Speakers - WORKBENCHcon

2025 SPEAKERS & Guests

Click our speaker photos to learn more about each person.

Ryan Drapela is the founder and CEO of Cutting It Close, a pioneering CNC woodworking brand that empowers makers to simplify their craft and transform creativity into thriving businesses. A seasoned entrepreneur and industry innovator, Ryan has earned his reputation as a trusted expert in maximizing the potential of CNC technology.
With a proven track record of scaling multi-million-dollar product lines through Drapela Works, Ryan understands the unique challenges faced by woodworkers and creators in today’s competitive market. Through CIC Workshop and CIC Academy, he equips makers with cutting-edge materials, practical tools, and proven strategies to streamline workflows and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Driven by a passion for building a strong community of makers, Ryan is dedicated to inspiring others to master their craft, achieve their goals, and turn their passion into lasting success.

Jon Cesaro is the personality behind Lincoln Street Woodworks. A small YouTube channel built on fast paced, dry humored practical tips and tricks. What he lacks in skill, he makes up for with good jokes and pop culture references. Resulting in a fun, fresh take on all things woodworking.

Jimmy DiResta is a designer and master maker known for his ability to fabricate in an impressive array of materials. He’s starred on a number of cable shows, including Hammered with John & Jimmy DiResta (HGTV), Trash to Cash (FX Network), and Dirty Money (Discovery). Jimmy’s currently a well-known maker star on YouTube where he creates regular videos for his DiResta channel and other well-known brands.

Chris and Yvonne are the husband-and-wife team behind Reclaimed Karma, a Marietta, Georgia-based design and build firm specializing in custom new builds, full home renovations, light commercial projects, and interior design. With Chris as a licensed general contractor and skilled carpenter, and Yvonne as the firm’s principal designer, they combine craftsmanship and creativity to transform spaces with style and purpose creating homes and spaces that reflect their clients’ unique stories.

Their journey began in 2014 when they purchased a fixer-upper and faced a frustrating experience with a contractor. Determined to take control, Chris mastered construction while Yvonne honed her design expertise, and Reclaimed Karma was born. Their complementary skills and shared vision have led to partnerships with brands like Buildertrend, Habitat for Humanity, Loctite, and The Home Depot, as well as their DIY Network show, Reclaimed Reno.

Beyond their work, Chris and Yvonne love sharing their journey on social media, offering behind-the-scenes insights, renovation tips, and real-life stories that inspire fellow DIYers, homeowners, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Izzy Swan, a true innovator, and educator at heart. Raised in a rustic cabin deep in the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he knows the value of simplicity and hard work firsthand. “We lived without the luxuries of running water, electricity, and indoor plumbing. Each day presented new adventures and challenges, instilling in me an enduring spirit of discovery and the profound belief that hard work enriches not only oneself but also those in our community.” His passion for innovation is profound, and it forms the bedrock of his success as an innovator, tool designer, and influential figure in woodworking and other industries.

With a successful music career to his name, Jared Foster (AKA JPaulTheCarpenter) has also built a name for himself as a seasoned carpenter and builder. After years on the road as a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, he is using his creativity to produce eye-catching projects.
J Paul’s talent for craftsmanship began as a child working with his stepfather on small home projects and cars. His hands-on skills created job opportunities with Vought Aircraft building Military Airplanes, Black Hawk Helicopters and Boeing Airplanes. This position taught J Paul proper assembly and drilling precision which is showcased in his beautiful woodwork. This later translated into carpentry and woodworking which is “much easier to fix than titanium!”, according to J Paul!

J Paul is the owner of Porch 959 a carpentry, woodworking and design firm in Atlanta. Not only is he talented, J Paul is starting a non-profit to teach underserved kids how to be successful in carpentry. He will also be launching a networking group for black builders and makers in Atlanta called Black Makers of Atlanta.

J Paul’s work through his carpentry business is displayed in the homes of several well-known celebrities, such as T.I., T-Pain, Lecrae, Lil Duval and basketball star Lou Williams just to name a few. You can find him featured in numerous publications including, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Home Magazine and Voyage ATL… and counting!

His presence and ability to capture imaginations is unmatched, having performed on stages for thousands. He shines in front of large crowds capturing audiences through his dynamic hosting, networking and teaching abilities. He enjoys attending builder conferences, hosting events and learning and growing in his craft. You can always count on J Paul to produce handcrafted wood furnishings with the creativity and attention to detail of a soulful ballad.
J Paul lives in Atlanta with his wife and two self-proclaimed “carpenter” sons who want to be just like their daddy! J Paul is grateful to do what he loves and work with some amazing people!

