Woodworking and Shop Design
The Paramedic Woodworker
Woodworking and Shop Design
The Paramedic Woodworker
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The Paramedic Woodworker
The Paramedic Woodworker
I am a paramedic by profession and have been since 1980. Throughout my entire career in emergency services, woodworking has always been a constant in my life.
My love for woodworking started early. When I was about ten years old, my dad sparked that interest without ever realizing it. We didn’t have much money growing up. There were nine of us in the house, and my brother and I shared a bedroom. Wanting to give us a space we could truly call our own, my dad went down to the local lumber store—yes, real lumber stores existed back then—and came home with plywood, 2x4s, and 2x6s.
There were no DIY television shows, no YouTube tutorials, and the internet was still the stuff of science fiction. Yet somehow, my father figured it all out. He built us beds, cabinets with drawers, and even a desk under the window. To this day, I’m still amazed at how he did it—and that experience left a lasting impression on me.
In 2019, after nearly four decades in EMS, I retired from full-time paramedic work. I still maintain my paramedic license and remain active in teaching, but I decided it was time to pursue woodworking full time. By then, I had completed hundreds of projects and felt confident stepping into this next chapter.
I began filming my builds with plans to start a YouTube channel and quickly discovered that video editing is far harder than it looks. (I’m still working on that first upload.) I was fully immersed in the process when, on the night of April 19, 2019, everything changed.
I heard a popping sound outside. My dog, Samson, and I went to investigate. My shop—my refuge—was on fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the fire did not spread to the house. But every tool, machine, and screw I had collected over 30 years was destroyed by smoke and water.
With the help of Farm Bureau Insurance, a significant amount of savings, six months of hard work, some great subcontractors, and constant support from family, I rebuilt. What emerged was what I believed to be my perfect shop.
Two years later, I realized I was wrong.
As my skills continued to grow, so did my collection of tools and machines. My 24' x 24' shop quickly became cramped—something most woodworkers understand all too well. Expanding the existing shop wasn’t practical due to electrical limitations.
Fortunately, my brother and nephew build metal buildings for a living. At a birthday party, I casually brought up the idea of a new shop in my backyard. Two months later, a brand-new 40' x 40' building stood ready.
Now, I can confidently say this truly is my perfect shop.
My work ranges from practical shop builds to small handcrafted pieces and custom projects for family, friends, and clients. Whether it’s something functional, decorative, or completely custom, every piece is made with care and attention to detail.
I regularly build shop projects and shop toys, along with custom cabinets and storage solutions. These pieces are designed for durability, usability, and long-term function.
I create a variety of small, handcrafted items, including:
I design and make charcuterie boards and cutting boards using quality hardwoods and proven food-safe finishes. Each board is built to be both functional and visually appealing.
When a project calls for precision or personalization, I incorporate CNC machining and laser engraving to add detail, consistency, and customization. These tools allow for engraved text, logos, decorative elements, and repeatable designs while maintaining a handcrafted feel.
In addition to standard projects, I accept custom orders. If you have an idea, a specific need, or a unique project in mind, I’m happy to work with you to bring it to life.
No matter the size or scope, no project leaves my shop unless it meets my standards and is something I am proud to stand behind.
My mission is to create high-quality, thoughtfully crafted woodwork that honors the tradition of the craft while embracing modern capabilities such as CNC and laser services. Through continuous learning and teaching, every piece is built with integrity, precision, and respect for the material—combining time-honored skills with advanced technology to deliver lasting value. No project leaves my shop unless it meets my standards and is something I am truly proud to put my name on.
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