I’m often asked what I do. Some call me a product designer or product manager, but I prefer a more specific title: I’m a tool maker. It’s a craft as old as humanity itself – since we first developed opposable thumbs, we’ve been creating tools to make our lives easier.
My journey as a tool maker began with clay. While my peers focused on decorative pottery that commanded higher prices, I found joy crafting functional tableware. There was something deeply satisfying about creating objects people would use daily, even if it weren’t the most lucrative path. When handmade pottery economics proved challenging (before online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay revolutionized artisan sales), I pivoted to digital tools.
In the 1990s, I pioneered solutions for small business owners when e-commerce was in its infancy. Using Filemaker Pro and WebStar on Mac web servers, I built editable websites that gave merchants control over their content and product listings – long before WordPress, WooCommerce, or turnkey shopping carts existed.
This experience led me to the corporate world, where I headed product design for a major bank’s commercial banking division. Working alongside fellow tool makers opened my eyes to new possibilities and deepened my expertise.
My tool-making journey then took an unexpected turn: creating tiny house plans. Rather than producing traditional architectural drawings, I developed step-by-step instructions that empowered people to build homes. These weren’t just blueprints; they were tools for independence.
Today, I continue sketching and developing design concepts across various domains. While these might not be million-dollar products, that’s never been my driving force. I’m a toolmaker at heart, and I take pride in my craft. Perhaps one day, I’ll create that breakthrough tool that changes the game, but that’s not what motivates me. I thrive on the next challenge, the next problem to solve, the next puzzle to piece together. I make the right tool – but that’s not my goal. I want the next challenge. I want the next problem to be solved – the next puzzle to finish.
Image generated with the help of AI (ChatGPT & DALL·E).
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