In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines (iced coffee edition—because sawdust and wine don’t mix), Rashelle Newmyer sits down in Newberg, Oregon, with designer and artist Ken Trox to explore his creative journey from corporate design to custom craftsmanship.
Ken’s career began in graphic design and branding for Fortune 500 companies, but his true passion came to life when he traded pixels for products. What started with a Glowforge in his garage and a few night markets has grown into a global business—selling cribbage boards, custom lights, and even viral “snot box covers” on Etsy.
With humor and honesty, Ken shares the highs and lows of small business ownership (“it’s like being in a love-hate relationship”), his playful approach to experimenting with stains and materials, and the joy of creating things you can actually hold. He delves into sustainability, upcycling, and finding ways to transform waste into opportunities, all while keeping design at the heart of everything he does.
They also talk holiday shopping, why September is the best time to order custom gifts, how shipping delays can throw a wrench into last-minute plans, and why shopping local makes a real difference. Ken invites listeners to the Art Harvest Studio Tour in October, where his workshop (alongside 40 others between Newberg and McMinnville) will open to the public for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. He also shares insights into pop-up markets, how face-to-face feedback has shaped his products, and what it takes to balance production time with community events.
For those ready to support small businesses this holiday season, you can find Ken’s work on Etsy, at TroxDesign.com, and through his social media channels. Whether you’re local or across the country, his one-of-a-kind pieces bring together artistry, functionality, and a little East Coast grit.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), and enjoy this lively conversation about creativity, resilience, and the beauty of handmade.
Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle
