Where Every Board Tells a Story

For co-owners Cody and Natalie Hoyes, CNH Branded Woodworks grew from a shared passion into something much more. As Natalie recalls, “Cody and I were both into woodworking before we met—he built furniture and I painted wooden signs. We never planned to turn it into a business, but with encouragement from friends and family, we decided to go for it. It started as a hobby we both loved, and it’s only continued to evolve naturally. So many things have fallen into place along the way—it really feels like it has been meant to be.”

That journey became official in 2019, and by 2021, CNH Branded Woodworks was connecting with a wider audience. “Things really began to take off in 2021 when we started actively promoting on social media and attending local vendor shows. That exposure helped us connect with a wider audience and build the momentum we needed to grow.”

From Hobby to Heirloom Craft

Looking back, Natalie recalls, “We started out making custom projects for friends and family—everything from dining room tables and bed frames to wedding signs and home décor. We took on any order that came our way! In 2020, we made small cutting boards as Christmas gifts, and that’s really where things took off.” Over time, she and Cody refined their focus, with Natalie adding, “While Cody still takes on various custom pieces, we’ve found our niche in these handcrafted boards.”

Three years ago, a new dream for their family business became reality. Natalie says, “I dreamed of transforming an old granary on our property into a little shop—and in November 2024, we opened The Coop. It’s been an incredible addition, giving us space to store inventory, take great product photos, and most importantly offer customers a chance to see and learn about our work in person.”

The Products—and Personality—That Stand Out

Together, the couple has created a business where every piece is unique. Natalie describes their approach: “everyday functionality with timeless craftsmanship reflecting the natural beauty of wood.” As for what sets CNH apart, “Oh boy—probably our crazy chicken-owner branding! From naming our boards after different chicken and duck breeds and our chicken logo on everything to our uncoordinated dance videos, we try to bring a little fun and personality into everything we do! But truly, that’s just who we are, and we believe it’s important to share that with our customers. Beyond that, it’s our attention to detail that sets us apart.”

The Coop Experience

When you visit The Coop, you get a real glimpse of life at the Hoyes homestead. “When customers visit The Coop, we want them to truly experience the life behind our products. As a husband-and-wife duo living on acreage with horses, chickens, ducks, cats, bees, and our two golden retrievers, our lifestyle is deeply rooted in agriculture—and that’s reflected in everything from our chicken-and-duck-themed board names to The Coop itself, which is set in a repurposed granary right on our property.” And yes, you can even “peek into the real chicken coop while you shop!”

Education is a big part of their process, too. “We also love educating our customers about the boards and want that to be a piece of the experience too—explaining the types of wood we use, the building process, and how to care for their board so it lasts a lifetime.”

Crafting Quality, Every Step of the Way

“Every board we create is built by hand using natural hardwoods, with great care taken at every step. We cut each strip of wood individually to design a unique pattern, cut the handles or animal shapes with a bandsaw, and carefully round the edges for a smooth, finished look.” The boards are inspected for cracks, knots, or quirks, sanded multiple times for lasting smoothness, and finished with Howard Butcher Block Conditioner. “Each board is branded by hand with our CNH logo which is our personal stamp of approval.”

If your board ever needs some TLC, “We also offer a refinishing service if a customer wants a board to be sanded down and refinished!”

Facing Challenges, Finding Rewards

Juggling life and business can be a challenge. “Honestly, just finding enough time in the day to do everything we want to do!” Natalie admits. But for this husband-and-wife team, the rewards are worth it: “The most rewarding part has definitely been hearing how much our customers love their boards and truly appreciate the quality—that feedback makes all the hard work feel worth it.” They are especially proud to see their boards in homes “in states all across the U.S. and even in four different countries!” and loved sharing, “Ian Munsick owns two of our bison boards! We’re huge fans of his country music.”

Giving Back

As a military-owned business, Cody and Natalie prioritize giving back. “We proudly offer a military discount and enjoy donating products to silent auctions to support local causes. We’re also looking forward to becoming more involved with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce to connect more with our amazing community and find even more meaningful ways to give back.”

What’s Next for CNH?

Looking ahead, Natalie says, “This summer, we’ll be focused on building up inventory for some larger shows we’ll be attending this fall—stay tuned for those details! We’re also planning to finish up the final touches on The Coop’s exterior, which will feel like such a milestone. And in August, we’re hosting a fun event at The Coop that we can’t wait to share more about soon.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Don’t compare your business or your journey to anyone else’s. Let others inspire you, but don’t let comparison steal your joy or momentum. Stay consistent—even on the hard days when creativity feels out of reach or you feel like giving up. And most importantly, have fun, be yourself, and offer products or services that you truly love. If you wouldn’t buy it or believe in it, how can you expect others to?”

Connect With CNH Branded Woodworks

The best way to keep up with CNH Branded Woodworks is to follow them on Facebook or Instagram for shop hours, event details, and behind-the-scenes peeks into their creative process. You can also shop their boards anytime on Etsy.