Our Company Profile Through the Years

The story of Wood And Iron Company begins with its founder, Shylo Shively, whose childhood was spent exploring the fading barns and industrial sites of rural Indiana. Fascinated by the contrast between the weathered wood of old structures and the rusting iron work of agricultural machinery, Shylo developed a deep appreciation for the character of aged materials. He began experimenting in his father’s workshop as a teenager, learning to forge and weld while simultaneously studying the grain and flexibility of various hardwoods. This early, self-directed education laid the groundwork for his unique philosophy of material fusion.

After completing a formal apprenticeship with a master carpenter and later working on a crew that specialized in structural metal erection, Shylo decided to strike out on his own. In the late 2000s, he converted a single-car garage into a modest fabrication shop. His first commissions were small repairs and custom pieces for neighbors, but his reputation for meticulous material detail quickly spread. He spent countless nights perfecting his technical methods, learning how to join steel parts to wood in ways that accounted for expansion and contraction, ensuring that his crafted pieces would not warp or crack over time. These early struggles taught him the patience and precision that now define the company.

The pivotal moment for the company came with a commission to restore a series of historic metal gates for a local park. This project required complex iron work that had to match 19th-century techniques while meeting modern safety standards. The success of this project put Wood And Iron Company on the map, leading to inquiries from architects and designers who were looking for a fabricator capable of handling challenging wood metal integrations. As the projects grew in scale, so did the need for space and equipment. Shylo moved the operation from the garage to our current 15,000-square-foot facility in Battle Ground, allowing for the expansion of our capabilities in creating large metal frames and architectural elements.

Today, our history is written not just in the passage of time, but in the diverse array of project examples we have accumulated. From private residences in Chicago to commercial installations in Indianapolis, our work stands as a testament to our growth and dedication. Looking at our company profile, one can trace the evolution of a small-town craftsman into a full-scale fabrication studio. We have stayed true to the core principles established in that garage—quality, integrity, and a deep respect for materials—while embracing new technologies that allow us to push the boundaries of design. The history of Wood And Iron Company is ongoing, and every new project adds another chapter to our story.