Ever since I was a young man wandering the lush forests of western North Carolina, I became innately interested in the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Particularly, how the resources of the mountains have been utilized throughout history to craft homes, tools, instruments and other useful items, as well as how the environment shaped cultural and economic developments throughout the region. Having spent two decades as a prolific and award-winning maker of traditional Appalachian instruments and music, I have a deep appreciation for this natural and cultural influence upon my own life and work as well as an intimate understanding of how materials are used to craft meaningful things that last. Over the years of using various tonewoods from around the world in my instruments, I developed a fascination for where these materials come from, how they get from point A to point B, and how the exploitation of these resources affects the environment and indigenous peoples who cohabitate the areas from which they are sourced. This led me to learn about timber legality and certification standards, as well as the work various NGOs are doing to help ensure sustainable supply chains of timber products around the world. Through my experience as a Forestry Chain of Custody Auditor for the Forest Stewardship Council, I have seen how forest products producers throughout the global supply chain manage their materials, both on the production floor and in the office. I believe that my knack for problem solving, systemizing and helping others positions me to assist small businesses and consumers in navigating the wood trade compliance and certification landscape.