A young man in a U.S. Marine dress uniform with a white cap and dark jacket.
An older man standing with arms crossed in front of a large American flag, wearing a black t-shirt, a safety vest with tools, and a cap, inside a workshop or garage.

Meet Keith Bernon McCain, founder and owner of KBM Woodworks.

KBM Woodworks was born from the steady hands of a former Marine who traded his rifle for tools but carried forward the same discipline, integrity, and pride. What began as a simple desire to stay busy in retirement quickly became a calling, one that lets Keith uncover the beauty in what God has already placed on this earth.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Keith is a true Southerner at heart. But years ago, the wide-open spaces, slower pace, and rugged beauty of Montana called to him, and he listened. Today, nestled in a small town surrounded by mountains, he spends most days in his shop with classic rock pouring out the speakers, sunlight catching wood-dust particles in the air, and a project taking shape beneath his hands. Come late afternoon, you might also find him there unwinding with an ice-cold beer, a Georgia Bulldogs game playing in the background, and the satisfaction of another day creating something that will outlast him.

A steadfast patriot, Keith has been honored to donate multiple handcrafted pieces to local nonprofit Big Sky Bravery’s fundraising auctions, supporting the active-duty Special Operations Forces community. His specialty - embedding memorabilia and military challenge coins into his work - has become a signature touch. Each piece becomes more than wood and craftsmanship; it becomes a generational heirloom, a symbol of pride, legacy, and service.

Keith’s roots in service are deep and generational. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971–1975, reaching the rank of Sergeant. His USMC service includes: 2nd Marine Division, Camp LeJeune, NC – Infantryman; 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Beaufort, SC – Ordnanceman.

His father, Keith McCain Sr., served in the Marine Corps from 1947–1974, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) after a distinguished career as an Infantryman and Combat Engineer. Father and son served in the Marine Corps at the same time for three years, an uncommon and powerful overlap of service. One of Keith’s proudest memories is standing as a Sergeant at his father’s retirement ceremony, witnessing the legacy he would carry forward.

Now a beloved local in Three Forks, Montana, Keith is known just as much for his craftsmanship as he is for his heart. He’s a familiar face at the town’s breakfast hangouts and an enthusiastic supporter at his grandkids’ sporting events, ballet recitals, and school activities. Of all his titles in life, “Peepaw” is the one he treasures the most.

To everyone who shows interest in his work: thank you. Keith is deeply honored to create statement pieces that carry meaning, legacy, and craftsmanship built to last for generations.