Influential People That Shaped us Into Makers

The Maker’s Quest

In this episode, we talk about influential people who shaped us into makers. Brian and Greg reminisce about people from their past who helped guide them and inspired them as they journeyed along the path of becoming makers.

Hosted by Brian Benham

Portfolio: https://www.benhamdesignconcepts.com/
Brian’s Woodworking Plans: https://www.digitaldesignconcepts.art/
Brian On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benham_design/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXO8f1IIliMKKlu5PgSpodQ

Greg Porter

https://skyscraperguitars.com/
Greg On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgaragekc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SkyscraperGuitars
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GregsGarage

Show Notes Mel's Influence on Greg's Curiosity

Greg's grandfather Mel was an influential figure who taught him to pursue his interests and make things himself. Despite having limited resources, Mel built his own house by learning from books and lived in the basement for years while saving money to complete the top floor. Every year, he would take on a project to make something for his grandchildren, like box kites. When Greg expressed interest in having stilts as a child, Mel immediately dropped what he was doing to make a pair with him, exemplifying his willingness to explore new skills and nurture curiosity.

Embracing Failure in Creative Endeavors

Greg and Brian discussed the importance of allowing children to experience failure in their creative endeavors. Greg shared his childhood experiences of building a skateboard ramp and a pair of stilts, which were not successful but taught him valuable lessons. Brian emphasized the value of spending time with children, even if the projects they work on are not perfect, as it fosters problem-solving and thought processes. They also discussed the concept of failure as a necessary step towards success and the importance of understanding what is acceptable in a project. Both agreed that failure should not be an endpoint but a milestone in the creative process.

Mentors and Teachers' Lasting Impact

Greg and Brian discussed their experiences with mentors and teachers who had a significant impact on their lives. Brian shared his experiences with his saxophone teacher, James Phillips, who taught him the importance of learning from others and not taking life too seriously. Greg shared his experiences with Mr. Canetto, who taught him about guitar making and the importance of seeing the process of building a guitar from start to finish. Both agreed that these experiences had a profound impact on their lives and shaped their future careers. They also discussed their admiration for guitar makers like Les Godfreed and Lloyd Lohr, who are known for their intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Lessons From Craftsmen and Risks

Greg and Brian discussed their experiences with craftsmen and the lessons they've learned from them. Greg shared his experiences with Dan Rockhill, a professor who taught him how to weld well and the importance of modifying tools to suit the purpose. Brian shared his experience with a client who had a decommissioned Boeing 727 compressor. They also discussed the importance of learning from others, taking risks, and not letting roadblocks deter them from realizing their vision. They concluded that sometimes, it's necessary to compromise on the design to achieve the desired outcome.

Design, Problem-Solving, and Software Evolution

Greg shared his experiences and insights about design and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of not being limited by tools or others' opinions. He recounted a story about a challenging ceiling design that was initially dismissed by a contractor, but was successfully executed by a skilled carpenter. Greg also discussed his evaluation of software for architectural design, highlighting the need for tools that don't hinder creativity. Brian then shared his own experiences of learning from clients and how they pushed him to develop new skills. The conversation ended with a discussion about the software Rhino, which was in its infancy when Greg first encountered it.

Lessons Learned and Knowledge Sharing

Brian and Greg discussed their experiences and lessons learned from various projects and mentors. Brian shared how clients have pushed him out of his comfort zone and helped him develop new skills. Greg talked about the influence of his wife's family on his construction skills and how they continue to inspire him. They also discussed the importance of learning from others and passing on knowledge to the next generation. Greg shared an example of how he taught a high school student about blacksmithing and machining, hoping to inspire him and potentially change his life trajectory. The conversation ended with Greg expressing his desire to continue teaching and influencing others.

Personal Journeys and Entrepreneurial Passions

Greg and Brian discussed their personal journeys and the impact of influential people on their lives. Greg shared his experiences as a corporate employee and his plans to retire and focus on his passion for making things. He also mentioned his YouTube channel and his desire to leave a legacy through his work. Brian shared his admiration for Sam Maloof and his aspirations to become a furniture maker, teaching apprentices and creating jobs for them. Both expressed their desire to pass on their knowledge and skills to others, and their passion for entrepreneurship and making things. They ended the conversation with plans for their future endeavors.