BENCH DOGS - Key Persons

Brooks grew up around construction, walking through the many phases of each house her father built for his construction company, Three Seasons Builders, in Burlington, VT. With a love of art, sculpture and architecture, and a not so useful degree in English, starting Bench Dogs seemed like the natural thing to do. Brooks designed many of their early projects and did the cabinet finishing for 10 years. Brooks finally gave up working to stay at home full-time to raise her and Weber's four children. Brooks continues to help with odd tasks: making logos, websites and picking up plans at Staples when she is at the grocery store. With the youngest child off to kindergarten in the fall of 2015, Brooks will be going back to school to begin a degree in Architecture at the University of Maine/Augusta.

Job Titles:

• Shop Manager / Lead Cabinetmaker

Chris realized he had a talent and passion for woodworking while taking a woodshop class in high school. After graduating, Chris was recruited by a local cabinet maker and worked as an apprentice where he learned traditional woodworking techniques. Several years later he was employed by another construction company as head cabinet maker where he designed and built high-end kitchens and furniture. In 2007 Chris ventured out on his own, starting South Hope Cabinetry where he continued to design and build custom woodwork. In 2010 the company name was changed to Buzzell Hill Woodworking & Design. Chris came to Bench Dogs over two years ago and is the backbone of the shop. Chris is a graduate of the Center for Furniture Craftmanships' nine month furniture design/build program. He has been with Bench Dogs for two years. In that time he has proven to be the most steadfast and hardworking employee Bench Dogs has ever had.

Weber attributes his interest in woodworking to his grandfather who was a sculptor, shipwright and welder. Although Weber never met his grandfather, he was inspired by his creativity and work ethic. Weber acquired skills working in several cabinet shops in California and New York before landing an apprenticeship with Moon Cabinets in Soho, where he worked under the guidance of a traditionally trained Japanese woodworker. The shop's main business was to create furniture for artists such as Donald Judd and Claes Oldenburg. Weber enjoys the challenge of creating and engineering each project. With over 25 years of woodworking experience, Weber brings a level of expertise to the business which only experience can provide. Weber also teaches machine skills for the nine month program at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, ME. Weber's latest venture is Washington CNC, LLC, a partnership with Marco Bonometti that brings computer aided design and fabrication into the cabinetshop.