Meet the Maker

Jesse Turner — Founder of Wekiva Riverworks

Welder. Woodworker. Craftsman. River-raised Floridian.

Born and raised along the Little Wekiva River in Longwood, Florida, Jesse builds every piece with the same calm focus and hands-on skill he learned growing up on the water. His work is shaped by the place he calls home — the cypress trees, the quiet bends of the river, and the old Florida wilderness that still lives in his backyard.

Jesse is a self-taught welder and woodworker with a natural gift for shaping raw materials. From handcrafted canoe paddles to forged metal bracelets to rustic art and custom builds, every item carries his fingerprints, his patience, and his connection to the land. His craftsmanship is rooted in authenticity — no shortcuts, no mass production, just skill, intention, and heart.

After leaving drinking behind and committing to discipline and creativity, Jesse founded Wekiva Riverworks to honor his family, his river, and the code he lives by:

Built by Hand. Inspired by the Wild.

Each piece is crafted one at a time in his riverside workshop, using reclaimed wood, solid hardwoods, steel, copper, and natural finishes. Every paddle tells a story. Every bracelet carries the character of the forge. And every product reflects Jesse’s belief that the things we carry and hang in our homes should mean something.

Welcome to Wekiva Riverworks — a place where craftsmanship meets river heritage, and where the maker is as real as the work itself.