Following in my father's footsteps, I earned a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1997. Shortly thereafter I moved to Lexington Kentucky, in the heart of the Bluegrass.

I love cooking, and I love to design, so when I started homebrewing back in 2001 it opened up a world of gadgets and opportunities to create new things. A couple years later, when I started kegging, I realized that one of the creative outlets I would miss was making labels for all of the bottles.

So I started making wood tap handles for each beer that I brewed; beers like "Mango Unchained", a mango wheat beer, or "Hostile Witness", a Belgian Wit. Eventually I realized that I was enjoying making the tap handles more than the beer itself! But I could only make so much beer.

At that time I started selling tap handles to other homebrewers in Lexington. I found that I loved the creative process and working with others to make something that was special to them. Something that was smooth and robust, and gives them a showcase to display their creations and brand. The more handles I made, the more I branched out into different hardwoods. I found that I enjoyed the different grain patterns and the wood color coming alive when applying that first coat of finish.

In 2014 I opened a shop on Etsy to bring my designs and products to a wider audience. I use 10 different species of hardwoods, and the only wood I stain is Walnut. Otherwise, the color you see in the pictures is the natural color of the finished wood.

I enjoy working with my customers on something that will be special to them and their loved ones. Every custom graphic design is prototyped digitally and verified with the customer. Once the customer is happy with the design, I begin the process of engraving and hand painting the design into the tap handle.

I look forward to working with you!

John Spicer
Owner, Stickman Hardware