Longleaf Wood Shop
From the shared vision of Neill and Sylvia Thompson emerged a unique haven for woodworking enthusiasts. After retiring from a distinguished 32- year career as a DEA Special Agent, Neill’s passion for carpentry and furniture-making found expression in Longleaf Wood Shop. What began as a personal pursuit blossomed into a community hub, thanks to a perfectly- timed encounter and guidance from mentors like Ed Allen. Their journey led them to transform an old lounge on 231 into a vibrant woodworking space. Propelled by Sylvia’s innovative “date nights” concept, the shop quickly became a cherished gathering spot, drawing attention from HGTV’s “Hometown Takeover.” Now, as Longleaf Woodshop enters its third year, its gallery showcases the transformative power of craftsmanship and camaraderie, embodying the belief that every piece tells a story of purpose and passion.
“Some of the most fun we have is turning lumber that has been sitting in a barn or storage shed, placed there by a grandfather, and building beautiful tables or furniture.”
Q&A
How did you start in the woodworking business?
When my oldest son turned two, he needed a bed. I thought the logical thing to do was to make him one. After I made the bed, Sylvia came up with new projects that she wanted me to build. I gradually got better, and as I got better, I loved it more and more. It eventually developed into something that people paid me to do!
How did you end up in Montgomery?
After graduating from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 1998, the government moved us from Tuscaloosa to Louisville, Kentucky. In 2004, the head of the DEA offices in Alabama called and said that he wanted me to come to Montgomery. He pretty much told us that if we didn’t come then, we wouldn’t be able to come back to Alabama any time. Honestly, at the time, we weren’t that excited, but we really love it here. We love being able to be at the beach or the mountains in three hours. We love the people, the diversity and the hometown feeling while still being able to enjoy great entertainment and restaurants.
What does your day-to-day of running the Longleaf Wood Shop look like?
There is never a “normal” day at the shop. On days we have events—corporate team building or “Date Nights”—most of the time is spent getting ready. We are usually busy building custom pieces, which is a very involved process. Most times we are building based on photos or sketches, so there is a lot of discussion that goes on with each piece. We wish we had more time to build special pieces, but right now, we have to keep up with the demand for custom work. We also have several “old-timers” that frequent the shop. They offer a lot of insight and advice on builds. It’s always better to have different perspectives and ideas on builds.
What is the biggest challenge you and the business have faced in the last year?
One of our biggest challenges is being able to keep up with the demand for our custom furniture in a timely manner. We strive to get pieces to our customers faster than a lot of the online companies can deliver them.
What advice would you give to others looking to start a second career?
Always be thankful. Don’t focus on the negative. Pressure is a privilege. If you’re not under pressure, then you’re not offering people something of value.
What do you find the most fulfilling about your work?
The most fulfilling things are exceeding people’s expectations by making their visions come true. Some of the most fun we have is turning lumber that has been sitting in a barn or storage shed, placed there by a grandfather, and building beautiful tables or furniture. It’s also fulfilling to take “throw away” pieces of wood, and turn it into art.
What’s the one thing you want people to know about Longleaf Wood Shop?
We love introducing people to what we love to do. The first verb in the verse in the Bible is “created”. God created. We are told we are made in His image, so I think it’s in us all to create. We will help you create.
Personal Matters
- Best Biz Advice: Nothing worthwhile is easy.
- Must-Have Work Tool: I think if you took everything away, I could still make a living by making bowls, candle sticks and just about anything within reason on a wood lathe.
- Outside of Work: I am a beach bum. I love to kayak, fish, and have Hobie pedal kayaks. Sylvia enjoys historical architecture and Major League Baseball games. I’m happy to go anywhere she wants to go.
- Most Played Tunes: Jason Isbell
