 In 2003 I enrolled in a community education class to build a fishing rod. After completing my first rod my desire to build artistic, higher level fishing rods grew. After initially building custom rods for friends and relatives requests expanded for my rods. As volume grew I decided that it was time to create Diamond Willow Fishing Rods. The name was selected as a result of attending a wood carver festival and seeing the beauty of diamond willow. Diamond willow is not an actual species of wood. Diamond willow results as a reaction of a willow tree to a fungus or foreign substance. The result is a wood that has dark diamond shaped areas surrounded by light wood. Once the bark is removed and the wood is sanded it leaves a very distinct dark diamond shape. I added this unique wood to my rods for a handle that was functional as well as beautiful. This has become the signature mark of Diamond Willow Fishing Rods. I still build a variety of fishing rods with traditional and unique handles to the diverse tastes of every angler.
 I am a member of the Custom Rod Builders Guild. This has provided me relationships and contacts with other custom rod builders from all over the country. I have also attended and conducted training sessions on the art of rod building. Demonstrated new techniques to other rod builders.
I will build a fishing rod using nearly any blank commercially available. I feel the blank defines the quality of the fishing rod. Other components such as guides and handles can be assembled with economical considerations. My preferred lines of blanks to use are G.Loomis, Pac Bay, St Croix and Lamiglas. These are a few of the quality made blanks on the market today. St Croix and Lamiglas blanks are primarily made in the USA.
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