The keynote speaker for the Woodworking in American Design conference is Thomas Moser of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers. Most of us were first introduced to Moser as we read his books. Mosers How to Make Shaker Furniture was actually the first book I read in my teens. That book has been a constant companion throughout the years.
Like most of us who dabble in woodworking, Moser is good with his hands. He learned the skill by watching and working with his father. Moser started refinishing antique furniture as a hobby. This allowed him to increase his income and learn about furniture design. He purchased pieces, then cleaned, repaired and refinished those pieces in his home shop before selling them for profit.
Moser later returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York. He then began his career as a high school teacher in Michigan. The next step was to go to colleges and universities to get a master’s degree in Speech Communications and a doctorate. You are a great speaker! He also kept his home workshop running so he could continue to enjoy woodworking.
Thomas, a teacher at Bates College, Maine in the 1970s, decided that it was time for a change and to quit teaching. The Mosers, Thomas and Mary Moser, opened Thos in 1973. Moser Cabinetmakers. It was his idea to create unique furniture in Maine. His hobby became a business. A big business.
His furniture was very similar to other designs and styles that he had studied over the years, including Queen Anne, Shaker and Queen Anne. But that wasnt the only work Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers did. Moser Cabinetmakers’ motto was “If it is made of wood, then we can make it.”
Some of Mosers’ designs have departed from his early influences over the past 35 years and he developed a unique style with a more modern look. Also, the company has grown from a one-man enterprise to employ nearly 100 people. In and amongst that family of employees are three of his four sons , the one son who has moved on is also involved in a woodworking-related business. Today, Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers operates seven showrooms located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago and Freeport, Maine.
Hell will be joining us at Woodworking America to share his story. Not only will he share experiences found while building his business, but also his path along the design spectrum. For more information and to get a look at his companys designs, visit thosmoser.com.
