Born in Indianapolis, IN, Tom received a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. in Finance from Harvard. His early interest in making things from wood came from watching a violin maker and later observing his uncle make wooden boats. After college, Tom joined the Peace Corps and spent five years in Peru and Ecuador working with credit cooperatives and helping indigenous people market their crafts. During this time he learned wood carving. Years later, Tom set up his own shop in New Orleans with a fifty year old lathe obtained from a friend and began his exploration of woodturning. After raising three children and being employed in the corporate finance world for twenty-five years, Tom faced a midlife crisis when his wife, Carol, died. Later, Tom remarried, Sarah, and with her support decided it was time to “listen to his inner voice” and give full time studio woodturning a chance. He studied with Ray Allen, Ray Key, and David Ellsworth picking up techniques to enhance his skills. After Katrina, he moved to Middlebury, VT, where he continues his career.
