Born in 1932 to a union mason father.  I watched, helped and bugged my father as soon as I could walk.  At the age of 12 years old the Seattle Bricklayers Union caught me working with my father's crew in late August.  This was a no-no; unions were the only option in those days.  My father begged off until June of the next year, as I was about to return to grade school.

So in June, one month, short of 13 years old I was sworn into the Bricklayers Union in Seattle, Washington.  I had to do an apprenticeship union sponsored.  It was a 4-year course, one evening a week, during the school year.  Of course my mother drove me.  I enjoyed it so much I went for 6 years, until age 18 when the US Navy got my attention. 

While stationed at Sandpoint Naval Air Station I was able to continue in the masonry trade on off times.  After 4 years, I returned to the masonry trade full time. At first I worked with a medium sized Seattle Company who specialized in small commercial and high-end homes.  In the late 60’s I started my own business doing  mostly custom residential and small commercial.  Early 70’s I started doing the Seattle Home Show, promoting custom stonework.  At one point in the late 60’s, early 70’s I employed 18 to 20 people.

Today, I do it all myself, with occasional help from one of my brothers or nephews.  In the late 70’s masonry heater inquiries started to emerge.  I have been in the heater business ever since.  I was a union mason for 25+ years and non-union for over 30 years. 

                    I am active in the Hearth Products Association
                    Past president of Washington Wood Energy
                    Active in the “E”6-ASTM Committee. 
                    Founding member of the Masonry Heater Association
                    Certified MHA Heater Builder #001
                    Elected President of the Masonry Heater Association in 2001. 

                    I intend to build heaters as long as my health will allow!