Alex Matisse, Founder, Board Chair, and Chief Strategy Officer

Sarah W says, "Truly, he'd rather be fishing."

Connie Matisse, CEO & Co-Founder

John says, “Connie is a role-model everyone should look to: she's brimming with real self-assurance, has the courage of her convictions to speak and do what is right, and is generous in a way that flows naturally from thoughtful compassion.”

John Vigeland, CFO & Co-Founder

Alex says, “Our path winds steeper and deeper into the unknown; John’s our moral compass, always pointing north.”

Cade Hollomon-Cook, Design Studio Manager

Erin says, “I can’t not gush about Cade's personal body of work. I love talking to Cade about their practice and how it is constantly evolving. They approach everything with inquisitiveness and confidence. Each sculptural piece feels like a unique living being you want to get to know better.

Thomas Cook, Lead Managerial Accountant

Cierra says, ”Our dear bookkeeper // He's working on spreadsheets but // Dreams of sourdough."

Kyle Crowder, Data Systems Manager

Thomas says, "Kyle’s skill set and passion for these skills are as well rounded as an East Fork Mug."

Sarah Walters, Lead Sales Associate, Asheville

Mckenzie says, "Aside from being a very talented seamstress, Sarah is beloved among so many of our customers (and staff too) for her helpful and sweet nature."

Whitney Ott, Photographer & Stylist

Annie says, "Whitney has an incredible talent for making light appear to be a tangible element to work with. And she can make a potato chip look like a gorgeous piece of art!"

Jo Kolton, Lead Financial Accountant

Cade says, "Jo comes from Chicago, I wonder if she has seen Monument with Standing Beast?"

Sara Melosh, Glaze Developer

Jeff L. says, "Now there’s a person who knows a Coleoptera from an Ensifera!"

Allison Shearouse, Asheville Store Manager

Demonta' says, “Allison loves ice coffee and loves to smile. She always knows how to make you laugh and she is a great leader.”

Matt Rudloff, Mold Making Specialist

Jessie says, "Matt is so easy to work with and he picks up new things very quickly. I also think if you asked him nicely, he would be able to give you a run- down of all three Mad Max movies from the 80s."

Nicole Lissenden, Art Director

Connie says, "Nicole can make an arrest warrant look good on paper, and she's got great hair."

Annie Schambach, Sr. Store Community Coordinator, AVL

Emily says, "Annie has a great last name, a very great sense of style, and a big heart. She's lived all over the country but it seems like she's found her groove here in Asheville. She's already actively involved in the community as a volunteer at the Literary Council! How cool is that?"

Randolph Dexter, Warehouse Operations - Outbound Lead

Kirby says, "I don't think I've met anyone as dedicated and passionate as Randolph, I mean he has seen Phish live 49 times."

Kirby Wolf, Senior Sales Manager

Marissa says, "Kirby is incredibly warm and vivacious, and anyone who is around her feels her kind heart radiating from the inside out. She also has a killer fashion sense and a fabulous eye."

Marissa Schneider, Customer Care Manager

Savannah says, "Marissa may be the funniest person I've ever known. And when she tilts her head back for a full blown belly laugh... you just can't help but fall in love with her."

Julia True, Forming Generalist

Cierra says, "Julia brings so much brightness and color to the RAM team. She is knowledgeable in all things nerdy, and is solidly on Team Face Cat (because can you imagine what kind of mayhem a dog with hands could cause?!)"

Mike Ball, Warehouse Operations Materials Transfer Lead

Randolph says, "The world would be a better place if we all strived a little bit more to be like Mike. Max, the dog, approves of this message."

Jeffery Ray, Special Order Coordinator

Jeff says, "Jeffery is the epitome of style; stylish of sweaters, stylish of attitude, stylish of heart!"

Meghan says, "Darrin is unapologetically himself, which is an admirable trait in and of itself. He’s a writer, a storyteller, a passionate gesturer—a force to be reckoned with. His humor, animation, and random outbreak of dance moves make him an undeniable joy to be around, and we all have way too much fun because of him."

TJ Hooks, Forming General

Donnie says, "TJ is such a generous human! He's also someone who can remain humble, even in trying times."

