Meet Ricardo Gonzalez | Craftman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricardo Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricardo, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
This is something that I get asked quite often. My journey began about two and half years ago, when I had to get a surgery while I was still in the service. The surgery kept me in bed for almost two months, during that time I watched a lot of TV, played video games and things as such. One day while watching YouTube I came across a video of someone making an American flag out of wood. I then thought to myself, I can do this. At the time I’ve never operated a woodworking tool, I did what everyone that wants to learn something does, open YouTube. Once I was able to move, I started buying small used tools from the marketplace and I started applying what I had “learned”. I then started making American flags for friends, I started getting request to make things for them and other soldiers. I started growing faster than I was making them. One thing led to another and now I’m offering more than just flags. I have to say, if it hadn’t been for that surgery, I’d probably never had started our business.

Looking back, I’m thankful not only because I started something out of nothing, but I also learned a new skill that I’ve never imagine learning.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started with making American Flags. I customized the flags to the customer, (what unit of the military they were in, names, years of service, patch emblem). I tested many ideas and explored what worked together and what didn’t. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations made for the most beautiful flags. I explored woodworking outside of flags and created customized items like coin holders, family trees, holiday decor and acrylic calendars. One thing that prides me is after item delivery is the excitement and joy from the customer and the way they talk up my creation. It makes me feel good that I made something that others are excited to share.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am fairly new to the Richmond area. There is an area called Scott’s Addition, it is a historic neighborhood in Richmond. It is known for its brewery scene there are some cool distilleries, restaurants and street murals. In the opposite direction is Williamsburg There you can find Busch Gardens Also you can get a bit of American history in Colonial Williamsburg.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my wife Melissa. She has always been there when I had doubts in both, my military career as well as in the woodworking department. Since the beginning when I was hesitant about buying a tool upgrade, all she had to say was “spend once and cry once”. Thanks to her, this hobby became a passion, now out of the military I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me. Also, I’d like to give a shoutout to all my family, friends, and my military family for supporting me in this journey.

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