Adrian Cushman Designs

Following My Dream

Goals, Passion and unwavering commitment have brought me here today. You may have heard this like a broken record from your teachers, coaches and parents but paid little heed to the possibilities waiting for you. At an early age, I made up my mind what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was going to be an Officer in the US Coast Guard and when that journey concluded, I was going to be a woodworker.

The road to being an Officer in the US Coast Guard was not direct and had many obstacles along the way. I proudly served more that 7 years and thank all those that pushed me to achieve those goals. My time serving afforded me great opportunities to travel and learn from many diverse cultures. Furthermore, the lasting relationships I have built are second to none. It is very exciting to see fellow “Coasties” both active duty and separated pursuing their passions.

I am now onto the next chapter in my life, woodworking. Some doors shut at times you least expect but only to open many others. I have decided that it is time to pursue my next goal and give back through traditional woodworking. Working with my hands has always been second nature to me. I can distinctly remember working on White Feather Ranch along side my Grandpa Gordon, learning the proper way to use each tool safely. There was a day when I confidently proclaimed “Grandpa, I now know how to use EVERY tool in your workshop!” This was a big deal (there are A LOT of tools on the ranch) for I was no older than 11 years old. I like to think this was a proud moment for Grandpa as well.

It was not all fun and games though. I decided that my Grandpa’s 12’ aluminum row boat needed a face lift and a custom white and green paint job. I didn't understand why the reception was less than enthusiastic. Years later, my affinity for boats had flourished and the decision was made at the behest of Grandpa, to build a sailboat. This was all carefully calculated based on the capabilities of a 14 year old and a 71 year old Pharmacist. Bold, Ambitious, why not. At least this would be my boat to spray paint. What an experience creating a 19’ Gaff rigged sailboat with my Grandpa at 14!. It took us a little over a year to get her in the water. This is when we had a good long pause and asked each other “Are you ready to learn how to sail?” and pushed her away from the dock on Lake Jennings at Sly Park.

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