Meet our Owners
Husband and wife team Spencer and Melody Ratliff had envisioned opening a shared workshop since 2015, and in the spring of 2020, their dream became a reality. With seven years of experience running his custom woodworking and furniture business, Spencer saw firsthand the challenges of entering the industry and the isolation of working solo. Inspired to make a change, he began by inviting a few close woodworking friends to collaborate in his 3,000-square-foot shop. That successful trial run motivated him to expand his vision into something larger.
Today, Spencer operates both his furniture business, Old North Designs, and Able Trade. His daily use of the shop keeps him closely involved with its equipment, ensuring everything is maintained to professional standards.
With a background in business administration and property management, Melody handles workshop agreements, studio leases, invoicing, and most business operations.
The Ratliffs' passion for community is at the heart of Able Trade, driving them forward through challenges. They believe that working together is always worth the effort.
we are able trade
Able Trade is a group of creative artists, makers, builders, inventors, and most importantly collaborators.
Instead of prioritizing the culture of “mine,” Able Trade believes in the age old concept of sharing.
Instead of isolating in a shop with only piles of sawdust to talk to we believe an awkward smile and nod while you pass by the same people day after day in the long warehouse hallway is best.
Instead of trying to do everything on your own, we think asking for advice, getting help, and working together creates greater success.
Able Trade is a membership based shared wood and metal shop designed for the industrial entrepreneur. We are here to make it easier to enjoy woodworking, metalworking and other art ventures by providing resources, knowledge, tools, space, community and exposure.
GET YOUR SWAG ON
GET YOUR SWAG ON
want to know more…?
In the media
How to Find Us
Our address is 203 W. Jackson Ave. Knoxville, TN 37902. We are at the far LEFT end of the Jackson terminal building. The numbers on the Jackson terminal are super wacky but if you see the colorful stairs coming down from the Gay St. viaduct you will see our door. We are by appointment only for tours so please contact us before popping by because we want to make sure we have someone available to show you around.
Able Trade parking can be found on the gravel along the train tracks from where the pavement ends to our fenced in yard. Please just make sure you don’t block the gate from opening or closing.