IGNITE: Our 2025 Speakers

Brittney is a dynamic mixed-media artist and educator. Equipped with a Master’s in Art Education and over a decade of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to both her artistic creations and educational endeavors. Driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, Brittney is particularly drawn to the versatile medium of epoxy. Her artistic journey involves a fusion of modern experimentation with traditional roots in painting, drawing, and textured surfaces, to create multi-dimensional artworks. Brittney’s work reflects a commitment to continuous exploration and growth within the ever-evolving art landscape.

Zach Vaught grew his woodworking business from a one-man team in his garage in 2020 to a 6,600 square foot shop, a showroom, and 7 employees by the end of 2023. He has a passion for helping woodworking business owners reach their revenue goals without sacrificing their relationships and health. He currently works with dozens of clients all across North America, and has seen countless stories of clients implementing his systems to acquire 5x as many leads, close 4-5x as many sales, and scale operations within a 6 month time frame or less. He’s here to help you do the same!

Content creator and business owner running The Southern Craftsmen, Family Furniture Co, Wood Table Bases, and The Furniture Business Builders online community. I’m a husband and father to two little ones, and am dedicated to creating a healthy balance with running the businesses, spending time with friends and family, and helping other woodworkers achieve the same.

Jeff Bearer along with his wife Shannon are the duo behind Gnarly Burl, a brand where they explore a wide range of disciplines and techniques in their projects. From wood and metal to electronics and software, no craft is off-limits for them. Together, they are always immersed in new projects, pushing the boundaries of their skills. In addition to his work with Gnarly Burl, Jeff works for Microsoft Azure, where he applies his background in computer science, focusing on systems, network, and internet security.

Meticulously crafted by one of our own seasoned woodworkers who recognized the need for a well-rounded wood glue. This premium water-based PVA adhesive is non-toxic and reflects a commitment to excellence in woodworking and carpentry projects. Complying with FDA guidelines this glue is great for cutting boards! Elevate your craftsmanship with BOSSDOG – where dedication meets the reliability of a professional-grade, well-rounded wood glue.

Hi, my name is Scott Sidler and I love old houses! Old houses are not just a passion for me they are my career. I started as a DIYer years ago and loved fixing up these historical beauties so much I eventually jumped in with both feet.

In 2010 I started my own historic restoration company Austin Historical. Eventually, I went from fixing a couple broken windows and floorboards to being really serious. In 2012 I became a State Licensed Residential Contractor in Florida and as of 2018 my company restores over $2,000,000 a year of historic buildings nationwide! We aren’t fooling around here.

The Blog was born in 2011 as I began posting answers to common questions my clients had. The depth of knowledge accumulated here has grown considerably as my experience and knowledge has grown. The blog is my laboratory, classroom, playground, and favorite place to be other than with my family because I get to help people like you understand and learn to fix your own old house.

Lee Dumond is a woodworking content creator and the personality behind Busted Knuckle Woodworks. Lee’s light-hearted, not-too-serious approach to woodworking has won over many fans since 2022 — but YouTube certainly isn’t his first foray into so-called “content creation.” Prior to finding success on YouTube, Lee spent over 25 years as a professional audio recording and mastering engineer, sound designer, and trade author, working with hundreds of artists, orchestras, live venues, commercial marketing agencies, animators, theatre companies, and film and video producers and directors. Born and raised in Maine, Lee now lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Tami and loyal shop pup, Eddie.

Patrick Gensel is a lifelong maker with a passion for digital fabrication and creative design. With expertise in laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC machining and 3D design, Patrick combines technical precision with artistic vision to inspire and empower makers of all skill levels.

As the creator of Crafted With Machines, Patrick is building a platform dedicated to sharing innovative projects and practical tutorials that make technology accessible and exciting for makers. Through his content, he helps creators turn their ideas into tangible, functional, and beautiful works.

Driven by curiosity and a love for problem-solving, Patrick is committed to fostering a culture of learning and creativity in the maker community, encouraging others to explore the transformative potential of technology in their craft.

Follow Patrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftedwithmachines/

I’ve loved making things since I was a kid, and in 2010 I discovered CNC machines. I even built my first one in my bedroom at just 16 years old! Learning to use it was tough, but I kept at it and eventually landed a job working with large, industrial CNC machines for a New York City company.

I gained experience with all sorts of projects – from high-end production work to custom projects and smaller hobby projects. As I shared my experiences online, I noticed that many other new CNC users had the same questions I had when I started out.

