I graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh,my hometown. I went to work for the Standard Oil Co. (Sohio) and held various positions during the sixteen years I was with them: sales, supervisor and real estate.

        When British Petroleum bought out Sohio approximately 8,100 of us lost our jobs; I was one of the 8,100.

        I had been buying, selling and restoring true antique furniture, as time would allow, while working for Sohio. When the B.P. takeover came about, I decided to work with antiques full time. As time passed by, however, true American antiques, built prior to 1850, became more expensive and more difficult to find. The antique shows I had been doing over the years started to decline as to quality of antiques being offered for sale. The shows began to lose attendance; I became discouraged and frustrated, to say the least.

        I loved working with antiques and my clients. So when the idea of making reproductions of antiques came to mind, I decided to pursue the idea. As a result of pursuing that idea, Fireside Reproductions was begun some 30 years ago.

        I only wish I would have "found" Fireside Reproductions right out of college; I love what I do.