LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nick Thieneman enjoys working with his hands, and creating things “that are beautiful and functional.” So it makes sense that he’s a carpenter at Rockerbuilt Studio, a metal, fabrication and woodwork shop in Louisville. It’s also a natural fit because Thieneman is a musician.

Since August 2019, Thieneman has worked in the woodshop at Rockerbuilt Studio, working on various projects like a gate for a local brewery when Spectrum News 1 paid a visit. 

“I just have to make sure I am very careful with my fingers so I don’t lose them,” Thieneman joked.

Those ten fingers are also very important for his main passion, playing guitar and bass. It's a talent that has allowed him to tour with various bands, such as Foto Crime and Young Widows, which is something Thieneman hasn’t been able to do because of the pandemic. 

“Not having that feeling is something that I feel like everybody in my community misses very much and is very ready to get back to,” Thieneman said about touring.

However, once he does go back to life on the road, he’s in a supportive space to do it. 

“I would say that drummers are the hardest to find, but for whatever reason, I work with three and two of them are my bosses. That’s pretty funny,” Thieneman said.

Brad White and Andy Cook are the co-founders of Rockerbuilt, but they are also drummers and artists. Hence the name Rockerbuilt, stuff built by rockers. From grand staircases to mobile bars, Rockerbuilt makes anything a client or its co-founders can dream up.

One doesn’t have to be a musician or artist to work there, but the co-founders like to hire them. 

“We all speak the same language, and it’s usually easier to convey abstract concepts to other people that are far out like us,” Cook explained.

One of those concepts Thieneman helps with is fifteenTWELVE, located in the same building as Rockerbuilt. It’s the co-founders’ passion project that is funded by the commercial and residential projects of Rockerbuilt. FifteenTWELVE has space to host live shows, events, art exhibitions, and offers areas for artists of all kinds to work. 

“There’s so much potential and working towards that is really great,” Thieneman said.

Rockerbuilt is also a place where artists support artists in more ways than one.

“Yea, we have deadlines, but at the same time the flexibility is what keep the employees happy,” White said.

That’s because when one employs musicians and artists, flexibility is key.

“I’m ready to get back out on the road for sure, but it will be nice to come back here and work in between,” Thieneman said.

Rockerbuilt and fifteenTWELVE are located at 1512 Portland Ave. in Louisville. FifteenTWELVE is open to the public and has a coffee shop plus 15 specialty craft, art studios and retail spaces.