That’s why I created easy-to-follow training courses that help students reach their CNC goals quickly. Now, I’m a full-time teacher for CNCs and Vectric Software, and I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge with others!

Ryan Suchy, known to many as @anotherpieceofwood, found his calling in woodworking during a reflective period of his life. What started as a simple curiosity quickly evolved into a profound passion and a way of life. With a knack for transforming raw materials into beautiful, functional pieces, Ryan began his journey by crafting simple items such as picture frames and cutting boards. Each project, no matter how small or imperfect, fueled his enthusiasm and drive to learn more about the craft.

As he honed his skills, Ryan decided to share his journey with the world through his Instagram handle, @anotherpieceofwood. This platform has become a canvas for his creations, a diary of his progress, and a hub for a community of like-minded woodworking enthusiasts. Ryan’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to share his experiences have made him a beloved figure in the woodworking community.

Ryan’s journey has been marked by significant collaborations with brands and fellow woodworkers, enriching his craft and personal growth. His Instagram feed is filled with posts, reels, and stories that capture the highs and lows of his woodworking adventures, from breaking down over 1,000 board feet of maple every month to creating intricate designs with his Onefinity CNC.

For Ryan, woodworking is more than just a craft—it’s a way to connect with nature, create something lasting, and share a piece of himself with the world. He is immensely grateful for the support and inspiration from the @anotherpieceofwood community, whose engagement and encouragement continue to fuel his passion.

As he looks to the future, Ryan is excited to explore new techniques, tackle more ambitious projects, and grow this incredible community even further. Here’s to many more years of crafting, learning, and sharing through AnotherPieceofWood

Coming Soon

Hi everyone, I’m Char I’ve been a hobbyist woodworker for over 15 years and I am a mom of four. In 2015, I left my job in corporate America to be a full-time maker. Over the last few years, I have taken on client’s furniture Pinterest boards and brought them to life. I also teach woodshop classes to those who are new to power tools. On the weekend you can catch me teaching kids as young as seven to make simple projects using the miter saw and drill press. My main goal is to give back and nurture new makers, I volunteer with the Girls Makers Club at my local maker space and serve on the Board of Directors at Decatur Makers. To bring more female woodworkers to the forefront, I write for the Women in Woodworking news column for Highland Woodworking here in Atlanta. While you’re here you might see me on PBA’s Making It show or hear a podcast I run with fellow makers at Decatur Makers. I live by the motto: “Be Great. Live Passionately”. Welcome to Atlanta, you’re going to have a blast at WorkenchCon.

Josh Booth has been in the photographic industry for over 20 years – first as a freelance photographer, then as a professional trainer for a popular photo capture & editing software, and has most recently designed photo studio management & automation software used by some of the world’s top brands. Seven years ago, Josh started woodworking as a hobby and now combines his love for both woodworking and photography to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art. When he’s not doing that, Josh enjoys building furniture and fixing all the things around the house his two young boys manage to break. Josh lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Bethany and two sons, Benji, & Bear.

Leigh Northrup’s lifelong passion for making traces back to his grandfather’s workshop, where he first discovered the joy of creating with his hands. Now, as the Dean of Innovation and Technology at Cannon School for over 23 years, he has built a thriving, nationally renowned maker program that empowers students to explore woodworking, resin casting, and digital fabrication. Leigh’s work seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern tools like CNC routers, laser cutters and 3D printers. His philosophy of “failing forward” fosters a creative learning environment, inspiring makers of all abilities to push their boundaries and embrace their potential.

Mush Hughes is a High School Makerspace Teacher at Cannon School in Concord, NC, where he helps inspire the next generation of creators to turn their ideas into reality. With over a decade of experience in hands-on learning and creative problem-solving, Mush specializes in areas such as laser cutting, CNC projects, microcontrollers and coding, and 3D printing.

Co-leading a power carving workshop at WorkbenchCon 2025 with Leigh Northrup, Mush brings a blend of technical know-how and practical insights to help makers of all levels expand their skills.

Mush’s accolades include winning TotalBoat’s Inaugural Makeregatta in 2022 and the Rocket Rally in 2024. Passionate about fostering creativity and collaboration, Mush is dedicated to helping makers push boundaries and explore new possibilities.

James Wright has been a Woodworker from birth. Growing up in the wood shop with his father, he developed a love for the craft, and after leaking home and starting his own full power tool shop, he pivoted and changed to all hand tools. Now, after a decade of hand-tool woodworking, he is sharing the joy of hand-tool woodworking by teaching the craft. It is not about the project and what you are making, but about the memories and fun you can find along the way.

