The O'Connor Woodworking Story

In 2018, after multiple combat deployments, I was diagnosed with several explosive blast related Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Shorty after my diagnosis, I began searching for a way to better deal with my inner demons. That is when I discovered and applied to the Purple Heart Project. I was accepted to attend the PHP which is a 5 day hand tool woodworking course for Combat Wounded Veterans taught by world renowned woodworker, Rob Cosman. Although I had been a woodworker for 25 years, this weeklong course showed me a new method of woodworking as a distractive therapy for my PTSD and changed my life forever. After this inspiring course and my military retirement, I launched O'Connor Woodworking and never looked back!!

I share this part of my life, not for sympathy, but as a hope that other struggling veterans will read this and perhaps inspire them to find their peace.

I currently reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with my custom sewist wife, Kim, the owner of Snippets and Stitches. Together, we create custom work in wood and fabric for clients around the world.

Proceeds from every project are donated to various veteran organizations such as the Navy Special Operations Foundation and the Purple Heart Project.