My name is Dan Garceau. I was born in Pawtucket, RI, and raised in Norton, Massachusetts. I started my career with wood-working at the age of 12 when I helped my grandfather remodel my parents' home; he was Mr. Fix-It, and I was proud to be his helper. I learned about roofing, siding, plumbing, you name it. I loved it all, but I knew working with wood was going to be my life. After completing my tour in Vietnam, I spent my last year in the service as the commanding general's personal carpenter. When I came out of the army, I worked in the cabinet shop at Texas Instrument. When the recession of 1974 came upon us and I was laid off, I decided to go into business for myself, and worked building custom homes.

Dan Garceau with spiral staircaseI can remember building my first sprial staircase. I built it in my shop, and my dad would bring his friends over every night to see the progress. It was a very exciting time in my life. I realized at that point there wasn't a thing I couldn't do if I set my mind to it.

My mentor at the time, lifetime woodworker Howard Davis who was 30 years my elder, taught me to always challenge myself. One of his favorite pieces of encouragement each time I finished a project was to "stand back and take a good look at it, then figure out how you can improve it next time."

Dan Garceau with Sam Maloof, 2005Also at that time I suscribed to Fine Woodworking magazine. One issue, in 1980, featured respected woodworker Sam Maloof and his rocking chair on the cover. I was so inspired by his work that he, too, became a mentor to me, though he may not have known it.

In 2005, my wife and I spent three days with him at a woodworking seminar in Georgia. Speaking with Sam Maloof and shaking his hand is a moment I will remember always.

My showroom was previously located on Route 7 in Danby, but I have since moved it into my home. Though I am semi-retired these days, we still invite customers in to see several pieces of my work up close and personal. If time lines work for both of us, we still take on projects on a limited bases. If you would like to contact me please give us a call or send us a note!

Dan Garceau