About Us
Who We Are
T-REX was born.
Pete came up with a totally new method of constructing post and beam frames. He is one of those unusual individuals who can identify problems, create a solution, and then move the product through engineering and prototype to final product. First it was the T-REX Connector and then by building structures with the connectors, he developed a set of tools for both accuracy and efficiency.
It wasn't long before Pete asked his daughter, Laurie, to come on board to propel his idea forward. They had been working with each other on and off for over many years prior, so it was natural to combine their time and energy. As a co-owner, she brings to Connext Post & Beam her marketing skills, organizational drive and great love of people.
Connext Post and Beam was developed.
2023 marks the ninth year Pete and Laurie have co-owned and worked together with the business. It was the perfect strategy for building a business from ground up. Connecticut Post & Beam evolved into Connext Post & Beam and became a respected company offering a viable alternative to post and beam framing. Their connectors and tooling have been shipped to all 50 states and most provinces in Canada. The T-connectors received patent number US 9,920,531 on March 20, 2018 and the Rotary Table and Chainsaw guide received patent number US 10,882,205 on January 5, 2021.
In August, Peter J. Charest passed away after six months of fighting cancer that had resurfaced. His legacy remains in each connector created and in every phone call we take.
How We Are Different
The Connext system is easier, faster and less expensive than other methods. Unique woodworking skills are not required - lowering the cost of construction and enabling use of post and beam in more situations. The final product has the structural strength of traditional methods while providing a sleek, classy look.