An Artisan Market

A Touch Of Funk - Richard Funk

By Robert Waldner

For Richard Funk, life is all about creating and sharing his passion with others. “When I was growing up, my dad restored cars,” he says. “I worked with him on a lot of his restorations, but cars were never my

thing. However, I was always interested in unique furniture.” While he didn’t pick up his dad’s passion for vintage automobiles, Richard did

inherit his creative flair and propensity for physical labor.

He credits these acquired traits and his deep faith for the success he enjoys. “I am grateful to God for blessing me each day,” declares Richard.

Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Richard moved with his family to the small town of Interlachen, Florida when he was a child. “I grew up in the country,” he says. “It was a setting conducive to my sense of creativity, especially working with wood.” Richard’s natural artistic talent coupled with his zeal for working with his hands led him into the profession of restoring houses. “My entire life, I have always had this innate desire to take things and make them more useful and better,” he emphasizes. “That is what made me want to restore homes.” During his time in the home restoration business, Richard worked with clients on custom projects. “One day, one of my clients approached me with the idea of teaming up to build farmstyle and nautical furniture,” he explains. “That was the beginning of the business I have built over the last ten years.”

A play on his own last name, ‘A Touch of Funk’ tastefully and creatively displays the fruits of Richard’s labor. Comfortably settled in his 3350 US1 South location for the past year, ‘A Touch of Funk’ has inhabited multiple locations over the last decade. None have been more successful than this one. The space has even allowed Richard to introduce an Artisan Market, where he teams up with fellow crafters

to display and sell local handmade goods. “Initially we started here in St. Augustine,” says Richard. “Eventually we split the company and I moved around quite a bit.” In the early days of his venture, Richard

rented space at the St. Augustine Flea Market until its closing. “I sold my pieces in Palatka and Astor for a while and eventually started selling at the Daytona Flea Market. I found limited success at those locations,” he elaborates.

Now, feeling a genuine sense of belonging, Richard and his business are quickly becoming a niche fixture in the greater St. Augustine area. When you walk through his shop, you will see a wide array of unique

handcrafted pieces made with locally sourced materials like whiskey and wine barrels, live edge wood, and reclaimed wood. Items like Adirondack chairs, tables, and guitar stands adorn the establishment with many of his custom pieces displaying items such as sauces and trinkets made by other talented local artisans. “Ninety five percent of my work is custom orders,” says Richard. “We also sell a lot of common pieces and do rentals as well.” Utilizing the common sense and old school know-how that he received in his youth, Richard maintains the work and life he has always felt destined for. “Where I am right now is what I have always envisioned,” he asserts.

“While I want to grow my clientele, I don’t feel a need to get any bigger. This space is perfect for what I want to accomplish.” Recently, Richard has grown his social media presence by posting photos of his work on his ‘A Touch of Funk’ Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Serving a wide price range, Richard’s custom line has included patio bars, barstools, whiskey barrel sinks, baby bassinets, and dining room sets. His zest for life and pride in the business he has built are evident in his craftsmanship and the quality of each piece he creates. “This is the best job in the world,” Richard emphasizes. “My work is rustic. There is no need for flawlessness. The imperfections in woodwork are what give it character and make it desirable.” In the true sense of his business title, Richard gives his customers a touch of the legacy he has led through his work. “I value simplicity,” he introspects.

“This is not something I went to school for. It is a skill I learned and honed throughout my life.” With his business being a reflection of his progressive career, Richard resolves, “I don’t see myself retiring. So, I’m happy to spend the rest of my life doing what I love.”

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