Customer in Residence

“This is not really woodworking; it is craftsmanship on a much higher level.”

– Jack East, Three-Time Customer in Residence

Our Customer in Residence (CIR) program officially launched in September of 2007 when five long-time Moser customers spent a week with us at our shop in Maine building furniture and staying in Freeport’s historic Harraseeket Inn. After some ten years, the program has blossomed into an immersive experience that has attracted hundreds of guests from all around the globe — some with no prior experience, others with years of woodworking under their belt. Doctors, engineers, performers, and more all joined by the desire to craft something out of wood with their own two hands. To register or inquire about the program, please call Steve Wyman at 800.708.9041 or email CIR@thosmoser.com.

Program Overview

CIR is a weeklong immersion into our Auburn, Maine workshop for customers who wish to experience the process of building a piece of Thos. Moser furniture themselves. Each participant works side-by-side with a master craftsperson. From the selection of raw materials to crafting the fine details, your mentor will be there to assist you from start to finish. Among many things, that participant will learn about the intricacies of joinery, the shaping and molding of solid wood and even how to bring out the natural luster of wood with the right amount of wax and elbow grease. All CIR participants will share their workshop experiences on a daily basis, as well as take part in a trip to the local Grange Hall where we had our first shop, as well as several special group dinners.

Participants will stay at the renowned Harraseeket Inn in Freeport and have dinner at some of the area’s best restaurants with members of the Moser family and the company’s management team. There will also be ample free time to explore Freeport and the Thos. Moser flagship showroom, as well as Portland and surrounding areas. The session will end with a special signing ceremony during which participants and their Thos. Moser partner will sign the piece they have built.

The cost to participate in the CIR program varies depending on the piece that each attendee chooses to build. There is an all-inclusive program fee that includes materials, lodging, two special dinners, lunches at our workshop and transportation to and from the shop. Cost for upcoming sessions starts at $9,000, which includes a minimum project price of $4,000 for the furniture project that is being built.

Upcoming Sessions

Sessions fill up far in advance, especially for the summer months, so we encourage you to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Program dates for 2025 coming soon. 

Register Today – for Yourself or as a Gift

Contact us today to inquire about program availability or to register for a session. Please contact Steve Wyman, program coordinator, by calling 800.708.9041 or by email at CIR@thosmoser.com.

Customer in Residence FAQ

Q: How are CIR participants selected and can the general public sign up for the program?

A: We invite anyone, with any level of experience to participate. Due to the popularity of this program, we have a growing list of people who expressed a serious interest in participating. Slots are generally reserved on a “first come, first served” basis by making a deposit. While there is no requirement that people have purchased our furniture in order to be eligible for the program, we give preference to people who have done so because it is thanks to them that we are able to make a living as furniture makers.

Q: Can the CIR participants build anything they want? How much flexibility does a customer have to customize their piece?

A: Each CIR participant is welcome to choose any piece from our standard furniture designs. We then work with each participant to help determine what might be most appropriate based on their individual skill and experience level in woodworking, and the time allotted during the week. We are open to customization requests (i.e., alternate wood species, finish, hardware, dimension change, etc.), however, the ability to accommodate such requests, and whether or not a surcharge is appropriate, is evaluated on a case by case basis and may vary with the piece chosen and type of customization requested.

Q: If a couple wants to participate together, is there an additional fee?

A: We often have couples participate together and the price is dependent on what they are building. We’ve even had a proposal on the shop floor!