BIG BEAR LAKE HANDYMAN SERVICES

I grew up in my family’s diesel shop in the Chicago metro area, surrounded by engines, tools, and the kind of hands-on work that teaches you how things really function.

My first car was a 1967 Firebird, and I learned every inch of it — not just how to repair it, but how the systems and parts work together in unison to keep something "running". That early understanding was very profound and would shape the way I approach every project: understand the system, respect the structure, and fix the root — not just the symptom.

As our family business expanded into hydraulics, I worked with high-pressure fluid systems, pumps, cylinders, various fluid connectors, etc. and I was quickly drawn to the art of precision brazing. When you’re used to building fluid control systems operating at 5,000 PSI, residential plumbing at 70 PSI doesn’t feel quite as intimidating. It reinforces the importance of doing things correctly and building for longevity.

At 18, I helped build a large structure connecting our expanding shop to multiple storage [shipping] containers. Over twelve weeks, I received a hands-on education in framing, sheathing, flashing, and roofing — the fundamentals of how buildings come together. That experience has stayed with me for more than three decades.

At the same time, I pursued formal studies in design. While my early years were rooted in mechanics and construction, design sharpened my attention to proportion, alignment, and clean execution. It deepened my appreciation for modern architecture, thoughtful spaces, and well-constructed furnishings.

Today, I bring both perspectives into every home I work in — understanding how things function behind the walls and how they should feel and look when the work is done.

Midwestern work ethic. West Coast perspective.
Built with structure. Finished with intention.