Boomer of the Week:
David A. Petersen
Austin, TX
The stories of personal transformation that we are sharing with you each week have been written by members of our Boomers TV community. They are generously sharing their journey with us to offer hope and inspiration.
This week, we introduce you to David A. Petersen, a Boomer who makes his home and pursues his craft in Austin, TX.
David A. Petersen
Born in 1948, I was raised in a family manufacturing business in Denison, Iowa. I graduated from Iowa State University and launched a successful career as a mechanical engineer, specializing in machine design.
There's More to Life than Making the Numbers...
After rising to the top of the corporate ladder as CEO, I realized that there is more to life than making the numbers. I decided it was time for a change, gathered a few resources and took some time away to study and reflect on where to go next. My primary resource was a book entitled, "What Color Is Your Parachute". After diligently working through the process, I discovered that I had all of the transferable skills needed to act on an epiphany I had about two years earlier. My epiphany came to me as I was standing in the check-out line at Whole Foods. There I discovered a magazine entitled Fine Woodworking. Seeing the beautiful pieces of furniture that where shown, I just knew that some day, I would be making such pieces.
Setting up Shop
Well, that day had arrived. I bought some tools and set up shop in our two-car garage. I have been profitable every year since making that change in 1990. My goal was to be a one-man shop, specializing in making one of a kind, high end custom furniture pieces. With the support of my lovely wife, I have been quite successful at achieving that goal. My work can be found at my website www.masterpiecefurniture.com.
This week, we introduce you to David A. Petersen, a Boomer who makes his home and pursues his craft in Austin, TX.
David A. Petersen
Born in 1948, I was raised in a family manufacturing business in Denison, Iowa. I graduated from Iowa State University and launched a successful career as a mechanical engineer, specializing in machine design.
There's More to Life than Making the Numbers...
After rising to the top of the corporate ladder as CEO, I realized that there is more to life than making the numbers. I decided it was time for a change, gathered a few resources and took some time away to study and reflect on where to go next. My primary resource was a book entitled, "What Color Is Your Parachute". After diligently working through the process, I discovered that I had all of the transferable skills needed to act on an epiphany I had about two years earlier. My epiphany came to me as I was standing in the check-out line at Whole Foods. There I discovered a magazine entitled Fine Woodworking. Seeing the beautiful pieces of furniture that where shown, I just knew that some day, I would be making such pieces.
Setting up Shop
Well, that day had arrived. I bought some tools and set up shop in our two-car garage. I have been profitable every year since making that change in 1990. My goal was to be a one-man shop, specializing in making one of a kind, high end custom furniture pieces. With the support of my lovely wife, I have been quite successful at achieving that goal. My work can be found at my website www.masterpiecefurniture.com.
posted at 10:28 AM
2 Comments:
Congratulations for being over the edge of the boomer envelope. Jack
At a boy Dave! I have seen your work first hand and must agree that it is some of the most extraordinary craftsmanship I have every viewed in my life! Keep up the good work!
Jerry
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