Meet The Team

Owner, CEO, & Lead Carpenter
Carter Kloehn
As the founder and CEO of Rustic Roots, Carter’s journey has been shaped by both family and a love for craftsmanship. Inspired by his mother’s love for high-quality, real wood furniture and his own deep appreciation for family, Carter saw dining sets as the perfect way to bring people together.The early days were full of challenges and setbacks—failed projects and hard lessons—but Carter’s determination and willingness to learn kept him moving forward. Today, he personally oversees every aspect of Rustic Roots, from hands-on woodworking to customer service and marketing. His commitment to using only real hardwood and delivering exceptional experiences has built Rustic Roots into a trusted, premium brand. Every piece Carter creates is a reflection of his resilience, values, and vision for timeless, heirloom-quality furniture that brings families together.

Operations Manager & Compliance
Courtney
In her previous role as Vice President of Professional Services and Compliance Officer at The Richland Hospital, Courtney provided executive-level leadership for the Professional Services Division. Moreover, she led a cultural transformation at Richland Hospital, leveraging data and industry best practices to elevate both the employee and client experience.
Courtney’s leadership journey began over 19 years ago as an administrative assistant, and through dedication, determination, and mentorship, she advanced to the C-Suite. Her commitment to empowering teams and individuals is evident in her continuous efforts to enhance effort for all. Beyond executive roles, Courtney possesses a gift for facilitating a collaborative approach to improvement within complex landscapes, where she focuses on fostering positive change and collaborative growth.

Build Specialist
Matt Uftring
Meet Matt — Shop Craftsman
Matt brings over 20 years of woodworking experience to Rustic Roots, along with the kind of pride you only get from someone who truly loves the craft. He’s meticulous in the best way—nothing leaves the shop until it’s right, and he’ll keep dialing in the details until a piece meets the standard we’re known for.
When he’s not in the shop, Matt’s a big family guy and a strong supporter of the community, often showing up to cheer on the Waunakee Warriors at local sports events. That same commitment and care carries straight into the work he does here every day.

Delivery & Shop Help
Joe
When it comes to making sure your custom dining set arrives in perfect condition, Joe is the expert you want on the job. Arguably the most important step in our process is ensuring your furniture reaches you in even better shape than when it left the shop—and Joe has it down to a science.With decades of experience not just in hauling and logistics, but also in building and crafting, Joe’s attention to detail is truly unwavering. He treats every delivery and every project with the same care and precision as if it were his own. From careful packing to safe transport and setup, Joe makes sure every Rustic Roots piece is delivered with the quality and respect it deserves.




