I started my woodworking career at the age of 12 years. For Christmas, I asked for a table saw. I began making porch gliders and picnic tables for neighbors and friends. At 18, I met two craftsmen from Spain who hired me to help in their factory. I rose through the ranks and eventually was promoted to general manager. We built high-end reproduction furniture. In 2001, once imported furniture flooded the American market, our sales dwindled down to the point where it was no longer feasible to manufacture in the United States. I worked several years restoring old courthouses in Texas. I opened Custom Furniture Finishing 15 years ago and returned to manufacturing high-end handcrafted furniture. I started Woodsmith Collection with the idea of creating a simpler line of unique wood-crafted items that will be available to a larger audience.