Two men, Rick Bulan and Paul Block, have made successful careers out of turning discarded items into beautiful and functional pieces of furniture and art. Bulan, inspired by a handrail from the Golden Gate Bridge, founded Golden Gate Furniture and creates lamps, tables, and other items from steel. Block, who worked as a chef in Napa Valley, creates furniture from wine barrels and grapevines. Both men have taken creative risks, learned new skills, and embraced change in their businesses.
Block, who studied sculpture and environmental design, has been passionate about finding creative reuses for discarded materials for years. He founded Wine Barrel Furniture and has created pieces that will last for generations. Block’s work has earned him recognition for his impact on the wine industry and his commitment to sustainability. He continues to find new ways to repurpose discarded items and is now looking to start a waste management program at a winery.
In contrast, Bulan’s inspiration came from a handrail from the Golden Gate Bridge, and he launched Golden Gate Furniture using steel from the bridge. Bulan has spent almost thirty years developing his metal art, learning new skills like TIG welding and plasma cutting along the way. Although finding new bridge sections for his work has been a challenge, Bulan remains optimistic and continues to design new products using the steel he has.
Both Bulan and Block have embraced their careers wholeheartedly, investing time, effort, and passion into their creative endeavors. They are not afraid of change and are always looking for new opportunities to grow and expand their businesses. Bulan acknowledges the uncertainty of the future but remains confident that he will find a way to continue creating his unique pieces. Block sees his impact on the wine industry as significant and believes that the longevity of his work will only increase its value over time.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, both men have found success and fulfillment in their work. Block believes that his furniture will continue to have value long after he is gone, while Bulan remains focused on designing new products and serving his customers. Both men have a deep love for their craft and are committed to creating art that is both beautiful and sustainable. The innovative and environmentally conscious work of Bulan and Block serves as an inspiration for others looking to turn discarded items into something new and meaningful.
