New Staff Welcome: Talking Shop With Our New Tech, Matt Mullen

Matt Mullen--3rd Ward's new Shop Tech--has been busy from the start, as he's working on our (if we don't say ourselves) amazing new wood shop. We managed to catch up with him for a few minutes and learned a whole lot more about him.

Check out our Q&A below, in which we talk Mullen talks yachts, rugby, delicious Italian food and--oh right--the new wood shop. 

So what are your duties as the new "Shop Tech"?

This means that I maintain all machines, blades, sanding discs/belts and anything else that is located in our wood shop. I also handle any in-house build outs of cabinets for the shop or 3rd Ward as well. I help education with jig building and prepping materials for classes. This works well as I also teach here. Currently I am teaching the Woodworking 2 // Carcass Joinery class on Sunday nights. 

Where are you originally from?

I was born in NYC and grew up in New Jersey, predominantly in Basking Ridge.

What were you up to before coming to 3rd Ward?

I was living and working in Annapolis, Maryland, building the custom interiors of sports fishing yachts. When I first moved back to Jersey last summer I was working in a custom cabinet shop in Paterson. I also started my own furniture company, Seven36 Fine Woodworking, LLC.

Wow, awesome. So, anything you've seen at 3W so far been you've found particularly inspiring?

Really everything has. I think being a part of the build out of the new wood shop and seeing how much we are going to offer our members is inspiring. It's so easy to create terrific work when you have such an amazing and technologically advanced space to utilize. Having a dedicated educational shop is something that I don't think any other similar shop offers and its such a unique and gratifying experience to share the love and knowledge of woodworking with people who are getting into it for the first time.

Any 3W events that you're especially looking forward to?

The opening of the new pro wood shop!

Haha, of course! Switching gears, when you're not helping redefine 3W's shop, what's your power restaurant (that you want to actually share with us)?

Paul and Jimmy's on 18th and Gramercy. Authentic Italian food and the owner is a good family friend. 

Nice, we're on our way. Here's a tough one: Name your favorite gadget or tool?

This is a tough question. I think right now might be our new 16" jointer in the new pro shop or the Striebig panel saw also in the new pro shop.

Sorry, that's kind of like asking a parent to pick a favorite child, isn't it? Here's an easier one: psychological horror movies or romantic comedies?

Who can pass up a good rom-com. I'll watch Sweet Home Alabama if it's on. 

What's the best thing you've seen in NYC so far in '0-12?

I guess if we're going by the actual calendar year of 2012, then I'd say RJD2 at Webster Hall.

Quick: Name your favorite cocktail.

Bourbon and ginger.

Mmmmm....bourbon and gingerrrrr. So tell us what you do when you're not here working in the shop?

I've been playing rugby since college and continue to play at the men's Division 1 level with the Village Lions RFC. We practice in the Bronx and play home games on Randall's Island. I'm also in a big hot yoga phase right now. Heavily into music and Thursday night comedy on NBC.

Nice. Anything final words you'd like to share with the masses?

Just really glad to be a part of the community that is 3rd Ward and excited to see what new, talented members are going to come in and create with our new wood shop space.

Cheers, sir. Welcome aboard.

-- John Ruscher