First and foremost, it's my dad, Howard Thomas. We did so many projects together…I miss him so much.

The next person who influenced me was Norm Abram. I watched him on the This Old House program, and particularly on the New Yankee Workshop. My dad and I have made many of his projects. The plans are very well done, and worth the 10 bucks.

I’ve also watch my next hero for many years: Roy Underhill on the Woodwright’s Shop. He only uses hand tools for his work. When I visited the Woodwright’s School, I found that he was just like he seems on television: Kind, funny, patient… Everything you would want in a teacher.

Finally, I’ve recently discovered another hand tool craftsman: Paul Sellers. His on-line videos are awesome. I hope to meet him someday to thank him for what he has done for this hobby.