I was born and raised in Seattle. After college, I moved to Chicago to find a job as a chemist. During my two plus years there, I spent much of my spare time practicing the piano. I thought I might enjoy piano technology as a career. Being self employed, returning to the west coast, and doing something artistic and tangible that people could directly benefit from, all appealed to me. After completing a nine month course in piano tuning and repair, I was ready to take the plunge. I left my job, moved to Seattle, and began my new career. Next to marrying my wife of 33 years, it was probably the best decision I've ever made.