About Us
We're a husband and wife team with a love for all things creative and unique.
Our company started out from turning a bad situation into something good.
In 2014 DJ was in a severe auto accident with a semi truck that didn't stop at an intersection. DJ hit the semi and had 6 surgeries on his hands and arms as the result. Thankfully, he was okay, but he was never able to go back to his job as a Steamfitter.
He would try and tinker in the garage to get his hands moving again...he literally had to re-learn how to do everything. Milissa found a lamp on Pinterest that she wanted for our living room. It was a floor lamp made from basic pipes and had a modern industrial look to it. DJ smiled and told her he could design something even better with supplies he already had in the garage.
The next day he gave her a light made from pipes that featured a valve, a large gage on top, and Edison light bulbs...she loved it and so did everyone who visited our house! That's when he decided to start making pieces to share with the world...and Dennis John Industrial was born!
Dennis John Industrial, was DJ's line of handcrafted home decor and furniture made from rusty old salvage materials. His products have been shown in numerous issues of Taste of Home Magazine, and help furnish cool places like Roast in Times Square (New York City) and PT's Brewery in Las Vegas!
We've had a busy few years of attending markets and expos with our products, but we dreamed of having our own store and creating a special place. We sold our home and moved to Door County to pursue our dream!
Pretty much everyone thought we were crazy, but we believed in ourselves. And when we found our property that DENN is currently on, it was perfect and felt meant to be because the road is County Road DK (which is DJ's initials) and the school across the street has eagles everywhere (it's their school mascot) and that's Milissa's good luck charm!
DENN started out SO different than what it is today. It was just a small store with art and antiques...a place for DJ to sell his furniture pieces and Milissa's crafts. We grew over time and every year we add more. DENN has evolved into a family fun destination that can be enjoyed by all ages. We are so lucky to be living our dream and to work alongside each other!!!
DJ had a successful career as a Journeyman Steamfitter and Milissa has a background in Broadcasting and Marketing.
When he's not working, DJ enjoys spending time in his garden, or creating in his workshop. He's also an avid thrill seeker in the mountains and in the water!
Milissa is often found in her studio creating with her lasers and sublimation equipment or drinking her way through all the local coffee shops. She also is a Door County Certified Tourism Ambassador!
We hope you come visit our unique store in Door County!
Milissa & DJ, Owners of DENN