 Many aspects of Ron 's character are based on those of Nick Offerman in real life , such as his woodworking abilities ; Offerman runs an independent carpentry business called Offerman Woodshop . Offerman also plays saxophone in real life , just as Ron does , although the Parks and Recreation writers did not know this when they wrote this element of his character . Offerman 's real @-@ life training in stage combat and Kabuki dance were the partial inspiration for self @-@ defense classes Ron offered his parks department colleagues in " Park Safety . " Ron 's second ex @-@ wife Tammy , who first appeared in the episode " Ron and Tammy , " was played by comedian and actress Megan Mullally , Offerman 's real @-@ life wife . The idea of Ron hating his ex @-@ wife Tammy was established early in the creation of the character , and it was Schur who conceived the idea of casting Mullally , an idea to which Offerman was extremely responsive . 
