Soul of 78: Josh Wade
Finisher, MDM Design Studio
Words by Micah Harrison | Image by Ryan McGill
Originally from Oakman, Josh Wade moved to the Double Springs community when he was in the seventh grade. He graduated from Winston County High School in 2011 and now lives in Jasper, where he juggles various roles in his professional life.
Josh's journey into the painting and finishing business started at Fontaine Steel, where he first learned the craft by painting 18-wheeler trailers. In 2018, he took a position as paint manager at Millwork Supply's cabinet shop in Jasper, where he deepened his expertise in a trade that enhances the heart of any home: the kitchen. In 2020, he moved to MDM Design Studio in Birmingham, Alabama, where he now specializes in high-end custom furniture and cabinets, helping others realize the individual elements of their dream homes through his meticulous work.
In addition to his full-time job, Josh runs his own side business, Josh's Finishing and Restoration. Having begun with small jobs, he expanded in 2024, focusing on outdoor decks and residential exteriors key elements that contribute to making a house feel more like a home. He dreams of eventually dedicating himself full-time to crafting furniture and restoring cabinets.
On the personal front, Josh and his high school sweetheart, Nikki, welcomed their son, Axton, in February 2023, expanding their own home with joy. They are active members of the Hope House Church in Jasper, where Josh serves as the worship pastor. "I was invited to lead worship one Sunday at Hope House, and afterward, the pastor asked me to fill their worship pastor vacancy. It was an easy transition and a big blessing. Definitely a God thing" he says.
Music, a legacy passed down from his grandmother, remains a cornerstone of his life. "My grandmother was a really big musician. I would have never picked it up had it not been for her," Josh says. "When I was twelve, she taught me my first three chords on the guitar, and it has just grown from there."
Josh's experiences highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability, which have guided him through various phases of his life and career. Whether crafting a custom piece of furniture, restoring an old cabinet, or leading worship at his church, he brings a unique blend of dedication and creativity to every endeavor.
And as he continues to expand his business and embrace new challenges, Josh, with a supportive family by his side and a clear vision for the future, proves that anything is possible with a little bit of hard work and faith. 78