To make a long story short...
Since I was 5 years old, I knew I wanted to be a computer programmer when I grew up. I really loved figuring out the puzzles of bossing computers around. Solving problems and engineering complex algorithms always spoke to me. In 1999, I moved to California having landed my dream job at the age of 23.
I've also always enjoyed working with my hands; even as a kid. In 2004, I began woodworking as a hobby with my first shop which was half of a 1-car garage in the duplex we rented. Being a programmer by nature, my brain tends to latch onto things it likes very strongly. Woodworking was no different, here.
Before long, I'd outfitted my shop with all of the typical woodworking tools. I was constantly learning as many new things as I could. For a few years, I taught classes with the local club and found a passion for sharing my knowledge with fellow woodworkers.
My job as a programmer allowed me to build my shop through a lot of bargain hunting and lucky timing. I like to say I spent my days building things in the digital world that didn't exist and my nights building things in the physical world that you can actually feel and touch.
This also fed my desire to pursue leaving behind some kind of a mark on the world, if you will. I want to make things that will last longer than I do. I want to leave the world better than I found it. Building furniture and also dabbling with building guitars later on helps me do this. I also filmed a lot of my shop time and posted to YouTube regularly. This fed my need to share knowledge and experience with the world.
It was always pretty likely that one day I would mix my programming skills with my building abilities. By 2010, I had been branching my shop out into basic metalworking and machining. I designed and built my first CNC machine and quickly learned that CNC was not magic. This was perfect for me. I love solving puzzles and coming up with elegant solutions.
In 2016, after 17 years as a programmer in the fast-paced tech industry, I realized I'd lost my curiosity for the field. It was time for some kind of change. I decided to take a sabbatical that summer.
After a few years of building and running a successful business making Branding Irons for woodworkers, I decided to add some capabilities to my shop. This was when I purchased an industrial laser engraver. I really enjoy trying out new things on the laser and have decided to start making wood bookmarks with it.
The experience has been incredible and I'm enjoying having the flexibility to offer the products I enjoy creating while also building some great friendships with my customers.
