Daily Inspiration: Meet Bret Draxten

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bret Draxten.

Hi Bret, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From Hobby to Nationwide Movement: The Story of American Grains

GLENDALE, Ariz. — What started in 2016 as a weekend hobby making wooden art for friends and family has grown into a full-fledged patriotic brand with fans across the country. American Grains, founded in Glendale by craftsman Bret Draxten, first caught major attention after being featured on FOX Business with Charles Payne — and the response was overwhelming.

That exposure launched Draxten into running American Grains full time. By 2018, the company expanded to a full woodshop in Wellington, Colorado, allowing for larger projects and more custom creations. Not long after, Draxten teamed up with Jimmy Pauscher, and together the two now travel the country sharing their work, celebrating American pride, and meeting incredible clients along the way.

American Grains is more than just a woodshop — it’s a fully customizable creative space where everything from storefront signs to one-of-a-kind American wall art is handcrafted with care. Each piece reflects the company’s passion for quality craftsmanship and patriotism.

“We love what we do, and we love the people we get to meet doing it,” said Draxten. “It’s about more than the art — it’s about sharing a message of American pride.”

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. With four children and being the primary source of income for his family, Draxten admits it hasn’t always been easy. But through it all, his wife Vanessa and their children — Hunter, Cashlyn, Celia, and Haven — have stood firmly behind him and American Grains. Each of them has even pitched in at the shop, experiencing firsthand the rewards of hard work and creativity.

“For us, it’s always been about passion,” Draxten said. “When you love what you do, and your customers love it too, it fuels everything. The greatest reward has been giving back to our service members — that’s what makes it all worth it.”

His message to others chasing a dream is simple: “If you find something you truly love and are passionate about, never give up.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At its core, American Grains is all about turning wood into works of art with a purpose — celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and patriotism. The shop creates everything from small, thoughtful pieces to large statement designs. On the business side, American Grains crafts custom wood business cards, personalized coasters, and other unique gifts that companies love sharing with employees and clients.

For those looking to bring patriotism into their homes or offices, the team builds hardwood American flags in a range of sizes — from small desktop displays to impressive large-scale wall pieces. They also design high-end cornhole boards, customized concealment boxes, and chiseled works of art that honor America’s spirit and showcase the pride and precision of true craftsmanship.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Giving back has been part of American Grains’ mission since day one. For Draxten and his team, it’s more than just building products — it’s about making an impact. Supporting service members and giving back to the community is what fuels their drive.

“What motivates us most is seeing the gratitude from the people receiving our gifts,” Draxten said. “That’s what keeps us inspired to keep building more.”

Pricing:

• Coasters starting at $5
• Desktop flags starting at $50
• Medium flags starting at $150
• Large flags starting at $275
• Custom Concealment boxes starting at $600

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Americangrainsusa.com
• Instagram: @americangrains
• Facebook: @americangrains