Meet The Team:
Jake and Andrew met through mutual friends while studying at Ferris State University. Their mutual “no quit” and “can do” attitudes paired with their shared interest in the trades and entrepreneurship made them immediate friends. After countless adventures across the country and state together, Andrew’s wife declared the pair the “Bad Idea Factory”. After graduating college they went their separate ways for work, Jake in D.C. and Andrew in the United State Marine Corps, they kept in touch but the “Bad Idea Factory” was closed. After five years of living outside Michigan, the Bad Idea Factory was back up and running, except this time with a good idea. Jake and Andrew both decided to quit their current careers to pursue their dream of owning their own woodworking business.
Jake Witte
As a young man Jake sought every opportunity to get his hands dirty and learn the skilled trades. With a family member working in every trade, those opportunities were not hard to find. He spent summers working with uncles and cousins at various job sites giving him an exception background with problem solving and understanding how everything works. After graduating from Ferris State University with a degree in Applied Math, he moved to Washington D.C. and worked at a prestigious “Think Tank”. Here he honed in his mechanical mind by developing tools and software to solve problems. Realizing Michigan was home he moved back in 2020 and shortly after co-founded Bad Idea Factory.
Andrew Harper
Growing up he knew he loved working with his hands, building anything, and problem solving. He worked residential construction during summers and never shied away from a challenge. After graduating from Ferris State University with a degree in Construction Management, he joined the Marine Corps as an Infantry Officer. Here he was taught how to critically think through problems and how to find creative solutions. He traveled to over a dozen countries and learned the different methods of problem solving different militaries used. He ended his active duty service in 2020 and immediately moved back to Michigan and shortly after co-founded Bad Idea Factory.
Ferris
Ferris has been here since the beginning. She is the brains, muscle, boss, quality control, mascot, and “shop dog”. She loves being around people, particularly Andrew, no matter the conditions and really is a good girl. She is a firm but fair boss who motivates Jake and Andrew when needed but also distracts them for the occasional belly rub.
Ferris says “Bad Idea Factory is one heck of a company. While I am a little biased, they receive five stars from me. Shoot them an email and they can make anything you need!”