I first began my training in the marine trades through Seattle Central Community Colleges Wood Tech Center. After graduating with an associates degree in applied science for marine carpentry I was hired as an apprentice shipwright at one of the oldest and best known boatyards in the region, Jensen Motorboat Co. I feel incredibly lucky to be one of the last apprentices to benefit from the knowledge and experience Jensen Motorboat has accumulated over the past 92 years. Unfortunately along with many other shops around Lake Union in Seattle, Jensen shut its doors this year giving me the opportunity to start my own business. This seemed like a great opportunity to combine my skill in design and woodworking into a full service marine carpentry and fine woodworking company, Builders’N Braids LLC. Specializing in structural hull repair, fiberglass, interior and custom installations I also provide residential services including commission furniture, trim installation, custom cabinets and interesting artistic projects. For the past 2 years I have been teaching woodworking classes, in the evenings and weekends, at various woodworking centers in the area. This not only provides a great perspective toward knowing my skill better but also having an opportunity to help others achieve their personal building and design goals.