My journey in the realm of art and craftsmanship has been profoundly rooted in a lifelong dedication to creation. From my earliest memories, the inclination to build and innovate was evident, nurtured by family influences and hands-on experiences. My father’s projects on our property and the restoration of vintage Corvettes were among my initial forays into practical creativity, while my grandfather Julian’s provision of tools and materials further encouraged my ventures into woodworking. This early exposure to artistic pursuits, including painting, alongside practical skills in knife making under my grandfather Hamilton’s guidance, was instrumental in shaping my creative direction.

Upon completing my secondary education at Marquette in 1999, I explored graphic design, yet found my true calling in more tangible crafts. This led me through various positions in construction and trades, including carpentry, excavation, and plumbing, culminating in a distinguished graduation from Ranken’s plumbing program. My professional journey also encompassed a decade in taxidermy, underscoring my diverse skill set.

In 2013, I fulfilled a personal dream by constructing my home on a property once belonging to my grandfather, assuming the dual roles of general contractor and primary craftsman. My passion for customization extended to vehicles, resulting in the establishment of Sparks Speed Shop. This venture, which I led for eight years, was renowned throughout the Midwest for its exceptional custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles, earning recognition and potential television opportunities, which I ultimately declined in favor of authenticity.

The challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic led me to explore opportunities with the pipefitters union, yet my commitment to craftsmanship guided me back to the fields of excavation and construction. This diverse background naturally segued into a passion for fine woodworking, an avenue through which I further refined my skills in design, carpentry, fabrication, and finishing, working with a variety of materials.

In 2023, I made the decision to share my woodworking expertise on a broader scale by founding Sparky’s Splinter Shop. This endeavor represents not only a culmination of my lifelong passion for art and creation but also an opportunity to offer unique, handcrafted solutions to those who appreciate the value of quality craftsmanship.