Heather says, “Chelsea has many hidden talents, but my favorite is the attention to detail she puts into a good playlist. Her Halloween playlist on Spotify is pretty hard to top!”

Talea Gormican, Quality Control Associate

DJ says, "Talea is always kiln it and never looks glazed and confused. She always brings a warm and positive energy."

Donna Casellas-Banks, Sales Associate, ATL

Jasmin says, "Donna is friendly and welcoming to everyone that comes in!"

Meghan Walsh, Fulfillment Assistant

Darrin says, "This absolutely sweet, hardworking gardener is an absolute thrift-queen with a bodacious walk, a determined attitude, and an energetic presence. 5 out of 5 stars, would recommend getting to know her. Be wary though, she does drink her tea unsweet."

Alejandro Fuentes, Forming Generalist

Virginia Knight, Customer Care Associate

Kirby says, "You can feel Virginia’s warmth and energy the minute you walk in the door! Come say hi at the shop, I promise, her radiant smile is contagious!"

Jessie Rienerth, Mold Shop Manager

Corey says, "Queen of the Ram Press // The Master of the plaster // But a better friend."

Dan Segal, Facilities Manager

Matt says, "I'm truly envious of the rack on his truck, his craftsmanship exudes class!"

Marcus England, Pug Mill Operator

Brandi says, "Marcus has been my Bestie since day 1!!! He always shows up to make me laugh and smile at just the right moment!"

Sheila Higgins, Sr. Environmental Health & Safety Manager

Emily F. says, "I could tell from the day we began our orientation together that Sheila is a force to be reckoned with. She moves through the office with purpose and direction, dressed to impress and always full of innovative ideas but never lacking a friendly hello. But don't let her positive disposition fool you—she just might wrestle you to the ground as she does with her many nieces and nephew!"

Laura Somervill, Kiln Specialist

Marcyanne Hannemann, Glaze Generalist

Cherry says, "Marcyanne has to be one of the best people at the factory to play a game with. They always take extra time in the day to laugh and giggle, and their laugh is absolutely contagious. Marcy gets to know people by being genuine, kind and inquisitive, and getting to know Marcy is like reading a great fantasy novel."

Amanda Huskin, Executive Assistant to the COO

Eva says, "Amanda is an organizational force to be reckoned with and exudes a calm focused energy - which must be how she can parent four herding dogs without going insane!"

Edward Peak, Shift Supervisor

Sarah B. says, "Lidia Is that place you wanna go to, sun is always shining. Truly a friend!”

Devin McMillen, Ceramic Engineer

Matt says, "Someone who brings excitement for clay-body in a way I've never known, Devin's addition to East Fork has been a pleasure as his passion for process and dedication to the team is obvious and inspiring."

Hank Gilliam, Facilities Technician

Daryl says, "Hank has three speeds that all equate to getting the job done....Relaxed, chill and yep."  

Freddy says, "Faye once told me, ‘dripping water boils a hole in the rock’ and that is exceedingly cooler than anything I could say about her.”

Chelsea says, “Heather has a warm, inviting personality and is quick to make someone new feel welcomed. Also her dog’s eyebrow game is on point!”

Mads says, "Emma and I have something in common, which is: woodworking! We have been exchanging tips and tricks and so far it's very clear that Emma knows a whole lot more than I do and is so generous with advice on the use of sandpaper, which stores to go to around here etc. In other words: pure gold for me!"

Mike Suber, Pug Mill Assistant

Philip Cooper, Certified Peer Support Counselor

Philip runs a staffing agency here in Asheville that focuses on supportive employment for justice-involved citizens. Philip is a real force of nature. We have worked with him for several years and he has brought us a lot of amazing people.

Brad Wilson, Advisor

Brad is a former founder of a food and beverage company from Australia and now based in Canada. Brad's experience in running a high growth business to over 100 employees and adding in-house manufacturing and distribution capabilities provides a useful perspective for the daily challenges faced by East Fork.

Amy Chender, Advisor

Amy Chender was the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Social Responsibility Amy was an early investor and she now sits on our advisory board - we come to her for any all questions everything from brand and resale strategy.

Desiree Adaway, Consultant in Diversity and Inclusion

The Executive Team works with Desiree at the Adaway Group for 1:1 business coaching through a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lens.