Furniture Maker

Luckily for Tom Hannah, lightning doesn't strike twice. Eleven years ago while hiking in the Colorado Rockies, he had a close encounter with nature that changed his life. When lightning came too close for comfort, the blast made an impact on him in more than one way. Three thoughts entered his mind that day--there are two people waiting for you at home, don't covet and quit swearing.

Not long after his brush with death, he learned that his wife was pregnant. When he decided to try making a blanket chest for his baby, he discovered he loved woodworking and began doing it full time.

Today he makes furniture for millionaires such as his signature California Claro walnut bureau. He says he doesn't covet the exquisite work he makes, but as far as the swearing goes, he's still working on taming his tongue.

History Nuggets

• California Claro walnut, also known as California black walnut, is a brilliant wood that ranges in color from gold to red.
  
  
• The wood grows in Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County, along the bank of the Sacramento River an in Wooden Valley near Napa, California.