Rex Krueger is a furniture maker and content creator. He specializes in Early American furniture and traditional hand tool woodworking. He is a former contributor to /Quercus/ magazine and the author of the books _Everyday Woodworking_ (Skyhorse) and _One Week to Woodturning_ (Amazon KDP). He lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Adam Barnett, the maker behind Barnett Builds, has always been an artist and a maker. He started his own woodworking business and creating content about 5 years ago. Over that time he had steady account growth and fell in love with the maker community that he had become part of. He started working with brands, and even created an internet challenge for the maker community that went viral world wide. Two years ago he left his career in industrial manufacturing to work for a national woodworking and hardware retail brand creating content and moderating their social media full time. On top of that, he still runs his woodworking business selling through Etsy, creating content for other brands, and creating content for his own social media as well.

Joseph Mullins is an 18-year video production professional and epic metal, wood, and textile Maker.

After creating YouTube content from ’06-’08 Joseph transitioned to Broadcast Television working for Turner Entertainment in Atlanta,GA until 2015.

From then he created JoJaqs and began teaching video production to small business owners.

Since 2019 he has primarily focused on teaching video production to other Makers.

Abraham Busick is a dynamic entrepreneur, seasoned strategist, and co-founder of GraceLaneCo, a leading Pinterest management agency dedicated to empowering small brands, bloggers, and entrepreneurs. With seven years of corporate management experience, Abraham honed his expertise in leadership, business development, and innovative problem- solving before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey in 2017.

After building and owning a successful financial services agency, he recognized the untapped potential of Pinterest as a powerful growth tool and co-founded GraceLaneCo to help businesses harness the platform’s unique ability to drive traffic, build engaged audiences, and increase brand visibility. Through tailored strategies and actionable insights, he has guided countless clients toward achieving measurable success.

As a speaker, Abraham is known for his approachable style, relatable storytelling, and ability to demystify complex concepts, making them accessible and actionable for his audience. His passion for empowering and training others makes him a sought-after speaker for conferences and workshops. When he’s not sharing his expertise on stage, you’ll find him refining strategies for his clients, exploring innovative ways to use Pinterest, and inspiring others to dream big and take action.

Doug Pisik left the corporate world seven years ago to become a full-time nationally recognized wood artist. During his career he has accepted large commissions including several from Home Depot, Carnival Corporation, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, and the Smith Gilbert Gardens. His work is collected by Tony and Emmy award winners, movie producers, Pulitzer and Grammy nominees, CEOs, an art museum, botanical gardens, other artists, and can be found in collections coast-to-coast and in Europe and Israel. Formally a business consultant, Doug still provides business advise to the numerous non-profits with which he volunteers.

Well now you’ve gone and done it. You’ve decided to take this relationship to the next level by finding out more about me. It’s a little forward of you I’ll admit, but since we’re talking about me… I’ll allow it. Hi, I’m Adam. The creator of Lazy Guy DIY.

It’s been a strange and unexpected trip since I started this channel back in 2016. Some of you have heard the story before, but I started Lazy Guy DIY as an outlet for creativity while I was quietly dying on the inside at a dead end day job that had career middle management written all over it. A short time into the blogging and content creation game I caught the eye of the right people and started tool reviewing and digital plan creating for a several major companies. Around the same time I jumped into co-ownership of Makers Challenge Central, one of biggest open Maker Competitions on the web.

At this point I left the corporate world and I then started a consulting business for makers and industry brands with the purpose of connecting the dots for finding quality partners for quality brands. You can still find me behind the scenes running social media and handing picking ambassadors for some of your favorite woodworking brands.

And then… a TV Show happened. I got asked to shoot a renovation TV show pilot as a carpenter and furniture maker and then… it got picked up by a network. So now you can catch the TV Show Renovation Hunters airing on the Outdoor Channel and other streaming services. Want us to come renovation your place? Check out the submission form here!

Does the story stop there? Nope. I’m now the head of Stone Coat Countertops. I left the corporate world only to come back to run one of the largest epoxy companies in the US… in all of my free time. So maybe not so lazy.

Spencer Bardsley is a founder and entrepreneur specializing in building and scaling technologies new to market. As the Co-Founder of AdZen (formerly Shared Vision), he is pioneering a new form of keyword monetization that unlocks untapped inventory across the Open Web and AI. With a track record of innovation, Spencer has led ventures in affiliate marketing, smart glasses, augmented reality, and machine learning analytics. His expertise spans product development, go-to-market strategy, and business growth, making him a leader in driving emerging technologies to success.