Hometown: Lansing, Mich.
Role: Carpentry Crew Leader, Michigan Legislature
Years of legislative service: 39
Who inspires him: “My 11 grandchildren.”
Why did you choose to work at the Legislature?
My mother started working for Michigan Sen. William Faust in the mid ’70s at the Capitol. During this time, I started working in construction. In 1983, when a job for a Senate carpenter position was posted, I applied and was hired. That was the start of my career with the Legislature.
How difficult (or easy) has it been to build furniture that keeps the timeless feel of our spaces while incorporating technology and innovation? The easy part is the engineering and fabrication, which is in line with my construction background. The more difficult part is the design and drawing of the furniture. It became apparent that I needed to study the Capitol’s period furniture. Incorporating technology into the designs has also been a challenge at times. For example, I needed to create a moving panel to hide a whiteboard—which had not been invented in the 1880s.
What skill or talent are you most proud of?
My interpersonal skills.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
It’s not what you get, it’s what you give that matters.
What’s one thing you love about your state?
The changing of the seasons.
What are you currently reading/listening to/watching?
I am currently reading this questionnaire. (Carpenter humor.) Also, the Jan. 6 hearings.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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