From Storm to Story! Who am I?

From Storm to Story: Rebuilding After the Storm of War

As a war veteran, I know all too well the impact of storms—literal, mental and emotional. When I returned from service, I struggled with the weight of trauma, feeling like I was constantly battling an internal storm. Medication and therapy helped, but it wasn’t until I found woodworking that I truly began to rebuild.

Just as the storm of war left its marks on me, nature’s storms often leave behind fallen trees—broken, abandoned, and cast aside. But I saw something in those trees that I could relate to, survival. Rather than letting these logs be wasted or disposed of, I decided to give them a second life. Using my sawmill, I carefully transform them into usable lumber.  Creating custom pieces of furniture, cutting boards, and decor.

From Storm to Story is not just a motto—it’s my philosophy. Like me, these trees have endured storms, but with care and patience, they can be reborn into something meaningful. When I am contacted by a client to create a custom piece, as I create the artifact, it is a reminder that even after the hardest battles, there’s the potential for renewal.

Woodworking became my healing process, my way of turning trauma into something beautiful, something lasting. Each piece of wood carries the strength and resilience of its past, just like the strength I found within myself to move forward.

By repurposing these logs, I’m not only preserving their beauty but also promoting sustainability. The storm may have broken them, but through careful craftsmanship, I’m helping them continue their story, just as I’ve found a way to continue mine.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece with a story to tell, or simply want to learn more about my journey, I’d love to connect. Let me build you something beautiful.  It helps support my business and continue to spread the word.  Thank you

                                                             From Storm to Story