Hi, I am Kendra Patterson. Wife, Mom of 2 amazing kids, and business owner! We own Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage here in Mason. I am very passionate about supporting small local businesses and helping my community of Mason by promoting Michigan-made products. I love hosting events at my store that help bring people to visit our town and to experience all the things Mason has to offer.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two wonderful children, Savannah (11) & Brayden who is almost 10! My husband Trevor and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary this year! I am so blessed!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My husband and I started Michigan Barn Wood & Salvage as a fun hobby business that we ran out of our previous home in Leslie. We quickly outgrew that space and ended up purchasing our building here in downtown Mason that was ideal for our lumber company. Now, we not only sell reclaimed lumber but we started a furniture company called Crimson Oak Wood Co & we house over 100 Michigan small businesses in our showroom! I love hosting unique monthly events that highlight our amazing team of vendors and their Michigan-made products. It has been so rewarding helping build their businesses and see the impact it makes!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My absolute favorite is The Vault Deli! The ranch is THE BEST!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I graduated from Eaton Rapids but my family is all from Mason so I spent a lot of my time here!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tawni Faust! She was one of my first friends when we moved to Mason and she is by far the most interesting person in my life!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Anyone who knows me knows I am not a traveler. I am so happy to live in Mason and I can enjoy anything here in Michigan. Home Sweet Home!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Schitt’s Creek.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Support Local Small Businesses!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To see Celion Dion in concert with Sarah Russell!
Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
I will jam to Lady Gaga!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Depot Diner! I loved walking in and saying hi to friends and enjoying the best breakfast! It was a great way to start the day!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Lunch with Joanna Gaines at The Vault eating sandwiches with extra ranch!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There is something special about the local businesses here who help support each other! I also love our downtown events!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would love to be doing exactly what I am doing now!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I stopped breathing all the time as a baby and had to wear a breathing machine monitor every day until I was 3!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I really love Holland! Tulip Fest is magical!
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month, holiday and date are all July 4th! I love summer, fireworks, parades, and barbeques!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Fraser Tea English Breakfast.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Dad, Jim Hinkle.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lilacs & Fresh cut grass in Spring!
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Cori Thackery, owner of Sweetlees Boutique!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, comfort, and family!
