The Rough Log

Working and living here in Calgary for roughly the last 20 years has been no mean feat. I mean, being from Mexico, and having just gotten married back in the year 2000, I had arrived to a country with extremely cold weather and with a very different culture than my own. I mean, it's one thing to visit a country and work there a few days, but to settle down to work and raise a family is quite another. Nevertheless, I have come to have my glorious moments, so it has made this arduous uphill climb worthwhile. Despite the extreme weather conditions, Canada is definitely a beautiful country. I love the mountains! Well, for me, it's just another day on the job, when I am building and installing cabinets, or coming to the rescue on a project requiring my traditional woodworking skills. I did come from Mexico prepared for my work, as the solid hands-on craftsmanship training that my father gave me definitely helped me to get ahead. Now that my startup is getting off the ground, I can rely on the fact that I have 45 years of real skill and experience, which I have acquired to offset some of the barriers of working for myself out of my own shop, while establishing credibility with prospective clients. I started getting my shop space and showroom ready in December, and have now gotten my shop and showroom established and ready for visitors. I have already received a few visitors! Let me know when works for you, and I'll accommodate your schedule. You can come in from the cold, and I will show you my showpieces!— Fernando Gonzalez