05/26/2018
Here is the latest project, a Two-Flags shadow box for Vincent Janowiak, CAPT, USN (HTC/LDO/EDO), who is retiring next week. We met in Florence, SC fro delivery and ate at Cracker Barrel while we were there. He really loved his new shadow box, and can't wait to get it home and populate it with all of his memorabilia, from a devoted, faithful, and very illustrious 38-year Navy career. I wanted this box to be very special for someone who has given so much to his country... my country, and based on his reaction to it when we got it out of my car, I think I hit the mark. It took the average amount of time to build - around 200 hours - which may seem like a lot of time, and it is, but if you know me, I have to have every detail just right. During the build, he even asked me if I was happy with it, which is the first time any of my customers has asked me that question. Of course I said yes ;). It took me two months to build; I normally ask for a minimum of three months, but he just didn't have that much time, and he said that after searching the Internet for some time for examples, he kept coming back to mine, so I decided to take it. Believe me, I don't make much on these boxes. After buying materials and putting in the time, I make somewhere around $2.00 - $3.00 an hour, so it's not about the money. I could easily sell these for much more (IF I ever make another one, I will) but I do them more for the satisfaction of making a beautiful piece of work with my own hands, and seeing the customer's reaction than anything else. I have to admit, however, even that is wearing thin. Pulling all-nighters the night before delivery just to finish on time is getting old, just like me :). But, I'm glad I was able to be a part of a few peoples' retirements and to make something they will cherish for generations, hopefully.
