Made True: Craft & Calling Co.
There’s something to be said about husband-and-wife teams … they just work. Maybe we have a soft spot for them because we at MT Trim Co are a husband-and-wife team. Or maybe it’s because both sets of our parents built and operated their businesses as dynamic duos and taught us that teamwork, commitment and faith are the perfect ingredients for success. Let’s be honest. We love seeing what can happen when two people build something meaningful side by side, and that’s exactly why we’re excited to introduce you to another couple: Cole and Jessica Anderson, the owners and co-founders of Craft & Calling Co.
Based in Elk River, Minnesota, Craft & Calling Co. is a husband-and-wife-owned design and construction company specializing in custom carpentry, cabinetry, built-ins and interior renovations. Cole and Jessica work with homeowners from the initial vision and design through the build and installation, creating everything from custom built-ins, mudrooms, closets and fireplace features to kitchens, bathrooms, basements and larger home renovations.
“We love taking spaces that are outdated, unfinished or simply not working well for a family and transforming them into beautiful, functional spaces that feel intentional and completely custom to their home.”
Now that you've learned about their craft, let’s dive into their calling.
From Ministry to the Trades
Cole and Jess met in college at a small Christian university in Minneapolis. He was studying music pastorship and she entrepreneurship. From the very start, they worked together —even founding and operating a mobile customizable donut cart for events and weddings called NOLO Donut Cart. From there, they were drawn to serve in ministry, which they did for the past five years. But whenever they found themselves between ministry roles or needed additional work, Cole naturally found his way back to construction and woodworking, a skill he learned back in high school. As their family grew, they knew they still wanted to do whatever next, together.
Craft & Calling Co. wasn’t necessarily the plan at first. But — as many of us know — sometimes the things we're meant to build have a way of finding us again and again. Over time, Cole and Jessica began to realize carpentry wasn't simply something Cole kept coming back to — it was something they could build a business and a future around. And that's exactly what they did.
There's a phrase at the heart of Craft & Calling Co.: Inspired by the Original Carpenter. For Cole and Jessica, that isn't simply a clever tagline. It's the foundation for how they approach their business. And that is what sets them apart.
Sidebar: Matt always says he’s the second-best carpenter you know, so we have to assume he and Cole have at least one thing in common: they both know who holds the No. 1 spot.
Their faith influences not only the quality of their craftsmanship, but also the way they treat people, run their business and care for the homes they're invited into. They want every project to reflect excellence, integrity, attention to detail and a genuine desire to serve their clients well. Because they believe how you work matters just as much as what you build.
And that's an idea we can get behind.
Quality, Relationships and the Details
At Craft & Calling Co., quality starts long before the first cut. They believe in setting clear expectations from the very beginning and communicating with clients throughout the entire process. But when it comes to the actual craftsmanship, they hold themselves to a high standard.
That means paying attention to the details, even the ones a client may never notice. Because at the end of the day, they want to walk away from every project knowing they're proud to put their name on it. They strive to build things that last. That also includes focusing on quality materials and craftsmanship up front, so their work isn't something that needs to be replaced a few years down the road.
This standard carries over to their pricing, too. They consider the design and planning, materials, labor, shop time, installation, project management and, of course, the level of detail required to do the job well. Their goal is to always price their work fairly, while also making sure they never have to sacrifice the quality of materials or craftsmanship to hit a lower number.
Cole and Jess source most of their materials through a local cabinet builder and CNC shop (shoutout to Twin Cities CNC). Working with a local supplier gives them access to quality materials while providing the flexibility and precision their custom projects require. But there's another benefit they value just as much: supporting other local businesses within their own industry. For a small business, those relationships matter.
The trades are full of people who rely on one another, from suppliers and CNC shops to designers, builders, installers, painters and other specialty contractors. Relationships matter. We love how Craft & Calling Co. sees value in being part of that local network and supporting other businesses whenever they can. This perspective is exactly why we started our Made True series.
A Love for Building
Their favorite part of what they do? The building. When a drawing becomes custom cabinetry. When materials become a built-in. When an empty wall becomes a feature. When an idea becomes part of someone's home. “There’s something really rewarding about taking an idea that started on paper and figuring out how to bring it to life with your own hands.”
We couldn’t agree more.
“Watching all the individual pieces come together into something completely custom is easily my favorite part of the process,” Cole elaborates. “What I love most is being able to step back at the end of a project and physically see what we created. There’s something incredibly rewarding about starting with an idea and taking a pile of materials and turning it into something that completely transforms a space. Even better is seeing our clients’ reactions and knowing what we build will be part of their home and everyday life for years to come.”
A Dreamy Office. The details. Wow! Books floor to ceiling. Banquettes add character! So much storage. What's behind there? Oh, herringbone! <3
The Unexpected Is Expected
If you've spent any time on a construction site, you already know that the unexpected isn't really unexpected. It's part of the job. Craft & Calling Co. approaches those moments with flexibility, communication and a willingness to problem-solve. Experience has taught them that there's almost always a way forward. Sometimes you have to adjust the plan. Sometimes you have to find a completely different solution. What’s important is Cole and Jess keep their standard of project quality and client communication along the way.
