Meet the Instructors

Gregory

Gregory Paolini

Gregory Paolini has written three books, numerous magazine articles, and has appeared in several DVD's and videos, most of which are with Fine Woodworking Magazine, Fine Homebuilding Magazine, and the Taunton Press.  He's also done a handful of  instructional YouTube videos, so examples of his teaching style, and how he explains things are readily availbe for you to view, and see what type of learning you can expect while you're at GPD Academy.

Gregory is a professional woodworker who owns and operates Gregory Paolini Design LLC, the GPD Woodshop, and GPD Academy.   His work has been featured in numerous books,  magazines, and newspapers, and can be found in the homes of clients across the country. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY,  Gregory began woodworking after inheriting some hand tools, and built his first piece of furniture when exposed to the world of precision woodworking through a pattern making class in high school during the mid-eighties.    Gregory explains: “I was blessed in a way – I had hand tools but couldn’t afford power tools.  I was forced to learn traditional, old world craftsmanship:  Hand planing, joinery, dovetailing.  I salvaged wood from pallets and where ever I could, to put into practice the techniques I learned from books, and honing my skills.” Today, Gregory expands upon his woodworking knowledge by continuously pushing his designs to the next level, and new horizons, while keeping a mindful eye of the details.  “I pay a lot of attention to the little things – I’ve come to realize that often it is the littlest things that make the biggest difference.”  Gregory closed with a bit of his philosophy: ” I accept that no man’s work will ever be perfect, but it’s my responsibility to craft each piece as close to perfect as my creator will allow.”

Phil

 

 

Phil

Phil was exposed to woodworking at an early age by his grandfather in east Tennessee, who had his own workshop and would let Phil tag along when he went for a visit. When Phil was old enough to use power tools, he began to try projects on his own. Some worked, some did not. But Phil always wanted to learn, by watching others, and by experimenting on his own. Phil's woodworking excelled, leading to a position in the custom cabinetry shop at prestigious Hatteras Yachts, and finally to a position at GPD.  "I still like to challenge myself to do different things with minimal advice from others. Being at GPD gives me that opportunity but also provides expert input when I need it. I'm here to learn and contribute to the success of the team at GPD!"