen Homes, opening the door for Misty Mountain to complete 50 homes in Bridger Canyon. Larger custom projects came knocking, and now, nearly two decades later, Misty Mountain Woodworks operates out of a 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art shop. Their Belgrade headquarters includes a full showroom with both custom and distributor selections, operating on an open-door policy to accommodate anyone looking to enhance their space.
Misty Mountain Woodworks specializes in one-of-a-kind, custom projects that are tailored to each client’s room and vision. Micah and his team work with a variety of materials in addition to wood, often incorporating metal, custom veneers, and upholstery to create stand-out pieces of any aesthetic. While cabinetry may be their largest scope of work, a quick look through Misty Mountain’s portfolio reveals far more: pivot doors to frame an unforgettable entryway, functional bunk-rooms that match the comfortable with the practical, elegant built-in casework to elevate and maximize a space, and luxurious headboard walls for any room. Along with the magic of custom projects, Misty Mountain works with luxury line distributors to supply highly engineered customizable cabinet options. Misty Mountain’s dedication to collaborating with clients every step of the way and providing creative solutions knows no bounds, leaving room for clients to dream big and create their perfect project.
“There are so many ways to enhance the character of the wood.”
–Micah Eckenfels, Founder, Owner, Misty Mountain Woodworks
As Misty Mountain Woodworks continues to grow, they have invested in technology to assist their team in making increasingly complex designs possible. Design software and new industrial-grade machinery help the shop to operate at full capacity and take on even the most intricate projects. “There are so many ways to enhance the character of the wood,” Micah explains, elaborating on how they use their CNC machine to create computer-precision flutes of any shape or size. Misty Mountain Woodworks also uses other techniques, like wire brushing to enhance wood grain and texture, creating finishes from scratch, and applying unparalleled hand skills to every essential detail to add visual interest to their designs. Human touch and creativity are critical to shaping material, with precision in every piece, to ensure that every job is accurate and accentuated by the material’s natural beauty.
A tight-knit team of 11 employees is the company’s core. Alongside Micah, the crew includes six skilled craftsmen, an in-house finisher, two full-time installers, and two interior designers. The diversity of experience and expertise within the team fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, creativity thrives, and every project benefits from a range of perspectives that bridge stunning visual impacts, functionality, and effortless installation. Micah recog-nizes and plays to the individual strengths of each employee, creating an atmosphere that encourages personal growth and continuous learning within their crafts.
As a Montana-based company, Misty Mountain Woodworks appreciates the big sky landscapes—and the human environments these landscapes inspire—every single day. Misty Mountain works directly with local distributors that have the highest quality of materials on the market while considering sustainability measures like sourcing responsibly harvested and reclaimed wood. They also have access to exotic and boutique woods through small, privately-owned sources. Micah and his team have learned to adapt their materials and techniques to withstand the region’s seasonally harsh environment. Over a year, Micah notes that a front door could see up to 140 degrees of temperature variation, not to mention having to withstand the arid climate. Learning to engineer for these circumstances by selecting durable woods, applying finishes or sealants, and allowing the wood to acclimate before use has ensured that final products withstand both the elements and the test of time.
One of the distinguishing experiences of working with the Misty Mountain Woodworks team is their approach to interpersonal relationships. Micah believes in the importance of personal communication, and the value of one-on-one meetings with clients. This direct engagement allows Misty Mountain to understand clients’ preferences, budgets, and lifestyles, fostering an open communication style where ideas can flourish. The process begins with an initial consultation, where Micah and his team take the time to get to know the client. In addition to hashing out project details, this initial interaction is about building a rapport that often leads to lasting relationships. Many clients return for additional projects, creating a cycle of trust and satisfaction that can be hard to find in the competitive industry. Micah has established a strong reputation in southwestern Montana almost exclusively through word-of-mouth referrals and local connections. Whether it’s outfitting an entire home in Big Sky for a high-end interior design firm or one vanity for a private client, full effort goes into whatever project Misty Mountain takes on.
Looking to the future, Micah envisions continued growth for Misty Mountain Wood-works. He aims to innovate in design and craftsmanship while maintaining the personal touch that has become synonymous with his brand. Micah’s dedication to his craft extends beyond individual projects; it encompasses a broader commitment to the community he has crafted in Montana, whether that is bringing together the most talented builders, contractors, tradesmen, designers, and architects in the Gallatin Valley; handcrafting beautiful designs that honor Montana values for his clients’ homes and businesses; or creating meaningful connections with clients that extend beyond business. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, Misty Mountain Wood-works goes against the grain with their values of handcrafted, personalized, and naturally beautiful designs.
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