To my grandpa - 4 generations

I still remember first hearing about solar panels and radiant heat from my grandfather. He is the builder that my father and I came from, and now my son. And then there's my stepfather's early career as a carpenter.

I am always amazed at the skill and understanding that is developed over generations when it is passed on through families from birth. Although our family didn't have a family based business, I have spent months and years working beside my father, grandfather and stepfather. This is the foundation of my experience. My earliest memories are of watching them work, learning how to operate shop tools, hammer nails and cut wood. Growing up in my stepfather's shop, I became familiar with how to shape, join and bend wood to achieve whatever was needed.

My father joined the carpenters union in Cleveland, Ohio and then became a chair maker. He built his house based one of Frank Lloyd Wright's circular passive solar designs. I was honored by him with grandpa's plane you can see above and will one day pass it on to Pan, who already has an instinctual hold and position with all of my tools.

Thanks grandpa, and here's to you. Did you ever think your great-grandson would be workin' your plane.