Defining Myself, On My Terms
For most of my life, I’ve allowed others to define me. Whether it was my work, my goals, or even how I approached life, I’ve found myself being shaped by the expectations of others. The result? Frustration. When I eventually discover that the definitions don’t align with who I am, I’m left angry—not just at the labels, but at myself for letting them stick in the first place.
The truth is, I’ve often been too absorbed in the work itself to care much about what others might call it. Labels have always felt secondary to the act of doing, building, and creating. But I’ve come to realize that it’s important to share who I am and what drives me—not to conform to anyone’s expectations, but to bring clarity to my own journey and connect with others who might see the world through a similar lens.
So here it is: I’m a builder, a history geek, a lover of fine timber, a tinkerer, and an ideator. My passion lies in understanding how things were done, why they were done that way, and how I can contribute to that legacy while pushing boundaries in my own unique way. Whether I’m building drawer boxes, crafting a saw, restoring a vintage tool, or simply imagining how to make something better, it’s all driven by the same core values: curiosity, creativity, and a deep respect for the craft.
I’m still learning how to turn these passions into a sustainable living. It’s a journey—an unpredictable, challenging, and often exhilarating one—but it’s mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
This blog is my space to share that journey with you. I’ll talk about my goals, my values, and the work that gets me out of bed in the morning. I’ll reflect on the lessons I’ve learned (and the ones I’m still learning). And hopefully, I’ll connect with others who share a love for building, history, and the raw beauty of wood.
So whether you’re here for the sawdust, the stories, or just to see where this ride takes me, welcome. Let’s see where we go from here.
Renovating our home is one of the many ways my wife, Amber and I have grown closer over the years. We began a tradition in our first year of marriage of going to Home Depot on our anniversary and buying something that supports one of our many house projects.
Me wandering in the outdoors with our boys, Romulus and Tau. This photo was taken in April 2020 where we met up with my parents for an early-COVID shutdown hike in the woods.
