Union University Conference Table

This spring, I had the incredible honor of working on a project that was both professional and deeply personal. Union University, my alma mater, recently replaced their basketball gym floor. From that floor they salvaged the baseline letters “BULLDOGS” that had been the stage for countless games, victories, and memories—and commissioned me to transform it into a custom conference table.

As the owner of The Maple Knot, I approach every project with care, but this one carried a weight unlike any other. Union isn’t just where I earned my degree. It’s where my faith was strengthened, where lifelong friendships were made, and where I met my wife. My family’s ties to the university run deep, and to be entrusted with preserving a piece of its history was nothing short of humbling.

The process itself was both challenging and rewarding. Working with material that had lived a life of its own—scuffed by sneakers, marked by years of competition—meant honoring its story while giving it new purpose. I carefully reconditioned the wood, reinforced the structure, and designed the table so that the iconic lettering could remain the centerpiece. What once was walked across in a gymnasium now serves as a table where leaders will gather, pray, dream, and make decisions that shape the future.

More than a woodworking project, this felt like a blessing from God; a tangible reminder that the skills He gives us can be used to honor the places and people who shaped us. I am deeply grateful to Union University for the opportunity, and I pray that this table will stand not only as a functional piece of furniture but as a symbol of legacy, faith, and community.

Thanks for taking the time to read this entry. Would love to read your feedback in the comments.

Jakob Perkins, TMK

Colossians 3:17