Bio

Born in Clarke County Virginia in 1958, Jeff is a fourth generation cabinetmaker who grew up in the family shop. With his father, Mack (Senior) in semi-retirement, Jeff now manages the business that specializes in reproducing pieces of American furniture made before the 1820's. Their business has worked for the White House since the Johnson Administration and Jeff has personally made pieces for four presidents. He has executed many commissions for many governmental institutions and museums including the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Jeff applies a pragmatic approach to his work. He comments, “We use period construction techniques. All our carvings are done by hand; all our dovetails are cut and fit by hand; all of our surfaces are hand-planed. We also use machines to size our lumber. I am in business to make a living so I can't fool around. I have to keep a happy medium between machines and handwork to make a profit. But I want to build the best possible piece I can.” A two-year backlog reflecting an international clientele speaks to the family’s success.

e-Questionaire1

What is your favorite thing about woodworking?
My favorite thing about woodworking is the doors (no pun intended) it has opened up for me.

What is your least favorite thing about woodworking?
My least favorite thing about woodworking is sanding!

What is you favorite tool?
My favorite tool is a sharp chisel.

What's your least favorite tool?
My least favorite tool would be a dull chisel.

What turns you on?
What turns me on is extremely nice lumber, oh and my wife.

What turns you off?
What turns me off is being asked to compete with the furniture store down the road.

What sound or noise do you love?
The sounds I like are: The first thing in the morning before anyone comes to work the birds and crickets chirping and all is so peaceful.

What sound or noise do you hate?
The sound or noise I dislike is a customer calling the day after a delivery. No news is good news.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
Another profession I would like is hot air balloon pilot or something similar.

What profession would you not like to participate in?
A profession I would not like to experience would be a coal miner.