Bill is retired from Special Forces and now enjoys retirement with his family on their farm in Northern Kentucky. He lays claim to two children, a son and a daughter as well as a grandson.
Following his military career, Bill spent three years in southern Oregon apprenticing with the Late Jim Rich, Master Blacksmith. Bill completed his apprenticeship and journeyman qualifications with Mr. Rich unaware that he would be the last apprentice to learn from the Master.
Bill's lifelong passion for art and crafting began when with drawing in school and has grown to encompass brain tanning, silversmithing, leatherworking, beading, and creating items of beauty and detail in many mediums. He enjoys teaching and frequently offers classes to share his knowledge. He has classes on fire starting, blacksmithing, brain tanning hides, leatherworking and just about everything he enjoys he will teach others.
Bill's creativity has expanded to include transforming the 72+ foot barn on their farm into a multi-purpose shop which includes an 1800's style traditional blacksmithing shop with several forges set up to teach the traditional skills and the art of blacksmithing. Currently he has one apprentice working with him daily which fulfills Bill's love of teaching and working with youth.
Here are some samples of some of his previous creations and a few of his 'toys':