FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I continue to learn by doing. I stay informed by trade journals and keep abreast of new tools and techniques. I have taught adult education woodworking classes in the past.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I got a lathe for Christmas on my 13th birthday and started make presents for my family. I found an outlet for my creativity. I studied Architecture at K-State but realized that I would not be as happy unless I could work with my hands. I decided to just get a job at a cabinet shop, take what pay they would give me, and learn by doing. I was fortunate to have a person like myself who had been a woodworker for about forty years who taught me an amazing amount of the basics. I then started working at a cabinet shop on a bid basis for a few years until the opportunity came to purchase the business operations. After that I started taking on jobs and have been doing bigger and more elaborate jobs as time went on. My approach was always to learn and develop the skills needed by experience and from other experts in the field.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
I would say there are two types of jobs. Those jobs that involve an architect, designer, or contractor, and those that are direct with the client. The direct projects are usually much smaller with immediate needs such as hang some doors, or build an some cabinets. The larger jobs usually involve others to go between and coordinate and communicate the needs of the client. I have done complete houses with every bit of the woodwork...staircases, doors and elaborate trim details, to the kitchens cabinets that are many millions and take several years and multiple trades to complete. And I have done smaller projects like a basement remodel that still is very elaborate, but taking 8 months to complete. I have had builders call me for a staircase only, or to hang and case some doors, or to run crown molding in few rooms with some office waincot, or perhaps to trim a whole new house. There are also people who contact me individually to install some pre-fab cabinets, to build a stair railing, or to trim a basement they are finishing themselves.