Born and raised in West Virginia, I learned carpentry skills at an early age by assisting my grandfather and father. At the age of 14 I rode my bicycle to my first paying job as a carpenter's helper during the summer months. I worked every summer with various builders until I took I full time job as a carpenter in 1975.
Although, in 1977, I began working in the chemical industry in research and development, woodworking continued to be a major part of my life. I set up a small shop in the basement of the first house I built in 1979. I have continued to expand since then.
In 1990 I joined the newly formed Valley Woodworkers of WV, Society of American Period Furniture Makers in 2005 and Mountaineer Woodturners in 2010. During this time frame I traveled the craft circuit in West Virginia for 3 years and sold gift items I made in my shop.
In 2009, after more than 32 years in the chemical industry, I left and obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fine Woodworking from New Rive