After retiring Jim decided to turn his lifelong hobby into his full time job. Working out of his 435 sf home shop he set out creating a collection of high quality wood products. Knowing that Bench Dogs wanted to create items for both adults and kids meant that the brand needed to be polished enough to match the high quality cutting boards and other home goods being sold, yet still be playful enough to make sense with the kids toys. Drawing inspiration from the tools in the shop the name Bench Dogs, referring to the workbench and peg system used to clamp down projects, was born. The name lended itself to create an identity which is able to be abstract and fun, but still reference the tools of a quality craftsman.