About the Founder
Drake Zion is the founder and operator of The Zion Woodshop LLC, a custom woodworking company dedicated to creating high-end, handmade serving boards and furniture for both commercial and residential clients. With a passion for craftsmanship and a deep commitment to community and ethical business practices, Drake has built The Zion Woodshop as a Christian-based, community-driven company that prioritizes sustainability. He strives to reduce waste in the woodworking industry by giving new life to lumber that might otherwise be discarded or left to rot.
Drake’s journey into woodworking began during his freshman year of high school, when he enrolled in shop class. What started as a curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Inspired by hands-on challenges and eager to learn, he dedicated himself to mastering the craft. By 2020, with encouragement from his shop instructor and first mentor, Drake began exploring entrepreneurship—sharing his work on social media, creating his first business cards, and taking on small commissions.
The early stages of his business were marked by resilience. After losing his father in 2021, Drake faced personal and financial hardships, but the support of his school community and the guidance of his mentor helped him push forward. That same year, he debuted as a vendor at his school’s annual craft fair, where he nearly sold out of his products and earned over $1,200 to begin building his own shop.
During his senior year, Drake expanded his skills through the Northland CAPS program, gaining valuable business, leadership, and networking experience, including an internship with a marketing company. These opportunities solidified his vision of growing The Zion Woodshop into more than just a business—it became a platform for serving others.
Today, Drake is a Junior at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and continues to grow The Zion Woodshop LLC into a recognized name in custom woodworking. He remains committed to honoring his father’s legacy of generosity, giving back to the community through volunteering, supporting nonprofits, and mentoring others who aspire to pursue their dreams.
For Drake, woodworking is more than a trade—it’s a way to craft meaningful connections, create sustainable products, and inspire others to see the beauty in giving new life to what others might overlook.
Additional information/interviews:
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-drake-zion
https://boldjourney.com/meet-drake-zion
https://voyagekc.com/interview/hidden-gems-meet-drake-zion-of-the-zion-woodshop-llc