Chad Gascho

Chad Gascho, Founder and CEO of Foundry 39, is reshaping the meaning of leadership and craftsmanship in the modern world by fusing sustainability, purpose, and authenticity into every piece of furniture his company creates. Based in the United States, he leads with an unwavering commitment to quality and a philosophy rooted in integrity, rejecting shortcuts in favor of meaningful, handcrafted work that leaves a lasting impact on both homes and lives.

His journey began with a formative experience at Goshen College, where participation in the Study-Service Term in Jena, Germany, deepened his appreciation for design and old-world craftsmanship. This early influence laid the foundation for a career marked by perseverance, innovation, and an evolving sense of mission. After graduating in 1997, he gained hands-on industry knowledge as a manufacturer’s representative, immersing himself in the intricacies of the furniture sector.

In 2002, Chad founded Conrad Grebel Furniture, a brand dedicated to traditional American craftsmanship and Amish construction values. Over the next 18 years, he built the company into a nationally respected name, forging partnerships with retailers and establishing a reputation for furniture that was not only timeless but made to endure across generations. However, in 2020, global disruptions brought unforeseen changes. At the age of 46, he was diagnosed with ADHD, a revelation that brought clarity to the persistent challenges he had faced and marked a pivotal transformation in how he approached both his work and leadership. Around the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the sale of his company, representing a profound personal and professional loss.

Rather than retreat, Chad embraced the moment as a chance to rebuild. In 2022, he reacquired a former sub-brand, Foundry 39, and began a new chapter with renewed vision and direction. Today, Foundry 39 stands as a leading voice in the sustainable interiors movement, producing non-toxic, solid wood furniture that is safe for families, pets, and the planet. Each piece is a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship, free of chemical-laden finishes and mass-produced shortcuts. His design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating healthy, nurturing environments and offering consumers an ethical, responsible alternative in a heavily commercialized market.

Chad’s influence extends beyond design. His journey, marked by diagnosis, resilience, and reinvention, embodies a leadership style that resonates with a new generation of purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He is not defined by titles or scale, but by clarity of mission and steadfast values. His favorite quote by Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up,” has served as a compass through times of challenge and change, reinforcing his belief that setbacks are often the beginning of something greater.

As a leader and a craftsman, Chad Gascho exemplifies how perseverance and principle can shape both business and society. His story is a powerful reminder that the future is not built by those who follow trends, but by those who stay true to their vision, one piece, one choice, one act of reinvention at a time.