Myth vs. Fact
One of the biggest myths Cole and Jess hear is that carpentry shouldn’t cost as much as it does. And we think everyone in our industry can relate. It’s because we as a society are inundated with images, reels and inspiration boards featuring finished products without realizing everything that goes into it. There are years of experience, design and planning, quality materials, specialized tools, shop time, installation and countless details along the way. There’s also staying on top of current code, project management, client relations and everyday business overhead.
“Custom carpentry is truly a skilled trade, and you’re not just paying for the materials — you’re paying for the craftsmanship, knowledge and time it takes to create something that is built specifically for your home and built to last.”
Tools that Get The Job Done
Every team has their fave tools — the ones that help them get the job done. For Craft & Calling Co., these are at the top of their list.
You can see all Made True Recommendations on our Amazon Storefront.
Growing Without Losing What Matters
Their goals for the company are ambitious, but they're not interested in growth at any cost.
“Our biggest goal is to continue growing while never losing the quality, craftsmanship and personal experience our business was built on.”
They'd love to grow their team, take on larger and more custom projects and eventually have a dedicated shop and showroom of their own. But the vision goes beyond square footage or project size. They want to build a company that creates incredible spaces, provides great careers for their team and has a lasting impact on the families and communities they serve. More, but still meaningful. Bigger, but still personal. Growing without forgetting why they started in the first place.
A Mentor in the Making
As Craft & Calling Co. grows, Cole sees his role changing. Not because he wants to leave the building behind. Quite the opposite. Building is still the part of the work he loves most. He wants to move from being the person with his hands on every part of every project to also becoming a leader, teacher and mentor to other craftsmen. He wants to pass along what he's learned, build a strong team and create opportunities for others to build careers in the trades.
Technology vs. Craftsmanship
Technology is changing just about every industry, and carpentry is no exception. Design software, CNC technology and increasingly precise tools are making parts of the process more efficient and accurate.
Craft & Calling Co. believes technology will continue opening up new possibilities for what can be created. But they don't believe technology replaces the craftsman. And neither do we. There will always be a need for skilled hands, creativity and true craftsmanship.
Technology can improve the process. It can make certain things faster or more precise. But it can't replace the value of something thoughtfully built by someone who understands the trade. And maybe that's part of what makes custom work so special.
Keep Learning
For anyone considering a career in the trades, Cole and Jessica have some advice that doesn't require a fancy shop, a huge social following or years of experience to put into practice.
“Don’t be afraid to start small and learn as you go. So much of this trade is learned through hands-on experience — showing up, asking questions, making mistakes and continually working to get better at your craft.
They also emphasize the importance of taking pride in the little details, treating people well and understanding just how far hard work, integrity and a willingness to learn can take you.
Cole’s advice to his younger self? “Trust that the path doesn’t always have to look the way you thought it would.”
“Some of the biggest changes and unexpected seasons can lead you exactly where you’re supposed to be. Work hard, stay faithful to what’s in front of you and don’t be afraid to take the risk when the right opportunity comes along."
It's advice that seems simple, but anyone who has spent time in the trades knows how true it is. You don't become great at something by waiting until you're great enough to start or by having all of the answers in advance. You start. You learn. You make mistakes. You improve. You trust the process. You keep your faith. And you keep going.
What Keeps Them Going?
Running a business is hard. Running a construction business is definitely hard. Running one with your spouse while raising a family adds another layer entirely. So what keeps them motivated?
For Cole, a big part of it is family and knowing they're building something that can have a lasting impact beyond themselves.
There's also the craft itself. Loving what you do matters. And if you’ve read this far, you know Cole and Jess genuinely love what they do, and their faith is at the center of it all.
The Dream Project
Every carpenter has one. The project that makes you think, “I'd love to build that someday.” For Craft & Calling Co., it's an entire home. Not just one kitchen or one built-in, but a project where they could be involved from the initial design all the way through the final details.
Custom cabinetry.
Built-ins.
Millwork.
Unique architectural details.
Every space intentionally crafted and cohesive to the next.
They'd love the opportunity to create a home where they could put their fingerprint on the entire project rather than just one room. We have a feeling that dream project will be something special.
Home, Family and a Good Cup of Coffee
After a long day of building, Cole and Jessica don't need anything complicated to unwind.
Their favorite way to slow down is grabbing a coffee and spending intentional time together as a family with their girls (and another baby on the way!).
And honestly, we love that.
Because behind the projects, the business goals, the tools and the job sites is the reason so many people choose to build a business in the first place: family.
And that, our friends, is why they are Made True.
Co-founders + Husband-and-Wife The Anderson Family
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