18 Jul Welcome to Easton Outdoors: A Behind the Scenes Look at Our New Shop
A Place to Call Home
Today, we’re taking you on an exciting journey through the recent developments at our new shop. It’s been an exhilarating four months since we relocated from Newport News to Poquoson, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have this space as our own. This is where we’ll craft, mold, and showcase our passion for building and creating outdoor experiences. Join us as we provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of our shop and share our plans for the future.
Finally, we have a place we can proudly call ours—a place to put down roots and develop our vision. As our business has grown, we realized our old space was no longer sufficient. With gratitude for our expanding team and business opportunities, we embarked on a new journey. With a convoy of trucks loaded with our equipment, we made our way to the new shop—a space that requires some love and care, but one we can truly call our own.
Creating Engaging Displays
One of the aspects that excites us the most is designing captivating displays. We want people to come and experience the art of our craftsmanship. We plan to showcase how we build and why we build, offering DIY project lessons and even teaching some cooking classes. For the food enthusiasts, we’re setting up an outdoor kitchen complete with a smoker and griddle. It’ll be the perfect spot to demonstrate how to master the art of grilling and smoking. We’re eager to create a welcoming environment where people can learn and connect with us right here in Hampton Roads!
A Thief and Advanced Security
Before diving into the details of our space, we have to share a crazy story. Most of you probably know that while we were at the old shop, the catalytic converter was stolen off of one of our trucks. Long story short, the guy who was leading this big ring of catalytic converter thefts had the audacity to make the part number for one of the most popular converters the license plate of his brand new Ferrari. I mean how brazen can you be?! Thankfully he has been caught, and we’ve installed some nice security cameras around here for some peace of mind.
The Layout and Outdoor Features
Okay, let’s get back to the nitty-gritty. As we guide you through our shop, you’ll notice the thought and planning we’ve put into creating distinct areas. This main building serves as our office and warehouse. We’re in the process of tidying up and treating the lawns. It was a bit of a mess when we got here, but we’re turning it into a simple, clean canvas. We’ve even added a fence for some much-needed privacy. And guess what’s happening right out front? That’s where the magic begins—our breathtaking display area. We’ve already started working on some eye-catching features, like a captivating water feature that will be surrounded by lush landscape. This is just a taste of what’s to come, my friends.
Picture this: a winding pathway leading to a stunning putting green, complemented by beautiful landscaping. Oh, and a pond! We get a lot of questions about ponds, how they work, and what it takes to maintain one, so we’re setting up classes for all the future pond owners out there. Before they get their own, they can come here and learn from the best. We’re all about sharing knowledge and bringing people closer to nature. Our ultimate goal is to foster a community the appreciates the beauty of the outdoors.
As we continue in the space, we’ll come across a cozy fire pit on one side of the yard, and on the other, a raised landing showcasing magnificent stairs. That expansive back area will feature a 16 to 18-foot long countertop that is a massive four feet wide, with bar seating on one side and a smoker and griddle on the other. It’s a dream come true for all the barbecue enthusiasts out there! We’re setting up a bar where I’ll be hosting cooking classes and helping homeowners gain confidence in using their new outdoor equipment. Brisket, anyone?
And of course, we can’t forget about the duck crossing. Very important.
Exploring the Backyard
Behind the workshop, we’ve set up storage for various materials. Now, bear with us. It may not be the tidiest, but we’re here to give you an honest behind-the-scenes look, so just enjoy it for what it is! From grills and smokers to outdoor kitchen equipment, this shed will house everything required to create stunning outdoor cooking spaces. Additionally, our backyard storage holds an abundance of plants and boulders. If you ever find yourself in need of these backyard elements, you know exactly where to find them!
The back lot gives us tons of room for truck parking, fuel tanks, a dumpster, and all of our big equipment. We’ve also got rows of large shelves to house our pond supplies and materials. We added a fence around the backside of the lot to keep the view more pleasant for our neighbors.
We’ve been working tirelessly to spruce up the yard. When we first arrived, it was nothing but dirt. But now, we’re slowly adding gravel and creating a neat and tidy space. We’ve been cleaning, clearing away debris, and restoring this place to its former glory. Our goal is to create a show-stopping venue where you can come and hang out with us, soak up the atmosphere, and get inspired.
Efficiency and Organization
Now, let’s venture back inside. Ensuring efficiency is paramount to our operations. We’ve set up shelves and stockrooms to keep all the necessary supplies and equipment readily available. Our stockroom is brimming with lights, transformers, sockets, wiring, and plumbing fittings—everything we might need for our projects. This organization allows us to minimize time wasted on trips to suppliers and better serve our clients.
We’ve also made some changes to make this space more functional for us. There was a big sink that once dominated the main office area. We swapped it for a smaller one, creating a bar space complete with a coffee station, microwave, and all the necessary snacks to keep us fueled. And behold, the one and only Hardscape Hero’s desk! Yes, that’s Pat’s special spot, and we won’t let him live down that title. With Pat, Frank, and Jim all set up with their desks, we’re ready to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
You see, our mission runs deep. We’re tired of people being glued to their screens, oblivious to the world around them. We want to reconnect everyone with nature, to remind them of the elements we’re all made of—fire and water. That’s why we’re here, doing what we do. And this shop, this space we’ve poured our hearts into, is a testament to that mission.
Thank you for joining us on this inside look at the shop. We hope you’ve enjoyed the tour and gotten a taste of what’s to come. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to listen and respond. Stay tuned for updates, our plan to host an open house and even participate in the Poquoson Christmas parade. Until then, get outside my friends!