I was born in eastern Tennessee and grew up on a farm in the country. My family played old-time music and my grandfather exposed me to wood carving at an early age. Whittling canes while singing Carter family songs underneath the willow by the creek were some of my earliest memories. Later, while attending college in Alaska, I enhanced my knowledge of woodcarving by studying native woodcarving and apprenticing with mandolin builder Dave Coleson.

I also attended the Roberto Venn School of Luthiery and graduated in 2002. Since then I have worked closely with mandolin builder Larry Hughes and I continue to perfect the sound and aethetics of each instrument.

I live in Vancouver with my wife, Laura, two sons, Avery and Carter and daughter Lily. I enjoy the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest and watching my children grow up.

My work has been featured in Mandolin Magazine, and the Oregon Bluegrass Association events.