On the show floor at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta, we had the chance to meet the passionate craftsman behind Tiller Trade Co, a brand that’s quickly making waves in the custom woodworking world. What began as a side project in a garage has grown into a thriving business known for its LED floating shelves, attention to detail, and faith-driven mission. Our connection with Tiller Trade Co led to a creative partnership designing custom shelf bracket solutions (Flat Floating Shelf Support Rod, Thin Floating Shelf Support Bracket), and their team has since shared that same passion with their growing community of followers online. 

Instagram: tillertradeco

Website: www.tillertradeco.com

For this partner spotlight, we got an exclusive interview with David D'Eramo of Tiller Trade Co.

Can you tell us the story behind Tiller Trade Co? - What inspired you to start the company, and how did it all begin?

It all began with my Dad. He started teaching me at an early age in his home shop building cabinets as a hobby. I loved the craft at an early age and dreamed of one day opening my own cabinet shop. I took drafting classes and worked in cabinet shops over summers while in highschool. After graduating in 2007, I decided to attend community college with a major in Construction Management & Architecture. And then BOOM, the 2008 housing crash came, and I thought to myself, “this seems like a terrible time to get into construction”.

So, I dropped out and ultimately became a career Fireman. I worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic for 12 years and loved every minute of it. I spent the last 7 years of my career as an Engineer on a truck company driving a 100’ mid-mount sutphen tower truck, (City of Kissimmee Tower 11). I was incredibly blessed to have the assignment as a truck company engineer and worked with the same crew for many years. We were a very tight family that grew very close.

Fast forward to January 2020. I started a HUGE addition to our home (roughly 2,000 feet added under the roof!). I did the entire project myself. I framed it, decked it, ran all the electrical including a subpanel and 30 circuits, plumbing including re-piping the existing part of the home, and more. (I did hire out the block/concrete, shingles, and drywall…) Little did I know, this project was pivotal… I enjoyed the project so much, I decided to start a side business in my garage doing some light woodworking/cabinetry. Hence, the birth of Tiller Trade Co, established in 2020.

Just a short while later (2023), after about 10-11 years on the job, I started feeling God tugging on my heart, calling me to do something different. I didn't understand it and fought it for about a year, shrugging it off. Finally, after about a year, and a fall-down-to-my-knees moment crying out to God one day when struggling with some mental battles of traumatic calls experienced over 12 years and compounding from my time on the job, I finally called out to God and surrendered. I surrendered to Him, ultimately committing to following Him wherever he is leading me. I didnt know what, when, where, or why, but I was surrendering. Looking back now, I can pin-point exactly where God started immediately moving in my life after that moment. It still gives me goosebumps as I talk about this now.

Jump to May 15, 2024 - I retire from the Fire Dept with 12 years total in the fire service and go full-time with Tiller Trade Co. And man when I tell you we are blessed, we are BLESSED. I had NO idea how this was going to work, and was one of the scariest and hardest things ive ever had to do as a husband, father, protector, and provider. But surrendering in full obedience to the Lord, it is officially 1-year later and we have grown tremendously as a company and can't barely keep up!

Where does the name “Tiller Trade Co” come from? Is there a story or meaning behind it?

Many think my last name is “Tiller”.. Fact is, Tiller is a type of ladder truck. Its a Tractor Drawn Aerial, with a driver in the back (cue the Seinfeld episode that everyone seems to remember).

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of the business, and how did you overcome them?

Too many to explain in one short answer.. However, a big hurdle that we had to overcome was the decision on whether or not we were going to commit to growing, or not. We knew the business was growing early on, but how to keep up with the growth and not committing too soon was a challenge. Its extremely hard to balance, but at some point, you just have to jump.

Unfortunately, at some point in business (specifically this type of business) you have to either decide to stay a small one-man owner/operator, OR, you have to GROW. But you have to pick one and run with it. You can't take on more and more projects and over commit without eventually supplying the additional space, employment, or equipment.  And equally so, you cant grow into a commercial space and not take on more projects. Its a very hard line to walk.

Proverbs 16:3 is bolded at the top of your “About” section. Have there been moments in your business where/when your faith has made a clear impact, in decision-making or relationships? (whether that is others you work with or customers)

In terms of decision making, I do my best to take any trying times, stressful moments, big decisions, etc to God. I lean on him to carry the weight, and ask for him to guide me in my decisions. It's not easy in a broken world, and it's extremely hard to not become self reliant. But the fact of the matter is, we are a Christ centered business with our mission being to glorify God in all things. We know that through Christ, all things are possible.

As far as relationships, we have had many conversations with clients about God. We will never walk in and slam the bible down attempting to save every soul in sight. However, we have noticed and do believe in organic discipleship that comes from a “leading by example” format or sometimes as simple as our signature on every job we do which is to hide a piece of handwritten scripture on the back of a cabinet.

We are also not afraid to share our faith in our posts on Instagram.. And in fact have found myself having some incredible heart to heart discussion over DM on instagram with people i've never met, talking about God. Some of them being retired or active Law Enforcement, Firemen, Military, and some being civilians. Some come asking questions, some share their struggle to understand, and some have shared deeper darker struggles with job related PTSD. I don't know if it's part of my testimony, but I truly believe God is the only thing that has helped me cope with seeing some of the worst things imaginable.

Interestingly enough though, I've led more people to Jesus or back to church in the last 4-5 years of this business, than I ever did in the ditches of some of the worst scenes imaginable. Maybe that was part of God’s plan.. We may never fully know.

Instagram: tillertradeco

Website: www.tillertradeco.com