Bruce Powell: From Jamaica With Love

For years I lived in close proximity to ’s woodshop located in the bricked industrial area of Mechanic Street in Pawcatuck. I would pass owner Bruce Powell on the road, always receiving a big smile and a wave. We had never met but fell into a comfortable neighborly rapport from one car to another. I’m guessing this is par for the course with Bruce. 

The outreaching, warm and easygoing artisan, originally from Georges Plain, Jamaica, Is well known in the area for creating beautiful furniture and custom cabinets. Many locals remember the A.B. Powell showroom located on Stonington Road for many years, but now the shop on Mechanic Street  is where you’ll find Bruce and wife Holly. 

Growing up in Jamaica, one of six children and the son of a farmer, Bruce was surrounded by family. He played in the rivers and kicked a soccer ball around. With a smile, Bruce recalls his father developed a persistent passion for Jimmy Carter. His family had little wealth and while Bruce was appreciative for all his parents provided, had higher aspirations for himself. 

“At 11 years old, I would work odd jobs and try to go to school at the same time but by the age of 14, I realized school wasn’t for me.” Bruce said.

Bruce quit school and with the help of a friend, developed woodworking skills. According to Bruce, everything in Jamaica was done by hand and this was how he learned.

Bruce’s wife Holly was visiting Jamaica when she and Bruce met swimming at a resort. Describing the ambient turquoise waters and palm trees Holly said, “It was love at first sight. We knew right away.” 

Holly recalls Bruce was unusually ambitious within the casual nature of his culture and often passionately working into the late hours. 

They were married in 1991 and one year later Holly returned to her hometown of Westerly with Bruce. He built guitars for Guild while woodworking on the side and developed enough of a clientele to open A.B. Powell in 1999, followed by a showroom the following year.

With a background in art and design, Holly managed the showroom and is now the principal designer for A.B. Powell. The Powells both agree that their ability for customer rapport, service and accessibility makes their business special. They build with premium materials and with no middleman, allowing them to provide a high quality product with the competitive pricing of big box stores. 

”Bruce designs, builds and installs, over all this produces a better finished product,” Holly said.

Now, 12 years later, Bruce and Holly have a solid business and live in Pawcatuck with two college age girls. They enjoy getting back to Jamaica to visit family every couple of years. 

Bruce likes the Stonington area: “I get along with everybody even the younger kids; I see them on the street and there’s a mutual respect.”

Bruce, having received help finding direction as a teenager wishes to pass on the favor. He plans to expand his business and also wishes to raise enough money for a larger space accommodating a youth woodworking program. A larger space, he explains, is essential for safety and would allow him to pass his skills onto the next generation.

"There are kids on the street who are not college bound,” Bruce said. “Who is helping these kids?”  He continued, “Hopefully someday I can.”