Tom Dumke is a furniture maker and owner of Thomas William Furniture. He handcrafts heirloom-quality furniture with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and timeless design. He and his wife, Linda, have been in business together for many years, selling their work online and through galleries. They’ve lived in Lake Country for a long time and love the natural beauty of the area. Outside of work, Tom enjoys traveling through Wisconsin, staying active biking, and being involved in their church, Grace. He’s also passionate about relationships—whether it’s connecting with customers, supporting friends, or being there for family.
About Tom Dumke
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Linda, and I have been married for over 42 years, building both a life and a business together. She plays a vital role in Thomas William Furniture, managing the writing and promotion. Family has always been important to me. As the youngest of eight—three sisters and four brothers—I’ve learned the value of connection and strive to be present for those I care about.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I’m a furniture maker and owner of Thomas William Furniture, where I design and handcraft heirloom-quality furniture. My work is rooted in traditional craftsmanship, using solid wood and time-honored joinery techniques to create pieces that are both functional and beautiful. My wife, Linda, and I have run the business together for many years, transitioning from art festivals to selling online and through galleries. I’ve always been drawn to working with my hands. Early on, I had a passion for woodworking and admired the craftsmanship of historical furniture makers. That passion grew into a career as I refined my skills and developed my own style. I love knowing that the pieces I create will be cherished for generations. Beyond my work, I stay active in the community through my church, Grace, and value the relationships I’ve built over the years. Whether in business or life, I believe in hard work, integrity, and creating something that lasts.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about what I do is the process of creating something lasting with my hands. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking raw wood and transforming it into a beautifully crafted piece of furniture that will be used and appreciated for generations. I also love the connection with customers—hearing their stories, knowing my work becomes a meaningful part of their homes, and seeing their appreciation for fine craftsmanship. Every piece I make is a reflection of my dedication to quality, and that sense of purpose keeps me inspired every day.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
One of the most difficult challenges in getting to where I am today has been navigating the ever-changing landscape of running a small business. Shifting from art festivals to selling exclusively online required a major adjustment, and adapting to new ways of reaching customers has been a learning experience. Persistence and faith have carried me through.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part of what I do is knowing that the furniture I create becomes a cherished part of people’s lives. When customers share how a piece I made completes their home or how they plan to pass it down through generations, it reminds me why I do this work. I also find great fulfillment in the craftsmanship itself—taking raw wood and shaping it into something beautiful and lasting. Beyond that, working alongside my wife, Linda, and building this business together has been incredibly meaningful. Creating something with both my hands and my heart is what makes this journey so rewarding.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
One of my ongoing goals is to continue refining my craft and expanding the reach of Thomas William Furniture. As we’ve transitioned to selling exclusively online and through galleries, I’m always looking for new ways to connect with customers who appreciate fine craftsmanship. I also want to ensure that my work continues to stand the test of time, both in quality and design. On a personal level, I hope to travel more with Linda, exploring new places and enjoying the beauty of Wisconsin and beyond. I’m also committed to staying active and engaged in my community, whether through my church, or supporting friends and family.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
My advice to anyone interested in pursuing woodworking or starting their own craft-based business is to focus on quality, patience, and perseverance. Master your craft first—take the time to learn proper techniques, study traditional methods, and develop a style that is truly your own. Running a business, especially as an artisan, requires resilience. There will be challenges, whether it’s adapting to market changes, balancing creativity with the business side of things, or staying motivated through slow seasons. Stay committed, be willing to adapt, and never compromise on craftsmanship. Also, build relationships—both with customers and within your industry. People connect with the story behind the work, not just the product itself. If you stay true to your craft and your values, success will follow.
Tom Dumke & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
My favorite thing about Lake Country is the natural beauty. The lakes, trails, and open spaces make it a great place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. I also appreciate the strong sense of community—people here are welcoming, supportive, and take pride in the area. It’s a place that feels like home, where you can build lasting connections while being surrounded by nature.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
One of the most inspiring people I’ve met in our community is Pastor Mike Frans. He was my pastor for many years and has had a profound impact on my life. His wisdom, kindness, and ability to connect with people on a deep level have made him a true mentor and friend. What stands out most about Mike is his genuine care for others. He doesn’t just preach faith—he lives it, walking alongside people through both their struggles and triumphs. His guidance has helped shape my own faith journey, and the way he leads with humility and authenticity continues to inspire me. Even though he’s no longer my pastor, we’ve remained close, and my wife, Linda, and I still make it a priority to get together with him and his wife, Jan, for holidays. His influence on my life and faith is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
One of my favorite spots in the community is Whelan’s Coffee & Ice Cream. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee and relax, whether I’m meeting up with someone or just taking a break in the day. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and they serve quality coffee, which I always appreciate. It’s a local gem that brings people together, and I enjoy supporting places that create that kind of community feel.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Connected, welcoming, and vibrant.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I’ve traveled to Afghanistan and Tajikistan. It was an eye-opening experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Travel has always been something I enjoy, whether it’s exploring Wisconsin or visiting places far from home. Those experiences shape the way I see the world and influence my approach to both life and craftsmanship.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
My favorite book is the Bible. It has been a constant source of wisdom, encouragement, and guidance throughout my life. Its teachings have shaped my faith, my values, and the way I approach both challenges and blessings. No matter what season of life I’m in, I always find something in its pages that speaks to me and reminds me of what truly matters.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My faith in God inspires me to be better every day. The Bible’s teachings challenge me to live with integrity, kindness, and perseverance, even when things are difficult. I strive to reflect those values in my work, my relationships, and how I serve others. I’m also inspired by my wife, Linda. She has been my partner in life and business for over 42 years, and her dedication, support, and hard work push me to be my best. She sees things in me that I sometimes don’t see in myself, and I’m grateful for her every day.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I’d be a classic black coffee—straightforward, strong, and no frills. It’s dependable, gives you a steady boost, and is best enjoyed slowly, much like the way I approach life and my craft. Just like a well-brewed coffee, I value quality, consistency, and taking the time to do things right.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
One thing on my bucket list is to continue traveling and exploring new places with Linda. We’ve been to 43 states, as well as Afghanistan and Tajikistan, but there’s always more to see. I’d love to visit the last few states we haven’t been to and maybe even take an extended road trip through some of our favorite places. On a more personal level, I want to keep refining my craft and possibly mentor others in woodworking. Passing on the knowledge I’ve gained over the years would be a meaningful way to give back. And, of course, I want to spend more time enjoying the simple things—time with family, biking, and appreciating the beauty of nature, especially in Wisconsin.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
What makes me the happiest is creating—whether it’s crafting a piece of furniture or working with my hands. There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking raw materials and turning them into something lasting and beautiful. Spending time with Linda, traveling together, and enjoying the simple moments in life also bring me joy. I love being outdoors, biking, and appreciating the beauty around me. And ultimately, my faith keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters—living with purpose, loving others well, and being grateful for each day.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Take the time to do things well, whether it’s in your work, relationships, or personal growth. Quality matters more than speed. Stay true to your values and don’t be afraid to walk your own path. Life isn’t about chasing success—it’s about living with integrity, loving others well, and finding purpose in what you do. And finally, trust in God’s timing. Not everything will go as planned, but faith and perseverance will carry you through.
Where to Find Tom Dumke
Email: thomaswilliamfurniture@gmail.com
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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