With the popularity of live-edge tables dominating the creative scene, Unique Live Edge Tables has found its niche
By Mary Malik
There are entrepreneurs and then there’s Bruce Hanusosky. Bruce takes entrepreneurship to a whole new level and not because he’s been creating and running businesses since he was in high school. Bruce combines passion and talent to create high-quality products and services that fulfill a demand at an attainable price. It’s a business model that’s worked out pretty well for the past 55 years and one he’s now executing at Unique Live Edge Tables in Mentor. His Matchworks Building location offers a décor and vibe that reflects the nature and characteristics of his products. Stop in, enjoy a beverage and browse his beautiful creations.
Unique Live Edge offers ready-to-purchase, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind all-wood and wood/epoxy resin river tables, coffee tables, end tables, sofa/console tables, pub tables, occasional tables, benches and more. Charcuterie boards and wall art round out the collection.
“I love designing and have always been a tinkerer,” Bruce says. “I started my first auto body repair and painting business in 1968 while also working at a local Shell station.”
That started Bruce off on a career of owning and operating businesses including that Shell station he purchased at age 19, a race shop, T-shirt shop, landscape business and race car driving school, among others. Bruce is best known for High Tech Performance Trailers, which he founded in 1981 in Painesville. The company was the first of its kind, designing and building premium luxury transporters for NASCAR, IndyCar and many other performance racing series. High Tech quickly became the leading luxury transporter manufacturer in the country and Bruce credits his highly skilled woodworkers and tradesmen for the most unique interior designs in the industry.
Bruce is not only passionate about life, he’s a creative innovator who, in retirement, has turned a love for woodworking into a new passion. So when Bruce’s partner, Diana Wilson, asked if he could make a table out of a piece of wood, this entrepreneur took the first crack at his latest enterprise. Now, Bruce is utilizing that old business model of filling a need with the highest-quality craftsmanship.
“When Bruce takes something on it’s much more than a hobby. He’s dedicated to the process,” Diana says.
Bruce says he just expects what he creates to be perfect. Oh, is that all?
“I use my creative vision for each piece of wood taking into consideration its unique characteristics,” Bruce says. “And here, you can touch and feel the quality of the product and if you don’t see exactly what you want, I can work with you to create it.”
Bruce uses a diverse range of wood species including black walnut, various types of maple, ash, oak, honey locust, elm and cherry. Most wood is locally sourced with a smattering of European exotic maple, olive and zebra wood from other countries. Research supports the benefits of bringing non-toxic, carbon-positive natural wood elements into your home for reducing stress and anxiety and connecting with nature.
“Some tables are made from reclaimed or rescued wood or fallen trees that have begun to decay and form unique designs,” Bruce says. “I chisel off the bark, sculpt the edges and when an epoxy resin, polycrylic semi-gloss or hand-oiled finish is applied, the wood’s true beauty is revealed.”
Bruce mounts each finished slab on a base or legs in such a way that they can be changed out to fit the customer’s needs.
“I love working with my hands to create something beautiful for people to enjoy,” Bruce says. “At this stage of my career, what could be better than that?”
Unique Live Edge Tables is located at The Matchworks Building, 8500 Station St., Suite 103 in Mentor. Find more information and store hours at www.uniqueliveedge.com, Facebook and Instagram. For an appointment call Diana Wilson at 440-226-0447 or email unique.live.edge@gmail.com.