The Roots of Jensen Outdoor: A Tribute to Max Jensen (1954–2025)

Maxwell Albert “Max” Jensen (1954–2025)

Today we mark the passing of Maxwell Albert “Max” Jensen—craftsman, founder, and the original mind behind what would become Jensen Outdoor. Max passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at the age of 71.

An Australian entrepreneur with an intuitive eye for form and material, Max launched Jensen Jarrah in 1980, working with native Western Australian hardwoods—particularly jarrah—to build honest, beautifully made outdoor furniture. His earliest designs often began with timber offcuts from flooring mills, repurposed into enduring dining and lounge pieces. It was a quiet act of resourcefulness that foreshadowed the company’s long-standing alignment with sustainable forestry.

In the early 1990s, Max introduced Jensen Jarrah to the North American market, where his distinctive use of jarrah and commitment to quality quickly resonated with retailers and designers. When the availability of jarrah declined in the 2000s—driven largely by overuse in the flooring industry—Max chose not to compromise. Instead, he reimagined the business.

In 2008, he forged a pivotal partnership with the Roda Group in Bolivia. Together, they transitioned the brand to FSC-certified Ipe timber, preserving the company’s design integrity while deepening its commitment to responsible sourcing. That move gave rise to Jensen Leisure Furniture, LLC—and eventually, Jensen Outdoor.

Though Max stepped away from ownership shortly thereafter, the company he founded still bears his name. Its approach to craftsmanship—material-forward, detail-driven, and built to endure—traces directly to his ethos.

We extend our respect to Max’s family and colleagues, and our gratitude for the lasting standards he set. His imprint on outdoor design remains visible in every corner of our work.

A visual tribute is available here: