About Don
I retired from the United States Army in 2003 after 4 years
with the Rangers and 16 years with Special Forces. After 20 years as a
professional soldier I focused my effort to master another skill . . . fine
furniture. I enjoy the challenges associated with the design, construction, and
joinery of 18th Century Furniture. Hand cut dovetails and the mortis
and tenon joint have been the benchmark of fine furniture for centuries. I use
the same construction techniques when I build furniture for you whether I am
building a fine reproduction or a contemporary design.
I learned this unique trade from a master cabinetmaker, Ben
Hobbs. Ben has been making Early American furniture for nearly 30 years in
Hertford, NC. I met Ben 6 years ago when I retired from the Army and started a
contracting job in Hertford. Ben has been teaching furniture-making classes for
about 15 years and does commissioned furniture specializing with coastal North
Carolina design. I have dedicated a great amount of my time during the last 6
years studying Ben’s techniques and skills. What Ben is able to accomplish with
a few hand tools is truly amazing. You can find examples of Ben’s work and
his class schedule at
www.hobbsfurniture.com.
This art of making fine furniture has nearly vanished from our society and I
am very fortunate to learn these skills from a master and carry on this
tradition of hand made furniture.
I currently reside and work in Evergreen, Colorado with my wife,
Christine, and our two children, Rachel and Grant.
