The Beginning

In mid 2004, straight out of high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. Motivated and full of patriotism fueled by the still recent November, 11th attacks, I dedicated myself to serving.

After serving for four years in the Marine Corps and deploying on three combat tours in Iraq, I was honorably discharged. Back home and looking for work, I became an EMT for an ambulance service, which evolved into joining my local fire department. After several years, I wanted to better help people beyond just medical emergencies, so I transitioned into law enforcement.

My law enforcement career spanned almost 10 years as both a municipal police officer and a Sheriff's Deputy. Eventually, though, time catches up with us. In early 2020, injuries from my past did just that, and I was forced to hang up my belt and walk away from public service.

Since then, I've battle physical injuries and mental ones, eventually turning to the VA for help. It was then that the therapist I was seeing sparked what would become my woodworking journey. 

"Find a hobby that you can get lost in.", she said to me.

The Journey

My woodworking journey is ongoing, and I still consider myself an apprentice of the craft. It's a form of therapy for me, where I can tune the world out and get lost in. I like to focus on the small details, like the joinery and the way the grain moves across the piece, and make something that has its own personality. For me, it's not really about just making something to sell, but making something that has its own identity and will bring its own character into your home.

Each piece of wood is different from the others, and finding patterns that compliment each other and come together to create a piece that has its own voice is a joy to me.

The Flow of the Grain

I handmake each piece, giving each one my full attention. All of my pieces stray away from using screws, nails, and staples; I believe that true, functional, pieces can be joined together with the right joinery. This not only adds to the personality, but adds to the longevity and strength of the piece. 

You may find a similar item for less money elsewhere, but the difference will be in the small details that many large makers lose along the way... the joinery, the flow of the grain, and the joy of making something.