The Catholic Pipe Company Celebrates Unique Creations in Thayer County

At a young age, Caleb C. Mitchell discovered that his voice in this world came from creating with his hands. Founder and owner of Deed & Glory Custom Shop, Mitchell started with a focus on using new in-house innovations for prototyping and building custom duck decoys. While operating under Deed & Glory, it wasn’t long before he found a different avenue to expand his voice. The Catholic Pipe Company is an extension, and focus, of Deed & Glory Custom Shop.

The Catholic Pipe Company

Mitchell’s idea of custom pipes started as a hobby. He began making tobacco pipes purely out of curiosity and only for himself. He says, “The first few were pretty good. But, I began with the wrong materials. Before long, I was purchasing premium materials and making pipes for others.” Well, as the adage goes, the best advertisement is word of mouth, and soon, The Catholic Pipe Company was born with new tools, additional materials, and staying true to creating customizations.

“The focus has always been the same - when I fashioned those first few pipes, I built them how I wanted them and incorporated artwork I liked. When we make a pipe for a customer, it’s very important that we create something that they’ll love and appreciate. Because we build pipes in-house, we control every facet of construction. And we do not take that opportunity lightly - we bring the customer into every aspect. Ultimately, the theme, whether it be a prayer, saint, or bible verse, is personal to each pipe and customer.” - Caleb C. Mitchell.

Why Thayer County?

Born in Hebron, Nebraska, Mitchell was raised outside of the county. It was 30 years later when he and his family moved to Thayer County, where businesses grow and families thrive. Mitchell says, “The community here is second to none. Relationships aren’t business-oriented, they’re personal. There’s no better place to be for business, family, or personal sanity than Thayer County.”

Though The Catholic Pipe Company is based in Nebraska, Mitchell’s clientele is global. His company has created and shipped pipes to over 40 states and several countries including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, England, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Poland, Spain, Japan, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Yet, Mitchell’s redeeming reward is when Thayer County residents visit the customization shop. He says, “It’s a lot of fun for folks to see the different tools, machines, and software we have here in the shop.”

As The Catholic Pipe Company grows, Mitchell has no plans of leaving Thayer County. He says, “Whatever I need … I can make a phone call or just show up and get the same response, Hi, Caleb!” Because the community has supported Mitchell’s family and business through thick and thin since they relocated, he’s “teeing up focus” to back the community just the same. 

Last Words

The Catholic Pipe Company is a unique, hidden gem in rural America. Its creativity flourishes through the booming agricultural community of Thayer County. Continuing to scale up, Mitchell says the priorities will remain,

“We started with offering individuals personal service for a product that means something personal. Our tagline is Your Saint. Your Prayer. Your Pipe and we really do take that to heart, offering our work to the Glory of God.”

Although ‘Catholic’ is in the name, Mitchell is adamant that being Catholic is not a prerequisite to being a fan or a customer. He asserts the pipe company will accept and create beautiful works of art for his Protestant brothers and sisters.

When asked if there was anything he wanted people to know after reading this piece, Mitchell said,

“When’s the last time you sat still, quietly watched the sunset, and did not look at your phone? Smoking a pipe forces a slowdown from the busy lives we all live. It is a relaxing, leisure-inducing, contemplative activity. It relieves anxiety and stress. It takes us away from the buzz, drone, and speed that has become so commonplace, so stressful, and so detrimental to our well-being.

As C. S. Lewis once said, ‘A pipe gives a wise man time to think and a fool something to stick in his mouth’.”  

In conclusion, TCEDA proudly welcomes and celebrates bold entrepreneurs who dare to dream big, take risks, and drive innovation. We recognize that these visionary leaders are the backbone of thriving communities, job creation, and long-term economic growth. By offering a supportive environment, valuable resources, and a collaborative network, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Together, we can build a dynamic, resilient economy fueled by courage, creativity, and ambition. Reach out today to put your dream in motion.