Grand Champion
Gregg Turk
Somerville, Alabama

While the sign over Chris Cooper's kitchen says "Simplify," he is a client that insists every detail be carried out with precision. "Mr. Cooper is the type of client you love to work for, but makes nothing easy," comments Gregg Turk, LT40 hydraulic owner.

Their house project started ten years ago when Gregg drew up house plans for his client. Eight years passed and Chris' children grew up and moved out; the plans were reduced in size but perfection was still paramount.

The two colleagues had a history of working together so it was natural for Chris to entrust Gregg to build his dream home on land given to him by his father. While Chris was making a living constructing and repairing swimming pools, Gregg recalls "he never lost his love of exposed wood and fine woodworking as an expression of art."

Working seasonally when pools were not being constructed, Gregg teamed up with Chris and his pool crew for about two years to build the 1,720 square foot home that features wood floors, ceiling, siding, cabinetry and stairway treads and risers.

"Using these enthusiastic but unskilled pool builders, we cut all the lumber for the construction," states Gregg. For two months, the crew cut the yellow pine framing stock and various millwork material. Gregg estimates that 75% of the wood used in the home was sawn on his LT40 hydraulic sawmill. One of Gregg's fondest memories was exposing his helpers to the smell of sawdust and the rewards of sawing.

While Gregg has moved on to other jobs, he often drives by Chris' house and pauses for a long stare. He remembers that the best thing that came from Cooper's demands was that he challenged him to achieve more. "When I look at his house, I have a feeling of immense pride. Constructing a structure you're proud of is one thing. Constructing a structure you're proud of from wood you've cut from raw materials is entirely different and more rewarding. I owe that to my Wood-Mizer."