JK Adams: 80 Years of Vermont Craftsmanship Shines at NY NOW Summer Market

Barely 90 seconds after stepping into the Jacob Javits Center for the NY NOW Summer Market, I found myself face-to-face with JK Adams’ elaborate booth. Their display of fine woodwork commanded attention, but the charcuterie boards truly captivated me, each piece a testament to the company’s masterful craftsmanship.

Tune in to Discover the Stories Behind the Brands

Sharon’s Interview Starts at the 01:58 Mark

Sharon Rishell, a 26-year veteran of JK Adams, greeted me with a warmth that reflected the company’s 80-year history. Despite her initial attempt to defer to a higher-up, our five-minute conversation convinced me Sharon was the ideal person to tell the JK Adams story.

Vermont Roots and Sustainable Practices

Based in a small town in southern Vermont, JK Adams has weathered eight decades of change, remaining true to its roots while adapting to modern tastes. “We’re totally made in the United States,” Rishell proudly stated, emphasizing their use of sustainably grown North American hardwoods.

From Drafting Tools to Charcuterie Boards: A Story of Evolution

What struck me most was the company’s evolution. From its humble beginnings in making drafting tools, JK Adams pivoted when calculators threatened to render slide rules obsolete. The late Malcolm Cooper Sr., demonstrating true Yankee ingenuity, began crafting cutting boards from scrap wood and selling them from the company’s shipping dock. This pivot led JK Adams to its first gift show in New Jersey, marking its entry into the housewares industry.

Today, JK Adams has expanded beyond useful kitchen tools to embrace the home entertaining trend, offering large charcuterie and grazing boards. Yet, as Rishell explained, their core values remain unchanged: “We expect people to chop on and eat off everything we manufacture. So everything is food safe.”

Charcuterie board display at NY NOW Summer Market

A Family-First Approach to Business

The company’s longevity is matched by that of its employees. Many have been with JK Adams for 40 to 50 years, creating a family-like atmosphere that Rishell credits for her loyalty. She shared a poignant story about the company’s owner insisting that employees prioritize their children’s needs, even during work hours.

As our conversation concluded, I was left with a sense of JK Adams as more than just a woodworking company. It’s a slice of Vermont, transplanted to the heart of New York City for a few days, reminding us of the enduring value of craftsmanship, adaptability, and family-first values in an ever-changing world.