The ACC Team

Concord Carpenter Authors

 The Concord Carpenter Writing Team

Concord Carpenter is published by A Concord Carpenter, LLC under the direction of Editor Robert Robillard.   Concord Carpenter features several regular professional contractors, remodelers and DIY enthusiasts.

The diverse experience of these contributors provides our readers with a great perspective from many different end-users.  We strive to specialize in showing best practices, and problem-solving advice on the following topics:

  • Carpentry and Renovation
  • Home Building
  • Construction techniques and products
  • Remodeling
  • Woodworking
  • Home Design and Furnishings
  • Home improvement and Maintenance
  • Do-It-Yourself Projects

Our motto:  “Well done is better than well said!”

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

All posts by Robert »

Phil Benevides

Carpenter / Assistant Editor

Phil is a 28-year old Air Force Veteran who decided to transform his passion for construction and home improvement into a career. Inspired by his Grandfather who built his home from the ground up with his bare hands in Portugal, he received his formal training in Carpentry at the North Bennett Street School in Boston, MA.Phil continues to grow his skills as a carpenter and leader, while exploring new products, methods, and tools!

All posts by Phil »

Ethan Bickford

Carpenter / Remodeler / ACC Photographer

Ethan Bickford has a long history with carpentry. His father worked as a contractor for many years and taught him the ins and outs of home repair and remodeling from a very young age. Since then Ethan has kept up his skills and knowledge by doing handyman work while in college and eventually started his own carpentry and remodeling company which he’s been running for the last three years. Ethan loves teaching and advising on tools and techniques and is a big fan of quality workmanship. His motto is: “Do it right the first time!”

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Ben Carmichael

Writer / ACC Photographer / Videographer / Fly fisherman / DIY Fanatic

Ben Carmichael is a communications and marketing professional, with experience in content strategy, video production and marketing, social media and email marketing, digital photography, and SEO, to name a few. He is also the proud owner of an historic home in Carlisle Massachusetts. Built in 1860, the home keeps him busy: there’s plenty of projects — from painting and insulation, to a bathroom remodeling project — to be done. For A Concord Carpenter, Ben compliments the site's construction expertise with the perspective of an avid home DIY’er. Ben is also an avid fly fishermen, and has had his articles and photography published by fly fishing magazines. His website, New England on the Fly, is devoted to fly fishing in New England.

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William Burns

Carpenter / Preservation Carpenter

William J. Burns is a June 2011 graduate of North Bennet Street School’s Preservation Carpentry program in Boston, MA. He has worked on many projects including window restoration at the Old State House in Boston, MA and completed many other restoration projects at five Shaker Villages across New York and the New England states. He spent two summers at the Mount Lebanon Shaker Village working exclusively on the 1829 Brethrens’ Workshop.He has volunteered with the Historic Albany Foundation, Colonie Historical Society, Friends of Pruyn House, Shaker Heritage Society, and Cambridge (MA) Historical Society.After years of careful research, William discovered a Shaker tenant farmhouse in Loudonville, New York. Previously unknown by local historians and Shaker preservationists, it has since been identified as a significant part of the Watervliet Shaker Village, America’s first Shaker settlement.William was the preservation carpenter at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, NH recently for over a year and is now on the ACC team.

All posts by William »

John Peachey

Writer / Teacher / DIY Enthusiast

John Peachey is a 32-year veteran teacher with a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology. John is passionate about technology and is a big fan of Apple hardware and other techie gadgets. As a homeowner, John enjoys spending time in his workshop and in his yard getting his hands dirty completing DIY projects. For ten years John was the general manager of a local swimming and sailing club, responsible for overseeing and maintaining the extensive facilities. In his free time, John enjoys outdoor activities, especially golf, fishing, boating, and biking. John’s love of the outdoors provides him with the time and opportunity to field test and review knives, multi-tools, flashlights, yard tools, and other handy devices. In addition, supporting teachers, students, and friends with technology for more than 30 years has provided him with the experience to advise, evaluate, and integrate technology products into a user’s daily life. Here at A Concord Carpenter, John enjoys reviewing all of these products.

All posts by John »

Scott Robillard

Master Plumber / ACC Plumbing Adviser

Scott is a licensed Master Plumber and owns and operates Scott Robillard Plumbing and Heating located in Waltham MassachusettsEstablished in June 2001, his company enthusiastically handles most facets of the plumbing, heating, or gas fitting industries, specializing in residential and light commercial work.Scott, who is also Rob's younger brother, tests tools for Concord Carpenter and advises on plumbing issues, articles, projects and industry related tools.

All posts by Scott »

Michael Hopp

Writer / Carpenter / Remodeler

Michael Hopp is a registered contractor in the State of Rhode Island. He has been registered for the last 16 years specializing in interior and exterior remodeling, doors and windows. Mike began practicing his trade 25 years ago at William M. Davies Career and Technical High School in carpentry shop. This gave him the opportunity to become an apprentice at Brodeur Window Distributors. Mike continued working at the company for 10 years. During this time he was in charge of the specialty door shop and assisted on service calls. For the last 16 years, Mike has been work as a general contractor in Rhode Island with his company MJH Construction LLC. Even though his background is in doors and windows, his passion is for remodel work.

