The Woodworker, Instructor, & in Charge of all Things Woodworking

I’ve been in the woodworking world for over two decades. I began my career in woodworking after serving 14 years in the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. After my honourable discharge, I went on to study furniture design and making at Rosewood Studio under the guidance of some of North America's top furniture makers. Following that I started a small business designing and crafting furniture by commission while working at Rosewood as a part-time instructor and craftsman in residence. I’ve had the pleasure of holding various woodworking-related positions over the years. Following my job as editor for Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement Magazine, I became the Woodworking Advisor at Lee Valley Tools, where I helped to develop tools and traveled around the globe to teach and present at various conferences, shows, and woodworking events. Now, my main gig is VTW.

Woodworking, writing, and teaching are my three biggest passions. I have authored two books: The Minimalist Woodworker and Projects from the Minimalist Woodworker. I have also written several articles for various magazines including Fine Woodworking, Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement, and Australian Wood Review.

For the first few years, VTW was primarily focused on online and in-person private woodworking instruction. It has evolved and expanded to collaborating with several international woodworking companies. I’m excited to take VTW in a new direction and get back to doing more of my initial passion - furniture making. When I’m not designing and making furniture, you'll find me writing regular blogs for Fine Woodworking Magazine and co-hosting some FWW Shop Talk Live Podcast episodes.

The Boss, Organizer, & in Charge of Almost all Things non-Woodworking

Someone has to keep this machine running, right? The truth is, I love working with Vic and I love interacting with all of you! My roles at VTW give me the opportunity to wear some of my favourite hats. Planning, organization, communications, management, marketing, website/graphic design, and more! Although I’m not a woodworker myself, I’m happy to be supporting one and part of the woodworking world.

Before VTW I worked in health care as a Registered Dietitian. I love academia and research, so I spent several years in school. I graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Human Nutrition, and from Ryerson University with a Masters in Nutrition Communication. When I’m not behind the computer, you’ll find me walking Bruno, gardening, going for a run, or bird feeding/watching.

If we’ve had the chance to connect, you may remember these words in my emails “we truly appreciate your interest, support, and participation”. I know I say that a lot, but I don’t think we can ever say it enough. We are having a lot of fun here at VTW, and that is possible because of you and your ongoing support!

The Shop Dog, Supervisor, & In Charge of Floor Clean Up

He’s cute, furry, and full of energy. When in the shop, Bruno helps to keep things clean by eating little wood chips and shavings on the floor.