Brad Burck’s dad is a 30-year vocational teacher, and made sure he taught his son just about everything he knows when it comes to being handy: welding, automotive repair, drafting, and carpentry. And while Burck, a seventh grade science teacher at DSST: GVR MS, has followed his parents’ footsteps into the teaching profession, those other skills have come in handy as he also makes and sells custom furniture on the side.

Growing up, Burck said his family took pride in their do-it-yourself attitude. His dad built their home back in Alaska, which included a detached garage. And as things broke, Burck would help repair them using the skills his father taught him. So after Burck and his wife remodeled their kitchen three years ago and needed a new table, the seeds of a new business were planted.

“We went to all the standard places, IKEA, American Furniture, Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn,” Burck said. “I just couldn’t stomach spending $2,000 on something that was veneered and not sealed from our kiddos! So I told my wife, ‘I think I could do that.’ So off we went to the lumber mill, picked up the materials and built our first table three years ago in July before school started.”

Burck is quick to point out this is not a one-man operation. His wife, McKenna, handles finishing and quality control as well as client services and communication . And their three children are starting to get involved, helping with small talks like staining and sanding.

As word has spread about their furniture, more requests are starting to flow in. Their website, www.oldvictoryoriginals.com, shows past pieces the Burcks have done, and also allows customers to request custom pieces. Burck said the family’s schedule dictates how much they’re able to do, but typically there is an 8-10 week turnaround time. Most orders are to local individuals, but Burck said he has a few items for sale at The District in Cherry Creek Mall and The Local in Southlands Mall. It’s exciting, Burck said, to have the opportunity to sell his products in stores after using Craigslist to initially find customers.

“We actually sold a table, an entry table and a set of bookshelves to a family in Brighton,” Burck said of his first sale. “It was great to get some validation for our work.  We have learned a ton and built some great relationships with families here in the Denver area as well.”

But he also has to be careful not to overpromise and stretch his time too thin.

“That is the toughest part of our work,” he said. “I’m not good at saying ‘no.’ ”