Meet the Team
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RICHRICH Raised in Pearl River, New York, Rich has been a carpenter and contractor for all of his professional life. After graduating high school he began working at his uncle’s framing business in Rockland County. In the ensuing years, he worked in just about every trade- building houses, luxury renovations, commercial contracting, tile and interiors, and more. Rich began working at Authentic Antique Lumber 7 years ago, though he’s been a friend of the family for 25 years. Rich is a master of fine trim work, and is our resident expert on flooring. Outside of work he loves to play golf.
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MIKEBorn in Suffern, New York, Mike wanted to be a woodworker since his 9th grade shop class. His father encouraged him to be an electrician, so Mike met him in the middle and had a long and successful career as a free-lance computer programmer, all the while honing his craft as a woodworker. A few years ago, Mike came into our store as a customer, and when he showed us the beautiful work he was doing in his own shop, we asked him to join us. Mike loves working with inlays, hardwoods, and favors modern and contemporary style furniture. He is especially influenced by the aesthetic of Japanese furniture. Outside of work, Mike loves landscaping, gardening, and is an enthusiast of the earth and all her bounty. |
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MERRICKBorn in Zeszow, in the southeast of Poland, Merrick has been working with wood his entire life. Merrick’s father built several buildings in his hometown of Zeszow, including the local church, which Merrick remembers building right alongside him. When Merrick first arrived in the United States in the 1980’s, he worked as a cabinet maker, and then a general contractor for After the Barn, where he did renovations and interiors for the better part of 18 years. Merrick joined us over 3 years ago and his extensive experience has been invaluable to our operation. In his free-time he likes to have a beer and relax! |
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MARKBorn in Leningrad, U.S.S.R, Mark has been doing carpentry all his life. His father was a carpenter, so Mark helped with jobs starting from a young age. Mark came to the United States in the 1980’s and attended SUNY Stonybrook for sculpture and ceramics. He went on to work in ceramics, computer and printer design, and was an editor for a prominent science and technology magazine. In 2010, Mark moved to nearby Monticello where he opened his own woodshop, and shortly after joined the AAL team as a master woodworker. He specializes in Arts and Crafts style furniture, and fine cabinetry work. Outside of the shop, he enjoys hiking and kayaking. |