Start by blaming the Boy Scouts: When I was just a pup in Sheridan Wyoming I was introduced to woodworking while earning a merit badge. In a small basement workshop, the introduction was made using only hand tools while building a bird house.
Time went by, playing sports took up most of my time, but in high school in Wheatland, Wyoming, I took wood shop and drafting classes taught by Jack Dinnel. From those classes, I was hooked. Woodworking turned out to be an avid and enjoyable avocation from then on.
I met Carole, a beautiful girl from Essex Connecticut, fell head over heals, and we married 58 years ago while at the University of Wyoming. We hunted and fly fished together, raised four children, remodeled several homes and somehow made ends meet. I always had a wood shop in whatever garage space I could find.
We lost our younger son Scott at age 21. A very good and avid basketball player, he always wore uniform number 11. Now you know part of the story.
Fast forward to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fly fishing the waters of New Mexico and Wyoming became a true passion. I loved the challenge it presented. Many enjoyable hours were spent on the San Juan and North Platte Rivers as well as the waters of Grand Teton and Yellowstone Parks.
Carole, BC (before Carl), and her family spent a lot of time in the area around Moosehead Lake in northern Maine. A few years ago, she and I visited Maine and at that time I told her when I retired from my real estate business and she found the right property, I agreed to relocate there. Well, 3 years ago, I did, she did, and we did.
A home, vacant for 5 years, with a 2-car garage plus a 3-car detached garage. We refurbished the house and converted the detached garage into a great wood shop. Carole was in Maine and with the large dedicated shop, I felt I was in heaven. I now had the space, the tools, the desire and time to have our 11 OUTDOORS wood shop.
I thank each and every one of you that have purchased fly rod cases and other products from me. My hope is that you are as proud of it as I was in making every one. I look forward to many more of you having the opportunity actually hold and feel one - listen carefully, as the wood and craftsmanship will talk to you.
Best, Carl and Carole Bruere
MAY YOU MEET YOUR FRIENDS ON THE RIVER
