March 20, 2008
Rocky Mountain News Ventures Column
by Marisa Ware
Text Appears Below:
"BeetleBench
Furniture made from beetle-killed lodgepole pine
Price: benches, $78-$118; raised dog bowls, $48-$58
Where you can get it: e-mail beetlebench@comcast.net
Business owners: Alan Gould, Connie Gould and Keith Frank
Location: Lakewood
Tidbits: When Alan Gould learned of the unprecedented outbreak of pine beetles in Colorado's forests, he saw an opportunity to make something beautiful out of something tragic. With skills he picked up while building period furniture at the Littleton Historical Museum, Gould began creating benches out of the beetle-killed lodgepole pines. "The joinery and methods used are from a bygone era," Gould said. "You're getting a modern piece of furniture with historic value."
BeetleBench makes benches and raised dog bowls, both of which are coated with an oil-based UV protective coating for indoor or outdoor use. All products use traditional methods of joinery, meaning there are no mechanical fasteners. "We are trying to utilize a piece of Colorado history that people can own," Gould said. "Our vision is to create these strong and simple benches that will last for centuries and be passed down through families."
When it's possible, Gould leaves the traces of the pine beetles in his furniture. While the patterns of tracks and the characteristic blue stain left behind by the beetles don't affect the integrity of the wood, they do show that beauty can be found even in loss.
For more information: 720-684-7124"
March 21, 2008
KOA 850 AM Radio Interview with Steffan Tubbs and April Zesbaugh air date
May 5, 2008
99.5 The Mountain Interview with Robbie Knight for her Green Report air date
September 4, 2008
CNBC TV: Money Grows on Dead Trees
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=843770026&play=1
September 23, 2008
KCFR Colorado Public Radio Interview "Colorado Matters"
News Feature: Frisco Holds First Annual BeetleFest to Ward Off Pine Pest
http://www.kcfr.org/cgi-bin/comatters/comatters_play.asx?play=4294&type=comatters.asx