Early Influences...

My grandfather, who lived with us until the ripe old age of 92, was a master machinist at USI Clearing Machine Company for over 50 years. As a kid, I was always amazed at what my grandfather could make. As an adult, I now realize the profound impact he has had on my life. He never received much of a formal education (grade school only), but my grandfather is one of the most creative and talented men I have ever met.

My Grandfather and Daughter Easter Sunday, 2005

My mother was a floral designer of incredible talent. When I started high school she started her own business. I spent the next thirteen years working in the flower shop, part time or full time depending on the time of year and the holiday. There are a lot of sacrifices when your family owns a business. While my classmates were attending homecoming pep rally's I was staying up until 1:00 AM filling orders for corsages and boutonnieres for the dance that followed the football game. I hated it. It did, however, expose me to many aspects of design and craft and taught me what was required to run a business