Heritage School of Woodworking instructors

Stan Beckworth began his woodworking career in 1983. His extensive experience allows him to teach not just as an instructor, but as a practicing master craftsman. Early on, his passion for working with his hands led him to share traditional hand-tool skills with others.

Stan teaches a wide range of classes, specializing in traditional joinery, furniture design, and relief carving—a craft he perfected while studying under other master carvers. When he is not in the classroom, Stan stays active as a consultant and builder of custom furniture. More recently, he has focused his artistry on custom carving, having been commissioned to create pieces for several congressmen and restore furniture for past presidents.
Today, Stan is a recognized, award-winning craftsman who remains dedicated to the heritage of his trade.
“Through the years, I have had the privilege to collaborate with many fine master craftsmen. Being able to create beautiful, timeless designs and pass on practical skills for everyday application is what I love to do.”

As a second-generation woodworker, Jonathan Schwennesen grew up around a woodshop. His father was an accomplished furniture maker, so working with wood is in Jonathan’s blood. In 2006, Jonathan began a life-defining, four-year apprenticeship under Frank Strazza as a custom furniture maker, mastering both machines and traditional hand tools.

Jonathan’s journey has been filled with diverse challenges—from the intricate details of Federal-style furniture inlay and veneer to solid workbenches, canoes, and even a functional 19-foot waterwheel. His transition from student to teacher began in 2012. Starting as a teacher’s assistant, Jonathan’s natural gift for both handwork and teaching quickly elevated him to be a primary instructor. Today, as director of Heritage School of Woodworking he carries the torch for the next generation, ensuring the art of hand-tool woodworking remains a living, breathing tradition.

“The love of craftsmanship is expressed through detail. The task of the craftsman is to instill a feeling of harmony and beauty to the whole.” – Jonathan Schwennesen 

Mark Borman – At the age of 9, Mark’s interest in woodworking began, which led him to begin an apprenticeship with Homestead Heritage Furniture at the age of 17. In his own shop he has built many pieces of furniture from small dovetail boxes to large 10′ round conference tables. Most of his work has been for clients who have ordered custom pieces for their homes and offices. Mark has been building custom furniture for the last 28 years and is now the manager of the Heritage Furniture business. Mark enjoys making hand tools and jigs that can simplify the building process. He has taught children how to shape simple utensils like wooden spoons and cutting boards as well as other larger projects. “Seeing the young grow to maturity in their craft is what I appreciate.”