by Kristin Kruse
At the young age of 15, Eric Lockhart, the owner and operator of Lockhart’s Custom, started working in a cabinet shop. Working as more of a helper than an apprentice, Lockhart learned the business and developed a passion for woodworking. “I like the idea that something I make has the potential to be around for hundreds of years,” stated Lockhart. At an even younger age, Lockhart recalls the first time he welded something together. “I was seven years old and my neighbor saw me standing in the yard with a broken Tonka toy loader and asked me if I wanted to fix it. He took me to his garage and he showed me how to weld it back together and I thought wow, this is really cool.” That Tonka truck is still around and being enjoyed by his grandchildren. Lockhart has been a certified welder for over 35 years.
A career in the military took Lockhart away from woodworking and metal work for several years as he served with the 3rd Marine Division in the infantry battalion in the United State Marine Corps. During his enlistment he was deployed multiple times, including three tours during Desert Storm and a 14 month deployment during the gulf War. Lockhart said, “I’ve been around the world a few times.” Upon his return from service in 1997 Lockhart went to work with Columbia Helicopters doing helicopter logging in Northern California. When business died down various jobs kept him busy, including gravel and crushing work and driving a water truck and bulldozer in Las Vegas. It was during the Covid-19 lockdown, in 2020, that Lockhart rediscovered his love for woodworking. He soon found himself designing and building full kitchen custom cabinets, custom reloading benches and even a Mercedes van conversion.
Lockhart has set up shop in Stevensville and is ready to work, saying, “What I really enjoy is helping people turn their dreams and ideas into reality. I like to produce quality products and I try to be conscious of the cost. I am open to any type of custom wood or metal work, from full kitchens to cutting boards. I can make custom indoor and outdoor furniture sets, and pretty much anything that you can think up. All of my projects are one of a kind.”
To set up an appointment for a consultation, Lockhart can be reached at 406-777-5127, or contacted via email at lcwoodandmetal@gmail.com