In South Oklahoma City, Tyelinda and Mike Baumgardner are building more than just beautiful wood paneling and décor—they’re building a family, a business, and a sense of purpose. As the owners of Rockin’ Wood, a company that specializes in reclaimed wood products, the Baumgardners have turned a side gig into a full-time business that ships their creations across the country. From California to New York, their rustic wood panels and home décor products are helping people bring a little piece of Oklahoma’s charm into their homes, especially in places where reclaimed wood is hard to come by.
A Humble Start
Rockin’ Wood wasn’t always the large-scale operation it is today. In fact, it started out as a small side project. “We started back in 2013, just selling wood to Hobby Lobby,” Tyelinda recalls. “They were buying unlimited amounts of wood for their picture frames made here in Oklahoma City.” But when Hobby Lobby’s orders suddenly stopped, Tyelinda and Mike faced a crucial decision: pivot or scale back. They decided to take their business online, and that’s when everything changed.
“We got on Amazon and it just took off from there,” she explains. Tyelinda, a former speech therapist, made the leap to run the business full-time, while Mike, who had previously owned a boat dealership, focused on Rockin’ Wood as their primary venture. The shift to online sales was a game-changer, but it also required them to learn new skills quickly. “We had to learn how to ship packages, print shipping labels, and even how to ship pallets,” Tyelinda says. “It was a lot to figure out!”
@rockinwood Who are we and what do we do? We sell reclaimed wood and make rustic home decor products here in THE USA and ship them out to you. Do you have a rustic DIY project in mind? Do you love Barn Wood? We are your source for everything reclaimed wood. #woodmaterials #woodcrafting #woodaccentwall ♬ Don't Let Me Go – Lane 8 & Arctic Lake
Growth and Challenges
Today, Rockin’ Wood employs about ten full-time workers, many of whom have been with the company for several years. As Tyelinda explains, “We have a crew of about 10 full-time employees, and they’ve all been with us for several years.”
The business has expanded significantly, shipping reclaimed wood products to various states, especially places like California and New York, where reclaimed wood is less accessible. “Most of our products go to the West Coast and the East Coast,” Tyelinda shared.
Despite their growth, the Baumgardners continue to run their business with a personal touch. “We’re making everything here,” Tyelinda said. Although they mainly operate online, they occasionally receive local walk-ins. “We do have customers that walk in sometimes and buy products here… people are always welcome to come in and see what we have.”
A Life-Changing Moment
While running a small business always comes with challenges, the Baumgardners faced an unexpected one in 2020 when Mike experienced a life-threatening health scare. Mike recalls the moment vividly: “I was getting ready to come to work when it felt like someone reached into my chest and ripped everything out. My legs stopped working, and I knew something wasn’t right.”
After rushing to the hospital, Mike was diagnosed with an aortic dissection—a condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears. He needed emergency surgery, which saved his life. “I went from not taking any medication to taking seven pills a day,” Mike shares. The experience was a turning point for the couple, reminding them of the importance of family, time, and the life they’ve built together.
For Tyelinda and Mike, the experience deepened their appreciation for the freedom that comes with owning a small business. “We work hard, but we get to spend more time with our kids and take long weekends when we need to,” Tyelinda explains. “That’s the life we’ve always wanted, and we’re thankful for it.”
A Mission Beyond Wood
At the heart of Rockin’ Wood is more than just wood paneling and décor—it’s about giving people a second chance. Tyelinda and Mike have made it part of their mission to hire people who might not get a chance elsewhere. “A lot of our employees probably wouldn’t get hired at other places because of their pasts,” Tyelinda says. “We believe in giving them a second chance, and it’s amazing to see how it changes their lives.”
Many of their employees have shared with the couple how working at Rockin’ Wood has helped them turn their lives around. “We’ve had people who struggled with addiction get sober, become good parents, and even buy their own homes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see that kind of change,” Tyelinda adds, tearing up. For the Baumgardners, creating a family-like atmosphere at work is just as important as the quality of their products.
Looking Ahead
As Rockin’ Wood continues to grow, the Baumgardners are thinking about the future. They’re constantly looking for the next big thing and exploring new product ideas. “We’d like to get more focused on certain products,” Tyelinda says. “We sell everything from egg trays to Christmas ornaments right now, but we’d love to find a more direct niche.”
For now, they remain committed to their core values: family, freedom, and community. “We’re living the American dream,” Tyelinda says. “We get to work together, make a good living, and truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Whether it’s through their beautifully reclaimed wood products or the second chances they provide to their employees, the Baumgardners and Rockin’ Wood are leaving their mark—one piece of wood and one life at a time.
To get in touch with the Baumgardners and Rockin’ Wood, check out their featured business profile below! You can also find them on social media at:
Amy Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman. She’s the host of the Queen Lead Podcast, a motivational & marketing keynote speaker, and the CEO at HITE.
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