I am Luis, owner of the Turquoise Tin. Building has always been my passion. As a kid, I spent countless hours at my grandfather's workshop, surrounded by tools I was encouraged to explore. My dad brought home scraps of wood and construction materials that became my playground. That early exposure to craftsmanship shaped everything that followed.

While working as a software engineer, I pursued woodworking at Palomar College, where I discovered the incredible diversity of hardwoods from around the world. I got an opportunity to volunteer at Sam Maloof's foundation during those years—his story and work remain a constant source of inspiration for me.

Today, I balance a career as a software engineering manager with my woodworking craft. Board games have become a deep interest of mine. They do something special: they bring people together, connect generations, and give us permission to step away from our screens and truly engage with one another. That same spirit—creating moments of genuine human connection—is what drives everything I do at the Turquoise Tin.