I was born and raised in Worcester. In 2001 after graduating from Doherty, I went in to the Marines and served 4 years with the 1st Battalion 5th Marines Charlie Company. During my 4 years in the military, I was deployed to Iraq 3 times. The take down of Baghdad, Operation Vigilant Resolve in Falluja, and ran sustainment and stability operations in Ramadi. After I left the Marines, I bounced around for a few years trying to figure out life again and battling with PTSD. I hit some very dark places in the first several years I was out. I found I really enjoyed working with my hands, so I started a local construction company out of Worcester with my brother. We had our differences, so I split to a commercial construction company where I worked as a super for 3 years. I hated it. I loved the guys I worked for and with, but the commercial world only cares about deadlines. During a therapy session at the Worcester Vet Center, my therapist at the time believed healing through creativity. He found the North Bennet Street School in Boston and sent my info in. A few days later, I was enrolled in their full time 2 year cabinet and furniture making program. Not in a million years did I think I would be a high end furniture maker, but it has changed my life in ways I did not expect. It truly opened my mind that there is more to life than what I was doing. I graduated in the spring of 2019, and I haven’t had a day off since. I can honestly say I have never been this happy before. Besides enjoying the work, the people in this trade have made the biggest impact.
I am happily married going on 10 years with two amazing sons, a handful of dogs and spending as much time as I can with all of them.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I build custom furniture and cabinetry. I love the creative side of it the most. The skills are catching up.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
That’s a tough one. Being half Japanese, I will have to go with Baba. Da lot is really good as well. Pepe’s is the closest to authentic Mexican food I have had since Cali.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
One of the instructors from the school, Lance Patterson.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Japan. I have always wanted to go there. See where my family came from. I love the Japanese history.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Jay-Z
What is your best advice?
You get what you give. Life always seems to go full circle.
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
To travel to Japan.
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
The Owl Shop. Barbera’s crossing when it was in the Greendale Mall. Eastern Boarder and Concrete Wave for sure.
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Joe Rogan. He is a very interesting person with so much knowledge.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still doing what I am doing. Maybe a bigger shop with some side hustles.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
There isn’t much my inner circle doesn’t know about me.
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safety, happiness and comfort.
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Maybe Keanu Reeves. Seems like authentic humble person.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
The diversity.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
The wilderness.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, kids and shop mates.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of Worcester?
I’m not really sure who is in it.
