Our Story.
Against the grain creative concepts
Scott and Jaime Buell have been “going against the grain,” for over 20 years now. Both imbued with a passion for woodworking and history, they were naturally drawn to antiques and custom pieces, however, it didn’t become their life’s mission until on a whim, Scott stopped by a local antique restoration company—the only shop in town doing anything close to woodworking. And that’s where their story truly begins.
Scott started a part-time apprenticeship at the restoration company and that soon became full-time work and a beloved obsession. As Scott flourished, he decided to turn his passion into a business. Together, Scott and Jaime opened Quintessential Endeavors in their garage and were on their way. Scott bought and reclaimed antique furniture, fixed it, restored it, and sold it on the summer antique circuit in the Midwest, and Jaime relished in filling their home with beautifully restored antique pieces.
Ten short years later, Scott and Jaime moved back to the Midwest, first to Chicago, and then to Kenosha, which they now call home in order to pursue their passion of woodworking and history full time… And so was born Against the Grain.
Today finds the busy couple focused on reclaiming, repurposing, and reinventing. When the snow flies, they’re building custom projects for their clients from reclaimed materials or reinventing the many treasures they’ve obtained along the way. When the snow isn’t flying, they’re soaking up everything the nice weather has to offer while taking down barns. Their year is basically measured by “barn season”.
True to form, they are located in a Kenosha landmark—a historical grocery warehouse building that has been repurposed and refurbished into their design center and reclaimed warehouse. They are a single family-owned business with a primary client base stretching from Chicago to Milwaukee, but they’ve been known to travel and can claim clients coast to coast. Jaime and Scott manage all aspects of ATG, from taking down barns to greeting customers when they walk through their doors, with help from their amazing crew, of course!
Not to be forgotten are the furballs who truly make ATG a family affair! Brady and Izzy love hanging out with Scott in the shop, greeting their clients, and, of course, taking naps. It takes a lot of effort to be deemed “Kenosha’s Best Greeters!”.
Against the Grain can be summed up thusly… You’ve heard the phrase “They don’t make’em like they used to”. Well… They don’t. But, we do, and we have fascinating examples of superior craftsmanship all over our store. Stop by because you share our passion for reclaiming and repurposing, or simply because you want to learn about, and see, something from our past.
