The Unlikely Journey of a Craftsman 

Discover how RealCraft’s founder, Don Rees, forged his own destiny. 

It’s funny how the greatest adventures start from moments of confusion, doubt, and disappointment. At least, that’s how it was for Don Rees. Graduating with a finance degree, Don quickly realized the cubicle life was not his calling. More than anything, Don wanted to do work that inspired him, challenged him, and helped people achieve their own dreams. So he took a left turn and went into building instead, leaving behind a more conventional path. His journey into craftsmanship began with a simple project: building a home. Once he experienced life as a builder, he found his passion. As he tells Essential Craftsman's Nate Wadsworth, the rest was history. 

Because Don didn’t just want to be a builder. He wanted to build homes that reflected the unique and authentic people who lived in them. Soon after becoming a custom home builder, Don realized that his ideal client was someone who embraced creative risks. Chances are, you know someone like this: the person who will go out of their way to source products that are handmade and unusual. The kind of person who’s allergic to flat pack furniture and Amazon dupes. Maybe that person is you. 

That’s how Don went from a tradesman to a master: he sought out the clients who would dream big with him and create distinctive homes. These distinctive spaces required clever design solutions, and Don learned how to innovate in every aspect of home design. But nowhere was this more evident than his work with doors and hardware. 

Building a Culture of Handmade Excellence 

Today, Don continues to lead RealCraft with his unique combination of tradition and innovation. The mission is clear: to spearhead a return to craftsmanship and build home goods that you can be proud of. Our commitment to crafting one-of-a-kind doors and custom hardware originates from Don’s vision, values, and heart. 

Want to learn more? Explore our collections and see how RealCraft can make your architectural dreams come true. Visit our selection of exterior doors or reach out directly to experience a personalized design journey.