Hi, my name is Scott Iler, owner of Iler Woods. Many of you know me from my over 20 years as an educator in the community. I find it so hard to believe this! However, did you know that my passion since a kid has always been woodworking? My dad was a contractor, and I grew up going to construction sites watching him create and build all types of structures. What began as a way to pass time during the pandemic using reclaimed wood and items in the workshop to stay busy, allowed my wife and me to launch a woodworking business. We truly believe that life can be slowed down in the 21st century, even when living in an urban community! For more information about our business, check out www.ilerwoods.com. I have learned in these past three years that it is never too late to pursue a passion!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Where were you born and did you grow up here? Share a little about your childhood and your family.
My family and I moved to Monrovia when I was 14 years old. I attended Monrovia High School. My mom spent her entire teaching career at Plymouth Elementary School, and my dad had a construction company based in Monrovia.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently an educator at MHS. When I am not in the classroom, you can find me in my wood shop where Iler Woods is continuing to grow. This passion project has turned into an online business that serves our community with personalized gifts, collaborations with cafes and businesses, and the list goes on, including a recent gig making charcuterie boards for this year’s Grammys.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite restaurants and cafes are La Adelita, Grey & Cash, Basin 141, and Sweet Ethan’s (for yummy treats).
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I have lived in Monrovia for 35 years. Some of my favorite memories are the parades we have on Myrtle, both the Holiday and Monrovia Days Parade. I have had some great experiences serving as a Monrovia City Commissioner for Community Services, including being a judge for the Holiday Decorating Contest and being a part of various park renovations in town.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
Kelry Kirschenmann, another local entrepreneur in Monrovia has been instrumental with inspiring and helping to launch Iler Woods. She created our entire brand, website, and coached us for the first year purely because she believed in our vision.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to New Zealand. I have always wanted to go snowboarding there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
Forest Gump is by far my favorite movie! I love MASH the TV show.
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
No matter where you are, do your best to make your corner of the world a little bit brighter.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to be a storm chaser and chase Tornadoes!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
Grateful Dead
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Grey & Cash because it embodies the warmth that is Monrovia. I love to see community hanging out, drinking a cup of coffee, having a bite to eat, and in no rush to leave. It has that feeling of “Welcome Home.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose to have lunch with Alan Alda. I have always admired his work as an actor and producer. I would take him to Thai Thyme. Great food and phenomenal service.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
John Cougar Mellencamp wrote a song about growing up in a small town. I know it might sound cliche’, but I love the small town feel of Monrovia and the close-knit community. These two characteristics make it a great place to call Home.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
I can’t think of one LOL
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a teacher in the Czech Republic for a year during my college years.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The most beautiful place I have ever been is Costa Rica. I remember sitting on a beach and pinching myself because I really didn’t think it was real. It felt like we were on a movie set for Blue Lagoon. Only Erin, our girls and I were at this pristine beach with turquoise water and a jungle circling us. Monkeys were swinging from the trees. It was an incredible moment with my family.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is educating and inspiring young people.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A purpose driven well lived life!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife. She brings out the best in me and I always want to give my most to her and my family.
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
The movement I would want to inspire is World Literacy – the ability to read and reason helps a person to develop an educated decision about their choices and sets a level playing ground for everyone.
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Hard work, integrity, and humility.
