An Interview Between the J Thomas Home Marketing Team and Zach Crouse
We're incredibly lucky to have Zach Crouse, our marketing intern, joining us at J Thomas Home this summer. Zach's a senior at the University of Kansas, majoring in marketing from the prestigious KU School of Business. Besides his studies, Zach is actively involved as the Director of Apparel for the Men’s Lacrosse Team at KU. Prior to interning with us, he also spent time studying luxury brands at the Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici in Italy, which gave him unique insights into the world of high-end consumer goods.
This interview offers a glimpse into Zach’s journey, where he shares how his lifelong connection to woodworking, nurtured through countless hours in his father’s woodshop, has shaped his career aspirations. He explains why he chose to work with a local woodworking shop in Olathe, Kansas, and how this role aligns perfectly with his academic pursuits and personal passions.
Alright, let’s dive right in. So, you picked a small, family-owned woodworking shop all the way out in Olathe. Given your impressive background and potential career options, what made this your marketing job of choice?
Yeah, honestly, the size and family-oriented culture of the shop really stood out to me. It felt like such a unique environment, and I was thrilled at the idea of working alongside everyone and directly with the owner. There’s something special about being part of a tight-knit team where everyone plays a crucial role.
How would you describe your overall experience working here so far?
It’s been fantastic, especially collaborating with Josh. He wears so many hats—from managing orders to handling customer service—it’s inspiring to see how he balances everything. Watching his workflow and learning how he keeps things running smoothly has been eye-opening. It’s taught me a lot about adaptability and leadership in a small business setting.
What aspects of your work have you enjoyed the most?
Initially, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started, but building our new website has been an absolute blast. It’s challenging but rewarding because it gives me a deep understanding of the e-commerce landscape. Plus, seeing how all the pieces come together to create a seamless user experience is fascinating. I think this hands-on experience will serve me well down the road.
But beyond the technical side, revisiting my childhood passion for woodworking has been equally fulfilling. Growing up, I spent countless hours in my dad’s workshop, crafting everything from bunk beds to dining tables. It’s been amazing to reconnect with that part of my identity while applying modern marketing strategies to promote these timeless products.
That sounds incredible. Can you tell me more about the projects you’ve worked on with your dad?
Sure! Over the years, we’ve tackled a variety of projects. One of my favorites was building a dice table for our college house. My dad and I worked on it together, and once we finished, my sister added her artistic touch by painting intricate designs on it. It became a real family effort, and it was awesome to see our collaboration come to life.
That’s such a heartwarming story. Do you think those early experiences sparked your interest in both entrepreneurship and craftsmanship?
Definitely. Working with my dad exposed me to the satisfaction of creating something tangible with my own two hands. It wasn’t just about the end result; it was about the process and the bond we shared during those moments. I think that foundation has influenced my desire to work with businesses that emphasize authenticity and quality.
Tell me about your internship experience prior to this. Did you work with any entrepreneurs or take relevant courses?
No, this is actually my very first marketing internship. However, last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Italy, where I took several marketing courses. One of them focused on wine management, which opened my eyes to the nuances of branding within the beverage industry. Another course explored luxury brand management, and it was there that I learned how companies differentiate themselves through storytelling and exceptional design.
There’s certainly a parallel between luxury brands and authentic wood products. Both aim to evoke emotion and connection through their craftsmanship.
Absolutely. With real wood products, there’s an undeniable authenticity that resonates with people. Unlike mass-produced items, each piece tells a story—it’s tied to its origin, its journey from tree to shelf. When customers walk into our shop, they can see the raw materials and understand the care that goes into every step of production. That connection feels deeply personal, almost like bringing a little bit of nature into their homes.
Exactly. In today’s digital age, where everything seems so impersonal, having a physical, natural product creates a sense of warmth and belonging. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about the emotional attachment it fosters.
Exactly. And I think that’s what makes working here so meaningful. We’re not just selling shelves—we’re offering customers a piece of art, a reminder of their connection to the earth. For me personally, it’s a beautiful blend of my past and present, marrying my love for marketing with my roots in woodworking.
Thank you, Zach, for sharing your story with us. We’re thrilled to have you on board this summer and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish!
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