(from ryan's site)

My first memories of a pipe are of my great grandfather sitting in his over stuffed armchair reading the paper and smoking one of his many pipes, as I played at his feet. I think most pipe smokers have a similar memory or strong male influence that sparked the interest for them.

I Started smoking a pipes about 8 years ago. The enjoyment I got from smoking a pipe in the beginning led me to want to learn to make a pipe of my own. I thought it would be a challenge to make a pipe with my background in cabinetry, machining, and jewelry making. So, I went to my local tobacco shop and bought a pre-bored block of what I now think, was Grecian Briar and a Vulcanite stem. That first pipe I made, made me hunger to learn more and perfect my pipes. I learned about Pipe Maker’s Emporium from the helpful people at Stag Tobacconists. They steered me toward the owner, Paul Hildebrand. Everyone there told me that Paul was a very nice man and that he teaches a class on pipe making. Unfortunately, I was unable to afford the class. After going to his shop and getting advice numerous times, I found out that his former assistant that was repairing pipes with him was no longer able to. I asked if I could repair with him in exchange for the opportunity to learn to make pipes. Paul agreed and I began learning how pipes are properly engineered and how to utilize the tools in my shop for pipe making.

I begun crafting my own stems from Ebonite and Cumberland and using Delrin tenons. With out the help of my friends and family I couldn't have gotten as far as I have. I have been motivated and inspired by the work of Jody Davis and Jeff Gracik of J Alan pipes.