After college, and long before my move to Vero Beach, I found myself immersing into the world of woodworking out of necessity when I purchased my first home—a deteriorated log cabin in need of extensive renovation. It was during this transformative period that I obtained my very first tool, a used chop saw, and I was immediately enthralled by the art of craftsmanship.

In 2003, my wife, Lauren, and I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by establishing a furniture company in our humble one-car garage. We named it Russell & Mackenna, which later evolved into Maine Cottage. Through our company, I crafted furniture for homeowners, interior designers, and furniture stores alike. Although I departed from the company in 2009, my passion for woodworking endured, leading me to continue undertaking bespoke woodworking projects for discerning clients. Over time, my focus expanded from creating furniture to crafting intricate, large-scale built-in cabinetry.