My Story
Hello!
My name is Marco and I am the owner and founder of Custom Thirteen Inc.
Carpentry has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching my dad build his own contracting company from the ground up. He began with small painting jobs and eventually, expanded his company to take on major residential and commercial renovations and new builds. From my father I learned the importance of dedication, attention to detail and working with care - no matter how big or small the project.
In my teens, I worked alongside my father which inspired and developed my passion for carpentry. As a result, I later went on to receive my Red Seal Carpentry ticket at NAIT. I spent years gaining experience within various trades, developing and refining my technique in all aspects from framing to finishing. I came back to work for HBT, my family’s company, 6 years later. It was working for HBT where I discovered how craftsmanship can truly shape the character of a home.
My journey into woodworking happened naturally. It started in my parent's garage, with a small wall-hanging piece. It may not have been extravagant, but the process of designing, joining, and bringing a custom piece to life sparked something within me. It was that moment I knew I wanted to create pieces that are not only functional, but meaningful, and that could bring warmth, personality, and lasting value to homes.
Today, I am proud to run Custom Thirteen Inc. out of my own shop. I design and build custom, hand-crafted pieces for clients who desire unique and extraordinary pieces. This business has been a dream come true for me, and I am excited for the opportunity to share my passion and my work with you.
Inspiration
The name Custom Thirteen Inc. comes from my Italian heritage, where thirteen is considered a lucky number. It has always been my number in sports and remains a meaningful number in my life.
When I first started woodworking, I came across a video of a Japanese Sunrise Dovetail. That video set the bar for the level of craftsmanship I strive toward and later became the foundation of my logo. The Japanese mastery of carpentry is unmatched. The precision of their joinery and the appreciation they hold for wood and their tools continue to inspire me daily. In 2024, I traveled to Japan and saw their carpentry firsthand. It was breathtaking and reinforced the level of skill I hope to reach.
I often incorporate Japanese hand tools into my work, not only as an important skill set, but also as a way to connect with the process and keep the history of carpentry alive. I use this philosophy as the standard for every project, while incorporating my own style and the skills I’ve developed over the years. Each piece I create carries that inspiration, built with the same respect for the craft that first drew me to it.
