1965. We arrived in Mt Shasta, and I went to work for Littrell Parts in Yreka, and Mt Shasta, as an automotive machinist.

1970. I went to work for Kimberly Clark in Mt. Shasta as a construction millwright, at the time Kimberly Clark was building a new mill at the south end of town.

1972. I received my certified welding degree from Shasta College in Redding.

1976. I started my own business while still millwrighting at Kimberly Clark. It was a steel fabrication and automotive machine shop. I called it “Service Center”.

1987. After many successful years in business, I sold my store and shop to my crew so I could pursue a career in Artist/Blacksmithing

1989. Restoration work had started at Hearst Estate in McCloud at the “Bend”. I started out making some structural steel pieces, and graduated to making some repairs on some antique pieces, I then was able to do some of my own designs. So between the fire and the flood, I was working almost full time at the “Bend” and the “Village”.

Some of my local work includes Lalo’s Restaurant handrails, gates, and the sign. I did the handrail, gate and sign at Crispi’s Market. And did much work on the Saint Germain Foundation stage and many of the stage props, and the rolling stage, plus handrail. I also made the sign, and door hardware at Jon Thomas Fine Jewelry in downtown Mt. Shasta. (I am omitting private residences out of respect for their privacy)

By the late 90’s I had gained enough experience working at Hearst to move on to doing “Estate “ quality work. I never looked back. At this level you can have only one standard, “the best you can do” every time. An old and rather famous blacksmith, Francis Whitaker, said, “You are judged by the quality of work you do, not the quality of work you want to do”.

One of the nicest things about working at this level is the people you meet. All are financially secure, and have been successful in their lives. It still amazes me to have someone with this background, to seek us out to do work on their estate, or business. Its always a challenge to meet their high standards. I guess passionate would be the word that best describes this. When we meet their goals its very rewarding, as every one is different, therein lies the challenge.

We’ve all heard that American craftsmanship is dead, this is flat wrong! I am always pleased to see what top quality work is being done on the estates we work on.

We are currently working in Redding, on a project called “Showcase Of Homes”. (the home is called “Villa Bella”) The home we’re working on has a budget which is unusual as most do not. At 1.9 million, This is one of the smallest budgets we’ve worked on in several years. I am very proud to be a part of this project, as everyone on this job has met “Estate Quality” workmanship. Unlike most everything we work on, this home is open to the public. The preview night is Thursday April 28, 2005 tickets are $100.00 each (tax deductible) Also there will be showings April 30 to May 15, 2005 at $12.00. Please call Redding Convention Center if interested for information/tickets.