I started building furniture more years ago than I like to remember. It started as a hobby, but recently we decided to have a go at starting a business – Ken Turner Hand-Crafted Furniture. I’ve been fortunate to study under some of the best craftsmen in the US. I first studied with John Dodd at Rochester Institute of Technology’s prestigious School for American Craftsmen. John builds outstanding contemporary furniture. I learned a lot from John, but I always had it in my mind to build reproduction furniture. Eventually I crossed paths with Gene Landon from Montoursville, Pa. Gene is the absolute top master of 18 th century furniture. He’s built pieces for Presidents Bush and Carter as well as Vice President Cheney. His knowledge of 18 th century furniture is extraordinary. My study with Gene for the past 6 years has given me the ability to produce authentically crafted 18 th century reproductions. I have also learned to build Windsor chairs which I really enjoy building because these chairs require a lot less time to build than the Chippendale type chair. Yet the Windsor chairs are challenging because they require different types of skills such as turning, steam bending and seat carving. My work has been seen in Fine Woodworking and Early American Life Magazines. I’ve also been chosen by Early American Life Magazine as one of their Top 200 Traditional Craftsmen for 2003 and 2004.