Welcome to Kraken Timberworks
My name is Mike Burnam, and I am proud to lead this new chapter as both a Navy veteran and a master woodworker. My journey began in the high school woodshop, where a simple block of wood became my first canvas for creativity. Over the years, I have grown from crafting humble paper towel holders to designing and building million-dollar kitchens, embracing woodworking as my lifelong passion and creative outlet.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Family
At the heart of every project is my dedication to my two wonderful boys. Each venture is grounded in my commitment to be present for them—sharing the values of hard work, dedication, and true craftsmanship.
Experience Beyond the Workshop
My adventures stretch far beyond sawdust and wood shavings. As a proud Navy veteran, I spent time dodging sandstorms in Afghanistan and learning the difference between “resilience” and “just plain stubbornness.” But the real plot twist? I was based in Atsugi, Japan, for three years—yep, three years of trying (and failing) to master chopsticks while living on the other side of the world. That gig let me hopscotch all over Asia: Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Guam, Iwo Jima, and Hong Kong—collecting enough passport stamps to wallpaper my shop and accumulating stories that would make my sushi chef blush. Oh, and did I mention I spent three years at sea? Turns out, nothing builds character (or a strong stomach) like chasing typhoons, learning to sleep through anchor drills, and realizing that on a rolling deck, even coffee can become a full-contact sport. All those wild experiences gave me a fresh perspective, a love for adventure, and an uncanny ability to locate the nearest ramen shop anywhere on earth.
My career has also taken flight—literally—as a dual-rated pilot. I’ve flown helicopters and served as a captain with American Airlines, honing precision and responsibility that now define my approach to woodworking and business.
My career has also taken flight—literally—as a dual-rated pilot. For 14 years, I soared through the skies in helicopters, ferrying oil workers to offshore rigs in Louisiana (where the only turbulence came from their stories), playing hero as a medivac pilot in New Mexico (sometimes dodging tumbleweeds), and getting up close and personal with Chinooks while battling wildfires across the Pacific Northwest (those trees never send thank-you cards). These airborne adventures, plus my time as a captain with American Airlines, have given me a knack for precision, responsibility, and a fondness for keeping both feet—and lumber—firmly on the ground these days.
As an airplane pilot, I flew for a variety of airlines—my last gig was as a captain for Envoy Airlines, which basically means I knew my way around a coffee machine at 35,000 feet. My job took me everywhere from sunny Mexico to the far-flung corners of the United States, including Minot, ND, where the winter air was so cold at -40°F, I sometimes wondered if my face would shatter like windshield glass. I’ve collected enough stories to fill a hangar, but none compare to the joy of stepping off a plane and remembering that lumber never asks you to de-ice it before you get to work!
Kraken Timberworks: A Commitment to Heritage
Kraken Timberworks is more than a business; it’s a testament to skill, integrity, and a deep commitment to home and heritage. Every piece I build honors my past and shapes a future with my sons by my side.
To me, woodworking is about building a life—one project, one day, one cherished memory at a time. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
