About

Modern. Efficient. Timeless.

About us

Part of our success is having an excellent crew who work well together and communicate effectively.

Part of our success is having an excellent crew who work well together and communicate effectively.

O’Brien Wood & Iron began over two decades ago with a single person and a single vision:

Better building by people who care.

Today, the company has grown to include a crew of talented and diverse individuals who have a combined total of more than 60 years in the construction industry. Our personal areas of interest and expertise range from historic preservation and residential carpentry to traditional boatbuilding, Passive House standards, and high-end home design & construction.

Together, we all work to help design, build, and improve your project with great care at every step. In other words: better building by people who care.

Quality materials, superior craftsmanship, distinctive details, high performance buildings, and excellent customer service are the cornerstones of our company. We’re in it for the long-haul, and we guarantee our work will last and meet your standards.

And because we know construction projects can be challenging, we strive to provide you with a team you’ll be happy to have in your home. At OBWI, we take good care of our employees so we can all work together to create a positive work atmosphere in the shop and on-site.


Team

OWNER

Mat O’Brien

Mat has 20+ years of experience working in the building trades and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from MassArt and a Master of Architecture from LTU. Mat brings his eye for design to every project, which is why OBWI is known for its innovative craftsmanship and great attention to detail. Mat started O’Brien Wood & Iron in 2008 in order to provide clients with honest and highly crafted builds. Other than art and design, his background includes a love of Historic Restoration and an interest in high-efficiency and sustainable building practices. When not cheerfully interacting with the day-to-day operations of the business, Mat spends his time with his lovely wife, two daughters, and his pup in and around the woods of Maine.

director of operations

Erin McCue

Erin has over a decade of experience in fine woodworking and furniture design and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Her career path has taken a few winding turns, including managing multiple small businesses in Maine, where she developed a passion for efficiency, problem-solving, and operational excellence. With Lean Six Sigma training, Erin specializes in streamlining processes and reducing waste. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics from Northeastern University, combining her analytical mindset with her hands-on experience. Outside of work, Erin enjoys hiking, gardening, learning new skills, and spending time with her husband, dog, and cat.

Accounts Manager/Marketing Coordinator

Kiera O’Brien

Kiera has been with O’Brien for a year and is currently finishing a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. She has previous experience managing large budgets, ensuring a smooth cash flow, and overseeing operations at various small businesses. She navigates both the financials and marketing at O'Brien and brings a strong balance of analytical and creative skills to her role. Kiera’s dedication to both her education and her work at O'Brien highlights her commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. Outside of work, Kiera loves to go to concerts, read, and explore new places with friends!

 

 

Shop Master

Joe Lendway

Joe Lendway found carpentry over twenty years ago when he was looking for something to do between ski seasons out in Lake Tahoe. His passion for woodworking continued to grow and, after moving back east, he enrolled in the Woodworking and Furniture Design program at the Maine College of Art in Portland. Joe received his BFA with honors in 2015 and he spent the next five years designing and building custom furniture and teaching woodworking classes. He joined the O'Brien crew in 2020. He currently manages the O'Brien woodshop, where he and his dog Okie, and our other team members produce all of our custom cabinetry, furniture, molding, and millwork.   

project Manager - Construction

Brian Watson

Brian has 8+ years of experience in the building trades industry and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine. He got his start in insulation and home energy auditing, which fostered a strong appreciation for energy-efficient homes and sustainability that he brings to the OBWI team. When he's not managing projects, Brian enjoys getting outdoors with his dog Chief, spending time with family and friends, and a variety of activities between the ocean and the mountains that Maine has to offer.

Site Supervisor

Justin Tourigny

Justin "the site boss extraordinaire" Tourigny's energy and attitude is only matched by his better half, Iggy Pup, "the job site terror." He dazzles the building world with his creative problem solving and fast-paced work ethic, only willing to pause production for a philosophical debate that can last hours. Justin splits his time between carpentry and various volunteer projects revolving around his recent Masters in Bioethics.

 

 

Carpenter

Pippa Stanley

Bio to come

Carpenter

Brian Arlet

Brian has 20 + years working in the building trades and prides himself on his dedication to achieving our company’s high quality standards and customer satisfaction. Brian holds a Bachelors of Music Education from USM School of Music. On his free time he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, hiking, fishing and creating art and music.

Carpenter

Tsultrim Yetsang

Bio to come

 

 
 

Carpenter

Sean Collinson

Carpenter

Seger Dailey

 
 

If he isn’t submitting to a hard day of labor on the job, motivated by thrashing metal musics, you’ll find Sean sating his masochistic urges post-holing up Mount Pleasant in 3’ of sleet and snow (in a pair of kicks and short shorts) or on a marathon snowmobile trail, running until the locals look at him side-eyed. A penchant for framing and an intolerance for inefficiency makes him a welcome wonder at any workplace. 

Bio.