Check Out Michael Bondi’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Bondi. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Bondi Builds came to life during quarantine. As a family, we were very strict about interacting with anyone outside of our bubble. Mike (dad) and Michael (15-year-old son at the time) started playing around in our storage room, and soon, Michael became interested in woodworking. Michael built all sorts of different crafts, a box for his grandfather’s walker, a table for our patio, and he finally settled into charcuterie boards. Mike and Michael decided to handcraft ten boards for a local not-for-profit as part of their virtual fundraiser, and the rest is history. Between Mike’s background in construction and Michael’s interest in woodworking, Bondi Builds was born. Michael’s interests have progressed into fine woodworking, and he hopes to pursue furniture making in the future.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been relatively smooth. I have had to balance my schoolwork with my business. I am currently a senior at Rockhurst High School, and even though it’s my senior year, the schoolwork is still demanding.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am really proud that I found an interest in something that I had no idea about. Once I discovered woodworking, I fell in love with the process and the outcome of the work I do. Right now, I specialize in charcuterie boards, cutting boards, and any type of serving board. I am taking my creativity to furniture making next. What sets me apart from others is my age. I started this at 15 years old and learned everything I could online.

What makes you happy?
The satisfaction of seeing my work progress from a thought to something tangible. What makes me happy is seeing my plan come to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bondibuilds.com
• Instagram: @bondibuilds
• Facebook: BondiBuilds

Image Credits
Ourselves and David Riffle for the picture in the workshop.