About Us
About Ryan Drapela
Entrepreneur from an early age. Ever since I can remember I have always tried to improve upon or create something. Whether it be making and trying to sell little wooden skateboards in the 3rd grade to making and selling duct tape wallets in middle school or even selling candy to help pay for high school lunches. I have always been looking for something to fill the need of others and myself. I have always been the wild one with crazy ideas and high energy! To me that is the only way to live! I am a recent college graduate of Texas A&M University. With the help of my family and friends, I was able to run this business while attending college, to help pay for college tuition. I think anyone can do anything they want in life as long as they have a burning desire to do so and they are persistent about doing it. One of the best ways to learn is from failures because if it’s too easy it’s not worth it! I also love good food and love to cook! I can eat BBQ everyday of the week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still go to bed full and with a smile! Hope ya’ll have a Great Day and best wishes :)
“It’s not because you got to. It’s because you get to.” - Ryan Drapela
How Drapela Works Started
A little over 6 years ago I had to make a table for the local county fair. The table ended up doing very well in the competition and even another competition and the rest is history. I fell in love with working with wood and becoming a wood entrepreneur. Over the years, we have had many successes and failures, MANY MANY FAILURES , but that is how we learn and grow. I started off with the cheapest tools I could find and slowly grew my shop to what it is today. During a long drive back from the shop to college (running on no sleep), I decided that I needed to start making products that would be the perfect gifts for the person that has everything else. I started making phone docks and fell in love with the simplicity and organizational ability of this handy little item! Soon, I starting designing more products and learning more about life and business. My shop has slowly been growing and is managed by me. My parents help me with shipping and friends help me work on the weekends when there is not enough hours in a day for me to do it by myself. I love what I do and I will continue to grow and bring new products to market.
About The Staff
Owner, Ryan Drapela
Growing up on a farm in the countryside of Texas made me realize the small things in life mean the most, and hard work will never fail you. A recent Texas A&M graduate, I am putting all of my time and energy into Man Stands, and thinking of new products to grow our business.
Foreman, Tommy Drapela
My Father manages the shop and makes sure projects get completed. He pretty much runs the shop when I am not able to do so. Without Dad managing the shop like he does, I would not have been able to attend college and run the business simultaneously.
Wood Fabrication, Anthony Rocha
Anthony does whatever needs to be done in the shop in order for products to be made. He is the reason they are smooth and beautiful. He goes through each piece and hand inspects each one.
Shipping, Brenda Drapela
My Mother, she does all of the shipping for Drapela Works, and without her the shop would not be able to function. She keeps everything in line and orderly!