Thanks for having me as a member of this forum. My story...
- After earning my MBA, I worked in high tech. In my last position before starting my business, I ran a division of a publicly traded company.
- I formed my own technology business in 1998. At our peak we had 100-employees. I sold it after 20-years to Konica Minolta.
- I remained with Konica Minolta for 5-years, leading to my retirement in 2023.
- In preparation for retirement I took a deep dive into developing fine woodworking skills in 2018. I focused on flat-work. I worked out of a 2-car garage shop that had to be "put away" at the end of the weekend.
- When we moved to Iowa (my 9th state) in 2020, my wife found a house with an indoor basketball court. It's 20'X30' with 17' ceilings. I upgraded my tools and appointed myself Chief Termite, Acute Engel Woodworks.
- When I retired, I was offered a part-time gig working at Woodcraft of Iowa City where I also preside over classes. My classes are mostly technology-driven: CAD design, Shaper Origin, etc. I'm also a Festool addict, so I do Festool demos. I work two 5 1/2 hour shifts a week.
- I've always thought turning was way outside my skill level, but a few months ago I convinced myself to purchase a Powermatic 2014 and some HSS turning tools. I have been teaching myself to turn since then. Fortunately, I have a couple of amazing mentors here in Iowa City who have taken me under their wing. (Shout out to Mark Nelson and Greg Ellison!)
- I'm active on several Facebook woodworking groups. As my skills improve, I'm willing to take the time to provide advice and guidance to people newer in the craft than me who want to improve. If I can't say something nice, I shut the heck up and move on.
If anyone is interested, here's a link to a shop tour that was featured by Marc Spagoulo (The Wood Whisperer) a few years ago. A lot has changed, especially the addition of the lathe. My shop tour starts at the 8:20 timestamp.
View: https://youtu.be/FXHD3CqO0_w?si=g0iUUvQWbBn5T52x
I'm looking forward engaging with others in the forum! Thanks again for having me.
- After earning my MBA, I worked in high tech. In my last position before starting my business, I ran a division of a publicly traded company.
- I formed my own technology business in 1998. At our peak we had 100-employees. I sold it after 20-years to Konica Minolta.
- I remained with Konica Minolta for 5-years, leading to my retirement in 2023.
- In preparation for retirement I took a deep dive into developing fine woodworking skills in 2018. I focused on flat-work. I worked out of a 2-car garage shop that had to be "put away" at the end of the weekend.
- When we moved to Iowa (my 9th state) in 2020, my wife found a house with an indoor basketball court. It's 20'X30' with 17' ceilings. I upgraded my tools and appointed myself Chief Termite, Acute Engel Woodworks.
- When I retired, I was offered a part-time gig working at Woodcraft of Iowa City where I also preside over classes. My classes are mostly technology-driven: CAD design, Shaper Origin, etc. I'm also a Festool addict, so I do Festool demos. I work two 5 1/2 hour shifts a week.
- I've always thought turning was way outside my skill level, but a few months ago I convinced myself to purchase a Powermatic 2014 and some HSS turning tools. I have been teaching myself to turn since then. Fortunately, I have a couple of amazing mentors here in Iowa City who have taken me under their wing. (Shout out to Mark Nelson and Greg Ellison!)
- I'm active on several Facebook woodworking groups. As my skills improve, I'm willing to take the time to provide advice and guidance to people newer in the craft than me who want to improve. If I can't say something nice, I shut the heck up and move on.
If anyone is interested, here's a link to a shop tour that was featured by Marc Spagoulo (The Wood Whisperer) a few years ago. A lot has changed, especially the addition of the lathe. My shop tour starts at the 8:20 timestamp.
I'm looking forward engaging with others in the forum! Thanks again for having me.
I have a Festool router, best in a string of routers over the years.
