Abe Farnsworth
Oakland,CA
Summary
I learned woodworking at an early age from my father who taught Industrial Arts and worked as a carpenter and mechanic. Much of my youth was spent constructing skateboard ramps and half pipes, and I worked as a set builder throughout high school. With these skills and interests in the background, my early career focused on serving students with special needs for nearly two decades. After 18 years in the field of education, I decided to take my professional development in another direction. For ten years now I have focused on building and high end residential construction, primarily with a large general contracting firm. Through this time I have also engaged in continued education in woodworking and have used every opportunity to learn new skills and work with different trades. This includes making furniture and other handcrafted items in my free time in order to build up my personal portfolio. My professional goals include further development of my skill set and experience in project engineering and management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Foreman/Superintendent
Devlin McNally Construction
09.2021 - 05.2025
- For nearly four years supervised all aspects of construction from demolition to finishes.
- Supervised and laid out the on site crew for the self performed work as well as all subcontractors work, read and modified plans, attended all meetings.
- Had one on one contact with the architects, the design teams,engineers, and when the job called for it the clients.
- I would supervise and run sometimes up to three jobs at one given time.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, fostering open communication channels for smooth project execution.
- Maintained a running schedule.
- Performed onsite OSHA site safety meetings.
- Documented construction and extraction workers' hours, wages and other pertinent information.
- Maintained a safe working environment through adherence to safety protocols and regular site inspections.
- Trained new employees to learn new systems, apply best practices and comply with protocols and regulations.
- Ensured timely completion of projects with effective time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Inspected completed work to verify quality standards and compliance with criteria.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing clear direction, setting expectations, and offering constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with project managers in planning stages, advising on schedule adjustments and potential obstacles.
Carpenter Foreman
Aaron Gordon Construction
01.2021 - 09.2021
- Job consisted of small remodels in different residences around San Francisco.
- Working either solo or in a small group.
- All aspects of demolition, rebuilding, installing and all finished work.
- Managing sub contractors
- Either in a single home or high rise condominiums.
Carpenter
Dowbuilt
03.2016 - 01.2021
- Experience in all aspects of residential construction for multi million dollar residential projects.
- I worked on several projects, including development of a $70-million estate from start to completion.
- I am proficient in all aspects of framing and working with different materials (wood, metal, glass, and concrete).
- I am efficient at reading plans, doing layout, site organization, and inventory, and am also comfortable with cabinet installation, doors windows, and all aspects of finish work.
- From this experience I am also very comfortable managing other employees and a variety of subcontractors in the field.
- I have worked on new construction, remodels, and countless service jobs.
- Started as an Apprentice and left as a lead carpenter.
Cabinet builder & installer
Eby Construction
01.2016 - 03.2016
- Cabinet construction and installation for custom shop making cabinets, furniture, and alterations for homes and businesses throughout the Bay Area.
- Responsibilities included building cabinets, operating the CNC and edge banding machines, detailing finished products, delivering products to the finisher, delivering product to the installation site, and on-site installation.
Carpenter
Treasure Island Woodworks
06.2015 - 01.2016
- Custom cabinetry shop serving private residential and commercial clients.
- Responsibilities included cleaning and fine work for all custom jobs, cabinet and furniture construction, on-site installation of cabinetry and other fabricated items, shop maintenance and organization.
Vocational Director
Spectrum Center Schools
07.2008 - 06.2015
- Responsibilities included curation and direction of academic programs; life skills training; vocational and transition services; and provision of support services and collaborative programs to students with autism, emotional disturbance, physical challenges, and developmental delays.
Education
Continuing Education - Artisanal Woodworking and Construction Management
Peralta Community Colleges
Oakland, CA05.2025
Special Education Instruction - Special Education
Sacramento State University
01.2007
Bachelor's Degree - English
Portland State University
01.2001
Skills
- CPR/First aid certified
- 30-hour extensive OSHA training
- Qualified, certified, and trained in all terrain forklift operation
- Trained in proper use of chemicals, adhesives, and solvents
- Daily reporting
- Equipment operation
- Decision-making
- Worksite safety
- Hand and power tools
- Dimensions and measurements
- Dedicated work ethic
- Critical thinking
Additional Skills Training
- CPR/First aid certified
- 30-hour extensive OSHA training
- Qualified, certified, and trained in all terrain forklift operation
- Trained in proper use of chemicals, adhesives, and solvents
Management
In education, I spent many years managing and supervising staff as well as students. I reinvented the assessment process that was used in our school system for determining students’ vocational and transitional needs. In construction, I worked without an active foreman at many sites for a significant duration of the time. Through this, I learned the skills necessary for managing job sites. Then becoming a foreman supervised several job sites.
Creativity
As a visual artist, I have made many items that have sold across the country; I have also been the focus in several solo gallery art shows. I have built many items for individuals on a commission basis and continue to think of new ideas and projects. I have a keen eye for detail and am willing to follow through with all processes to complete something beautiful and worthy of the time.
Communication Skills
As an educator in the Bay Area, I have worked with many different nationalities and every kind of disability, and being a strong communicator is essential in this and every line of work. Dealing with parents of children with disabilities also takes a special degree of patience and clear communication. Working in the construction field for the last ten years has also taught me how to communicate with subcontractors, employees, superiors, and clients.
Timeline
Foreman/Superintendent
Devlin McNally Construction
09.2021 - 05.2025
Carpenter Foreman
Aaron Gordon Construction
01.2021 - 09.2021
Carpenter
Dowbuilt
03.2016 - 01.2021
Cabinet builder & installer
Eby Construction
01.2016 - 03.2016
Carpenter
Treasure Island Woodworks
06.2015 - 01.2016
Vocational Director
Spectrum Center Schools
07.2008 - 06.2015
Continuing Education - Artisanal Woodworking and Construction Management
Peralta Community Colleges
Special Education Instruction - Special Education
Sacramento State University
Bachelor's Degree - English
Portland State University
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