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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 27, 2017)
24 Wednesday, December 27, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon FORGE: Blacksmith has become an artist in metal Continued from page 4 Working with Fleming has been inspirational and just plain fun. It’s totally differ- ent from blacksmithing. It’s my job to make his designs a reality.” It’s totally different... It’s my job to make his designs a reality. — Jeff Wester There’s a few things Wester has learned over the years. At the top of his list is a simple truth: “Having good employees is the most impor- tant part of running a busi- ness. That component either makes it or breaks it.” Valuing his employ- ees was one thing; figuring out how to keep them was another. “In the early years, I was gradually adding on to the building and making new equipment,” she said. “That way, when times were slow I didn’t have to lay anyone off. Then when it was all built out and we had slow times, I created a line of hand-forged products to keep us busy.” That strategy has become a big part of his business. Because of that, he hasn’t had to send anyone home for lack of work. Another important ingre- dient in his success is to diversify. “We have a full-service shop that includes welding fabrication, structural steel, blacksmithing, heavy weld- ing repair, machine shop work, CNC cutting and sheet metal work. I also have 150 items in an online store and in the Sisters showroom,” said Wester. Ponderosa Forge has worked on numerous public projects such as the remodel of Sunriver Lodge in 1995, the Lodge at Black Butte Ranch and the Deschutes Brewery pub. Ponderosa Forge products are found in many custom homes in Central Oregon and all across the country. Top-selling prod- ucts include fireplace, hearth and door hardware and light fixtures. “I did most of the designs up until a few years ago,” said Wester. “Now my shop manager, Chris Corcoran, is very involved in the day- to-day operations and some of the design work. Most of the products were designed PHOTO COURTESY ALEX JORDAN / BEND MAGAZINE Jeff Wester’s work has grown from shoeing horses to custom, hand-forged fixtures, welding services and structural steel. a long time ago, but we like coming up with new products.” Wester ’s business has been very generous in its support of the community and all kinds of children’s activities. Since 2004, Sisters Folk Festival has held their annual fundraiser, My Own Two Hands, in the forge. For the past 13 years, Wester and his crew remove equip- ment with forklifts and open up the building to art patrons and artists. White linen table- cloths cover solid steel tables and beautiful art is displayed and sold in an exciting auction. “I like to be able to sup- port the community and help the Americana Project and Sisters Folk Festival,” Wester said. “It’s a great way to sup- port kids.” The blacksmith is also a banjo player and a mem- ber of the band The Anvil Blasters — named after an old blacksmithing tradition in which celebrants on holidays like the Fourth of July would blow an anvil sky high with a charge of black powder. Wester knew to be a suc- cessful businessman his company had to be nimble, diverse and have top employ- ees doing excellent work. What he didn’t anticipate was that his love of iron and steel I like to be able to support the community and help the Americana Project and Sisters Folk Festival. It’s a great way to support kids. — Jeff Wester would turn him into an artist, too. ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS Remind the people of Sisters to BUY LOCAL for Products & Services Studies show that when people “shop local” their money circulates at least three times in that community. Help the people of Sisters learn what’s special about you and your business or service so that they can shop local now and year ’round. When: January 17 & 24 What: AT YOUR SERVICE two-week full-color ad special (with mini-story & photo one week) Cost: $245. You save more than 50% off of regular ad rates! Ad size 3" wide by 3.31" tall Call Karen at The Nugget, 541-549-9941, and she’ll help you with your ad. Professional design is free!
