Interview with Corbin Clay, craftsman-in-chief
How did you get involved in this business?
I felt that we needed a creative solution to 4 million acres of dead pine trees. Our entire business model is built around upcycling beetle kill pine into furniture that will last for generations.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Every piece we make is crafted using only Colorado-sourced beetle kill pine reclaimed from our Rocky Mountains.
What do you like best about your line of work?
Being able to participate in a solution for all of these dead pine trees.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
Outreach. People are still a little unsure about beetle kill. We need to help educate and promote the use of this pine in as many applications as possible — to help breath new life into an otherwise wasted resource.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
I apprenticed with an 80-year-old German master craftsman for two years before moving to Colorado.
Business: The Azure Furniture Co.
Address: 913 Telluride St., Aurora
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, by appointment Friday
Founded: 2009
Contact: 303-264-8979,
Employees: 4
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail mmitchell@denverpost.com.
