About Us

When I was young I helped my neighbor, Charlie Bingaman, a carpenter with
some of his projects. He was ninety years old and still working. He has always
been a true inspiration to me. I learned from him how to use some tools rarely
carried in today’ s toolbox - hatchet, slick, shin hoe , adz and rip saw. After I
graduated from the carpentry program in high school, I worked for ten years in
the construction business. Over the years I found that new construction work
held the least interest for me. I started my own business in 1980 remodeling
old houses, putting in bathrooms and kitchens. I developed more skills with
complex building issues overtime, especially working in many historic houses
in the area.

In 1986 I needed a dramatic change in my life. I took off on an around the
world trip for eighteen months, landing first in New Delhi, India. This was my
first time out of the country. I followed this with another long trip to Australia
and New Zealand. I spent those two and 1/2 years walking, biking, hitchhiking and riding on cramped buses and trains in many different countries. India was my favorite place because of all its extremes. The art, architecture and culture were overwhelming and inspiring. The word improvise took on a whole new meaning for me. I was constantly amazed by the degree of craftsmanship that was executed with the simplest of tools.