A Trip Down Memory Lane.

Hey there,

It’s been a little while since I last emailed, and I’ve got a good reason for that—I’ve been wrapping up one of the biggest projects of my life. I’ll share more about it later, but I’ll just say that it’s something I’m truly excited to finally bring to you.

Today, I wanted to take a moment to share a piece of my story, something that’s close to my heart and has shaped not only who I am but also how I approach teaching woodworking. This story begins with my family and all the hours I spent in the shop with my kids, teaching them skills that went far beyond tools and wood.

When my kids were young, they were always eager to help out in the shop. Right away, I noticed that each one of them learned differently, so I adapted my approach, tailoring my teaching style to match each of their individual needs.

My oldest, for instance, was naturally hands-on but got frustrated if he didn’t see progress quickly. With him, I focused on breaking down tasks into smaller steps, celebrating the little wins along the way. We’d focus on finishing one small piece at a time—driving in a single nail, sanding down one edge—before moving on to the next. This method kept him engaged and proud of each accomplishment.

My youngest, on the other hand, was incredibly curious and wanted to understand why each step mattered before diving in. He would ask a million questions, and I found that he learned best when I took the time to explain each cut, joint, and step, often with diagrams or stories about the techniques. This kept him connected to the project on a deeper level and sparked an eagerness to try new things.

My middle child, who is dyslexic, needed a completely different approach. For him, I leaned heavily into a visual style of teaching. I’d show him exactly how to hold the tool or position the wood, sometimes guiding his hands for the first try to help him feel confident. I’d also draw simple sketches on scrap wood so he could visualize each step. This approach gave him the courage to move forward without feeling overwhelmed.

Adapting these teaching styles for each of them didn’t just help me guide them through woodworking projects; it shaped my entire approach to teaching. It taught me the power of meeting each person where they’re at and finding ways to make each lesson meaningful and approachable.

Our first big project together was a treehouse when my oldest son was around 6. Watching my kids take on that project and seeing them gain confidence with each step was a feeling like no other. I wasn’t just teaching them how to build; I was teaching them skills that would stay with them for a lifetime. Now, those same kids who helped me build that treehouse? They’ve each found their own path—my oldest works in construction, my middle son runs his own business in electric and HVAC, and my youngest is a welder at a metal fabrication shop. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love teaching.

Then, during the pandemic, when schools closed, I saw an opportunity to dive even deeper. We worked together on building a clubhouse in the woods, piece by piece. They built walls, frames, and even a platform for a zipline over a pond. That first sense of accomplishment sparked a fire in them, leading to countless more projects—each one more ambitious than the last. They went from building a simple clubhouse to designing and constructing full structures on their own. They didn’t just learn skills; they discovered a passion, one that I’m so proud to have helped nurture.

This experience is the foundation of how I teach woodworking today. I break things down so that anyone—from complete beginners to those with more experience—can follow along, build with confidence, and feel that same sense of accomplishment I saw in my kids’ eyes.

Now, for that big project I mentioned earlier: I’m thrilled to introduce my new course, Woodworking Kickstarter. I poured everything into this—the same care and attention I put into teaching my own kids. This course is designed to make woodworking accessible to everyone, no matter their learning style. And because you’re a loyal newsletter member, I’m offering it at an exclusive early Black Friday discount.

Get Started with Woodworking Kickstart Today!

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I hope you’ll join me in the course and experience that same sense of accomplishment, step by step.

Best,
Matthew