Finding Balance: Why JD Barrett Woodworking Chose Rural Alberta Over the City

In a world where hustle culture is the norm, John and Tracy Barrett of JD Barrett Woodworking have carved out a different path—one rooted in craftsmanship, community, and a quieter pace of life.

Their journey began across the pond in the UK, where John, a skilled joiner, launched a successful renovation and woodworking business. After relocating to Canada, they set up shop in Airdrie, Alberta, serving a growing clientele. But when their lease ended and a peaceful property in Alliance caught their eye, they embraced the opportunity to shift gears.

Now settled in the heart of Flagstaff County, the Barretts are living what many dream of—combining high-end craftsmanship with the calm of rural life.

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Why Rural Alberta?

“Living in Alliance gives us breathing room,” John shares. “In the city, it felt like we were always on call. Out here, we still do the work, but with more balance.”

While they still commute to Calgary for projects, the Barretts now enjoy the benefits of a slower pace—gardening, long walks, and quiet mornings on the deck. Tracy, who works alongside John in both operations and installations, says rural life helps them stay grounded.

“It gives us mental space. We’re fully in work mode when we’re in the city, then we get to recharge when we’re home.”

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Building a Business from the Prairies

Even from their quiet workshop in Alliance, JD Barrett Woodworking continues to take on high-end projects in Calgary. Their reputation and commitment to quality craftsmanship speak louder than any marketing campaign.

“We don’t rely much on social media. Most of our work comes through word-of-mouth and long-standing relationships with designers and contractors.”

Tracy Barrett

From sleek cabinetry to custom furniture, each piece is handcrafted with care. And while many of their projects land in million-dollar homes, they’re looking to bring more of their work closer to home.

“We’d love to do more in Flagstaff County. Eventually, we want to offer a semi-custom cabinet line for local homeowners—something between big-box basics and full custom.”

John Barrett

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The Best of Both Worlds

For John and Tracy, Alliance isn’t just home—it’s a way of life. Surrounded by the peace and beauty of rural Alberta, they’ve built a custom woodworking business that serves clients in Calgary and beyond, all while staying rooted in a close-knit community. Their work reflects the care and craftsmanship that comes from living in a place where quality of life matters.

Their story proves that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of lifestyle. Rural living has given them space to create, focus, and grow their business on their own terms. It’s a reminder that with the right vision, small-town life can fuel big dreams.

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A Lesson for Local Makers

John and Tracy’s journey is full of inspiration for small businesses in the Flagstaff Crafted community. Here’s what others can take away:

• Reputation over reach. Their business thrives on referrals, not reels.
• Boundaries boost creativity. Rural living gives them space to focus and recharge.
• Innovation can grow from quiet places. Their plan to offer semi-custom cabinetry is rooted in understanding their local community.

John and Tracy are a great example of what rural entrepreneurship can look like today—creative, connected, and thriving. They show that when skill meets heart, there’s no limit to what you can build. So, if you’re wondering whether the quiet life might limit your business, JD Barrett Woodworking proves the opposite: you can grow something meaningful right here in the Flagstaff Region—and still make waves far beyond it.