Nick Abrams: Founder of Anchor 13 Designs
Nick Abrams is the youngest of three brothers in a family deeply committed to service. Both of his grandfathers served in the military, while his parents pursued careers in the medical field. His brothers also carried that spirit of giving back—one became a teacher in two school districts while coaching four sports teams, and Nick, alongside his other brother, felt called to serve in the military. Needless to say, service, in one form or another, runs through Nick and his family.
Nick joined the Coast Guard right out of college and has since been stationed throughout the United States. His service has taken him across the Pacific Ocean, where he earned two titles steeped in tradition: The Golden Dragon, bestowed upon those who cross the International Date Line, and Shellback, for those who cross the equator.
Becoming a Shellback marks the sailor leaving the title of newcomer and entering the elite group of those who have endured this time-honored initiation.
From Hobby to Passion: Woodworking
Nick began woodworking with his dad… “Pinewood derby cars, holiday snowmen, and wood rings for the back yard…Too many shoes on the floor? I built a shoe rack. Roommate moved out and took his TV stand? I built an oversized bench that fits the TV and picture frames.” Anything someone needed, Nick found a way to make it.
As Nick’s military career progressed, he would see the plaques, paddles, and awards commemorating one’s service. This sparked the idea for Nick to start capturing these moments for those he served with. He ended up making a paddle for a member who was leaving the unit without a departing gift. That moment showed him how meaningful it was to create something tangible that captured a person’s service and experiences.
“The more I built, designed, and learned, the more I found that spending 5-8 hours a day in the garage after an 8-hour day at work was not only fun, but helped reduce the stress and preoccupation from work.” Nick jokes that what started as a way to pay for an expensive tattoo habit became a place for him to have an outlet between back-to-back shore rotations.
Anchor 13 Designs
Enter Anchor 13 Designs, Nick’s business is dedicated to memorializing life’s milestones—military or otherwise. The more he built, the more he realized the impact his pieces had on those commemorating such essential moments in their own life. He shares, “I never thought I’d end up building for others, because I figured most people would buy or build for themselves, like I did.” The novelty and personalization of his work resonate with people who want gifts that truly mark life’s milestones. From custom American flag coin racks to countless departing plaques, his pieces allow others to celebrate their achievements with something deeply meaningful and lasting.
When people visit Nick’s page online, he wants them to know that each post he shares is in celebration of an achievement for someone else. And he continues to carry on a life of serving others. “Whether it’s military-related or not, my builds are in someone’s house and bring them a sense of accomplishment when they see it.” Each piece is anchored in a reflection of achievement and the moments worth remembering.
Balance and Resilience
“Time management isn’t something that works itself out; it’s something you work at all the time. We’d all love to come home from work and decompress, eat dinner, and spend time with the family. But sometimes getting after what you’re passionate about needs your time, and you need to make that time and enjoy it.” For Nick, that sometimes means sweating in a Texas garage wood shop in the summer heat. But then recognizing when it’s time to make time for the things that matter—like being present at home.
Nick attributes resilience to the strength within his marriage. Something that changed from his younger days spent on the gun range. “Ok, I know that sounds cliche and typical, but truly, having love, respect, and support every day, and having someone to love, to respect, and to support is powerful stuff.”
Nick’s journey illustrates that service takes many forms—whether through the military, teaching, woodworking, or family life. His story is a reminder that passion can become both an outlet and a way to continue serving others.
To learn more about Nick and Anchor 13 Designs, use the links below:
