My love for woodworking began when I was a child, working alongside my dad. He often had my brother and me building items for our home — a tradition that taught me the value of craftsmanship, patience, and pride in creating something with your own hands.

Years later, I carried that tradition into my own home, making pieces at my wife’s request. One day, she jokingly said, “You should do this when you retire.” That comment planted a seed.

Not long after, I made a keepsake box for a coworker who was expecting a baby. When others saw my work, the requests started coming in — each project a new opportunity to create something meaningful.

In May, I officially retired from my career, but my woodworking journey was just beginning a new chapter. I formally launched DLocks Woodshop to bring custom, handcrafted pieces into people’s homes — pieces designed to fit their lifestyle, tell their story, and stand the test of time.

Today, I still work alongside my father, carrying forward the same passion and dedication he instilled in me all those years ago.