From a young age, I’ve always had the drive to create and build with my hands. Growing up in central Pennsylvania, my family owned both a metal fabrication and woodworking company. I was fortunate to be surrounded by craftsmanship from an early age, building products from the ground up. I spent countless hours helping out in the shops, watching, learning, and developing a deep appreciation for the skill and patience that true craftsmanship demands. While my path eventually led me to study welding engineering and earn my bachelor’s degree in 2017 from Penn State, the drive to pursue woodworking never left me.

 

After graduating and moving to California, I began investing in equipment and started to explore fine woodworking. Each project became a stepping stone—an opportunity to learn new techniques, master different machines, and challenge myself to grow in my work. What started as a fun weekend hobby quickly developed into passion, and that has grown my business to where it is today.

 

I often get the question of where the name of the business came from. 13 and 3 Woodworks holds a personal meaning for me. My birthday is on August 13th, and the initials of my name tie into it as well—M is the 13th letter in the alphabet and C is the 3rd.

 

For me, woodworking is about more than just building products. It’s about taking an idea—sometimes just a rough sketch on paper—and turning it into something tangible, something that will stand the test of time. Many clients have a vision, but the ability to bring that vision to life is what I take pride in the most. Every piece I create reflects not only the craftsmanship I’ve developed over the years, but also the values instilled in me from a lifetime around hardworking makers in my family.

 

At 13 and 3 Woodworks, my goal is simple: to deliver high-quality, handcrafted pieces that combine function, beauty, and creativity. No two projects are alike, because no two clients’ visions are alike. And no two pieces of wood are alike. No matter the piece, I strive to make sure every project carries that handmade touch you won’t find in mass-produced work. My small shop in Laguna Hills is where ideas come to life, and where passion and craftsmanship can be found in every piece that leaves the shop.