About the Owners

Born and raised in the Midwest, we grew up in families that value respect, hard work, dedication, creativity, critical thinking, exploration, conservation, practicality, and having fun. A tenacious curiosity, sense of adventure, and desire to serve led us both into over twenty year careers in service to our country. Having acquired many more skills along the way, we felt compelled to engage with others in the pursuit of adventure, learning, and growth in a new way. We hope to be inspired and to inspire others to get out there as we share in the wisdom of the past and stand active participants in the discoveries of tomorrow. We are thrilled to be here and hope to hear from you soon. Until then, please have a look around and let us know if you have any questions.

All the best, - Justin and Kate

We believe in looking deeper, exploring often, inspiring curiosity, and getting your hands dirty. Drawing upon our experience, and inspired by the wisdom of the past, SmartLab aims to be a storehouse of knowledge made available through our website, Etsy store, social media accounts, and Kindle Direct Publishing. 

We curate and present a wide range of solutions that span from vintage to modern, and offer practical how tos that are simple, effective, and fun.

We believe in the old saying - form follows function, but no one ever said practical can’t be beautiful. Here at SmartLab, we operate a small shop where we hand craft select products that not only work, but like you, embody a life well-worn and well-lived. All of our products use materials that are responsibly sourced, reclaimed, and/or creatively repurposed.

Our focus is mindful living for a modern world.  We create thoughtful handmade products for those who value quality over quantity, substance over trend. Every tool, every design choice serves a purpose—helping you live more deliberately, more fully. These aren’t just objects; they’re invitations to slow down, pay attention, and engage with the world around you.

SmartLab is more than products and knowledge—it’s a community. We’re building a collective of curious minds driven by learning, respect, and adventure. Whether you’re restoring or repurposing something old, creating something new, or simply asking questions, you belong here. Join us in the pursuit of a life that’s both examined and experienced.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​