Million-Dollar Revenue, Innovation, International Success, and Recognition: How Ukrainian Dmytro Antonenko Became a Master of Model Kits for 20 Countries Worldwide
Dmytro Antonenko is an entrepreneur and creator whose name has become synonymous with success in the 3D model kit industry. His brand, Wood Trick, is well-known far beyond Ukraine, with its models sold in more than 20 countries around the world. Million-dollar turnovers, an innovative approach, and a significant contribution to the development of the technical sector have made Dmytro Antonenko a recognized inventor and a role model in business.
Starting from a small garage in Berdiansk, Dmytro managed to turn his hobby into a global-scale business. Today, his company produces over 120 unique models that have captured the hearts of thousands of people worldwide.
“Each model isn’t just a kit but an opportunity for someone to feel like an engineer and creator. I care about ensuring that our products develop logic, patience, and even bring generations together,” shares Dmytro Antonenko.
His journey began with a childhood love for modeling. “Since I was a kid, I loved taking apart and assembling bikes, motorcycles, anything I could get my hands on. It felt like magic—turning separate parts into a working mechanism,” he recalls. Later, this passion found new life when his son asked him to build a wooden model reminiscent of LEGO. That moment became the starting point for the creation of Wood Trick.
Today, Wood Trick’s products are much more than toys. They are engineering masterpieces made from eco-friendly birch plywood, featuring movable mechanisms and complex designs. The largest models consist of over a thousand parts, and their creation takes months. “We experimented a lot with materials before choosing plywood. It’s safe, reliable, and allows us to achieve high levels of detail,” notes Dmytro Antonenko.
Dmytro Antonenko’s contribution to the development of the technical sector is hard to overestimate. His innovative solutions and attention to detail have demonstrated how Ukrainian companies can successfully compete on the global market. Moreover, he inspires young entrepreneurs, proving that it’s possible to build a global business even from a small town.
Today, Wood Trick is not just a production company with over 40 employees but also a powerful source of inspiration for thousands of families, as well as a patented business in several countries.
“It’s important for me that our kits unite people and inspire creativity. I want everyone to realize that even from a simple material like plywood, you can create true masterpieces,” shares Dmytro Antonenko.