My journey into woodworking began out of sheer necessity, a story not uncommon for many. Upon purchasing my first home, my modest salary as a high school shop teacher meant that filling it with furniture would require some creativity. Fortunately, the property came with a 150-year-old pole shed, once a tractor repair shop, that offered the incredible luxury of insulation and heating—a true boon in the cold Wisconsin winters.

Believing versatility to be key, I acquired a miter saw as my initial tool. My early creations were simple, crafted from wood that required nothing more than being cut to size. However, my toolkit and skills expanded significantly when I salvaged an old Sears-Craftsman table saw. After decades of neglect, I restored it to working condition, marking the beginning of a deeper dive into the craft.

Equipped with a few basic tools, including a pocket-hole jig, my projects grew in complexity and variety, ranging from entertainment centers to garage cabinets. This was the turning point that transformed me into a perpetual student of woodworking. In pursuit of refining my skills and expanding my workshop, I made the difficult decision to sell my beloved Harley-Davidson to fund better equipment. This investment allowed me to enhance my workshop with upgraded tools such as a jointer, planer, and dust-collection system, alongside acquiring new tools that further broadened my capabilities.

With a better-equipped shop and access to high-quality materials, I ventured into more challenging projects. Each new endeavor not only tested my skills but also contributed significantly to my growth as a woodworker. The quest for new challenges and an insatiable desire to learn have become my constant companions on this journey.

Woodworking has evolved into more than just a passion—it's the essence of my life. Crafting beautiful furniture is not only a pursuit of aesthetic and functional excellence but also a continuous journey of learning and discovery.