About

Vocation Meets Avocation

Early in my career as a young IT professional, I attended a training session where an executive drew a distinction between "vocation" — your main occupation — and "avocation" — a hobby or minor pursuit. He argued that the best careers are ones where the two overlap. For me, that idea always fell short. My proclivity for curiosity and creativity has never allowed for a singular pursuit. I've never wanted to be defined by just one thing.

That mindset, it turns out, made me a better problem solver and a more well-rounded professional. It also led to a lot of exhaustion trying to do too many things at once — but I wouldn't trade it.

How It Started

Also early in my IT career, I started watching This Old House and New Yankee Workshop every weekend — going back to when Bob Vila was the host. Those shows pulled me into the world of making. I developed a passion for working with wood, and over 30+ years I built my skills by watching, experimenting, and learning from mistakes.

My first major project? Building my own house — the one I still live in today. Over 18 months of nights and weekends, I learned how to use tools, how to think three-dimensionally, and how to solve problems with my hands. That experience became the foundation for everything that followed. After the house was finished, I began investing seriously in a woodworking shop.

The Craft of Listening

While climbing the ranks in corporate America, I was also building my woodworking skills. I made pieces for my home, gave work to friends and family, and slowly developed a reputation as a craftsman. That reputation led to commissioned work — pieces I usually sold at cost, because the making mattered more than the margin.

Even now, I still feel the weight of a commission. What if they don't like it? What if I don't like it? What if I fail? Over time, I've come to understand that those fears are the most important part of being a craftsman. They keep me honest. They make me ask a thousand questions before I ever pick up a tool — because the goal is always for both the customer and me to be on the same page.

Now

I've recently retired and finally have the opportunity to focus on my craft. After several fits and starts with other platforms, I've landed here — and I'm quite happy with what I've found.

There is one thing I want everyone to know: every single piece in this store was made by hand. I have no means of mass production, and I never will. You will never find a large inventory here, but you can rest assured that everything I sell is one-of-a-kind, made one item at a time, with my two hands.

I hope you enjoy.