Ed Wohl

Ed Wohl Biography

Ed Wohl makes maple cutting boards at his woodworking shop: Edward S. Wohl Woodworking & Design. He is known for being a perfectionist- he sands every spot of a piece as if it was the top; his joinery techniques are exquisite; and his finished pieces reflect his perfectionist attitude. All of this takes place at his 3,000-sq.-ft. shop that sits high on a hill, offering a stunning panoramic view of southern Wisconsin fields and woodlands.

Ed Wohl describes his business as "a hobby gone crazy", but he absolutely loves what he does.

Wohl is a product of the '60s. He grew up in Cleveland, attended Ohio State, joined the Peace Corps and served in Pakistan. Two years later Ed returned home, earned a degree in architecture and met furniture designer Bill Stumpf.

Stumpf was a designer for Herman Miller and helped design the Aeron and Ergon chairs. Ed Wohl and he became friends. From Stumpf, Ed says he learned to pay a lot of attention to detail and see how items can be both functional and beautiful sculptures at the same time.

Ed Wohl Meets Sam Maloof

In 1973 Wohl took a three-week course from the famous chair maker Sam Maloof. The following summer Maloof invited Wohl to work at his California shop for the summer. "It wasn't so much a learning experience as just a fun opportunity. I lived in his house, worked all day with Sam, and spent the evenings with his son." Ed Wohl's friend Bill Stumpf commented "He was changed after that."

Ed Wohl - A Day in the Life

Wohl said his most important asset is his wife, Ann.

"We just get up in the morning and start attacking," he said. "She does all the billing, bookkeeping and invoicing, so she's on top of all this cutting board stuff. There are some days I get long hours in the shop, and other days I'm on the phone. I go off in the afternoon and play tennis."

In his woodworking shop, Ed Wohl has a group of part-time employees who get paid by the piece. The hours are flexible, and that's what Wohl likes.

"There's so much luck involved. I produce nice stuff and it's been successful, and I have a lovely wife and great companions." Ed Wohl.

(To learn more about Ed Wohl Cutting Boards, browse the Ed Wohl Cutting boards in our home - kitchen section)