Before turning full-time attention to the shop, James spent nearly 30 years as an IT project manager, leading complex teams, timelines, and systems. That background shapes how he approaches craftsmanship today: planning carefully, solving problems early, and building processes that are practical, repeatable, and dependable.

James is also an author, writing under The Sawdust Sage™ and Seamus Ailin™. His writing reflects the same values found in his woodworking — attention to detail, respect for materials, and an appreciation for the ordinary moments that give both objects and stories their meaning.

Within All En Crafts, James leads the design and build process, from material selection through final finish. While he may be the one driving the bus, the direction is shared — guided by collaboration, practicality, and a commitment to producing work that lasts.