Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a full-time cabinetmaker by day, woodworker by moonlight. (My clothes are always dusty.) Taking photography in high school developed my attention to detail. Woodshop allowed me to become comfortable with tools and my creativity took off.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I was a 20-ounce preemie with few complications, other than hammertoes as I grew older. I had surgery on both feet in January 2020, right before the pandemic, and had lots of time to think about my longboard business. HammerToe fell into place.
What valuable experience/knowledge did you have before starting your business?
I grew up working at our family business, Juanita’s Fajitas, at the Minnesota State Fair. I learned how to function within large groups of people in a hectic environment, quality control and efficiency.
How does the city you live in influence your work?
With our beautiful trails and lakes in the Twin Cities, it’s great to cruise around on a handmade board on wood grown locally, when possible.
www.hammertoellc.com
www.instagram.com/hammertoe_longboards