All posts by Michael »

Josh Bordenca

Carpenter / Remodeler / ACC Videographer

Josh has been a carpenter for twelve years. He began his carpentry career long before he even knew it. His grandfather, and uncle, had strong interests in carpentry and were a big influence on him growing up.In order to pay for college, Josh joined a small remodeling company and worked after school and weekends eventually earning a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University.After college, He continued working as a carpenter, perfecting his skills. Later on Josh joined a large general contracting company based out of Marblehead, Massachusetts. He began as a laborer and was quickly put on the finish carpentry team. Spending just over 6 years with this company, he worked on high-end homes, additions, and foundation to finish builds.Josh joined the Concord Carpenter crew in 2012. His passion for perfection and excellent finish carpentry skills are a great asset to the Concord Carpenter team. Josh takes pride in producing quality work, while expanding his knowledge and skill, all with a little country music in the background!

All posts by Josh »

Jeff Williams

Writer / Carpenter / Woodworker

Jeff Williams comes from a long line of contractors. His parents started a commercial General Contracting firm many years ago and it has afforded him life-long, hands-on learning opportunities from rough and fine carpentry all the way to structural steel and concrete. He formalized his training by completing a Construction Management degree. Currently he's a carpenter for a commercial General Contracting company specializing in concrete, steel, and wood buildings. For him, nothing beats the thrill of being able to coordinate and successfully manage large projects all the way through to completion. Inspired by the difficulties sometimes encountered to complete punch lists his motto is, "Work hard until the job is done."

All posts by Jeff »

Scott Arnold

Writer / Carpenter / Remodeler

Contributing Editor Scott Arnold is the owner of Scott Arnold Remodeling LLC out of Waltham MA. Custom decks, fireplace makeovers, kitchens and bathrooms, Scott enjoys the frame to finish concept. Scott will share his perspective on tools as carpenter and remodeler here and on Toolboxbuzz.com

All posts by Scott »

Don Halsted

Don Hansted ~ Woodworking Editor

Don Halsted has been an avid weekend woodworker for over 30 years. His background in mechanical engineering drives his interest in design, building and, of course, tools. He has done coursework at the North Bennett Street School in Boston and attended lectures by masters in the field. Don has matched antique moldings, built a walk in redwood wine cellar, cradles, toy boxes, Shaker boxes & trays and numerous bookcases and cabinets. Don enjoys the entire process from project design, milling rough lumber, trying new ideas on prototypes, building jigs for “production runs” and, to a lesser degree, finishing. He like to use a combination of antique tools, hand tools and modern machine tools. He looks for well-designed and well-built tools of each type.

All posts by Don »

Jim Nadeau

Jim Nadeau is a Master Electrician and owns and runs Nadeau Electric LLC established 2007. Nadeau Electric specializes in older homes and light commercial projects. Jim Nadeau uses his 15 years of electrical experience to review the latest electrical tools and advise on any electrical concerns that may arise for the Concord Carpenter Crew.

All posts by Jim »

Sarah Carmichael

Sarah Carmichael is a writer and editor living in Carlisle, Massachusetts. She's covered a number of subjects, including business, baseball, politics, history, and culture. She is an avid hiker, gardener, and DIYer, and spends most weekends either climbing mountains or gardening around her 1684 home.

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Stan Durlacher

Stan has been a project manager in the Boston commercial real estate and construction market since 1978. He is currently a Project Executive for a major Boston Construction Manager, building High Rise apartment and office buildings. Two of his current projects are Air Right Developments over the Mass Turnpike in downtown Boston. One of the hallmarks of his career has been innovative problem solving. As Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Stan was instrumental in bringing the hydromill slurry wall machinery and technology to Boston in the 1990’s for use on the Central Artery Third Harbor Tunnel Project. Stan has been an avid woodworker since college and brings an innovative point of view to this field. He owns an 1886 farmhouse near Concord, Mass and his skills and time are never idle for long. His barn and attached spaces serve as his ever-expanding workshop. Stan is a self-avowed tool hound. In 2013, Stan decided to design and build his own CNC router. This machine has become a centerpiece of his woodworking and his craft focus Stan will share many of the ways that this innovative technology has solved many current problems and how CNC will begin to impact the woodworking and home renovation businesses.

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Mike Valente

Mike Valente is the owner of Valente Construction, a residential construction company based in RI. He got his first taste of the trade when he was still in elementary school. Mike would tag along with his Dad fixing up their rental properties. He attended H.H. Ellis Tech as a major in carpentry. After graduation he worked for a few years as an apprentice at a small residential remodeling company, before setting out to start his own company. Mike is always looking for new advancements in the trade, including new products and tools.

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Will Endicott

William Endicott is a licensed contractor in the State of Missouri and is the principal of a custom home building and renovation company. After attending the University of Kansas, he began working full time in the trades and soon after, started his own company. As a second generation carpenter, William grew up around job sites and discovered his love of tools. He now enjoys finding tools that help give his clients the best possible quality, while also helping to keep his company productive and profitable. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking projects, fishing and spending time with his wife and three children.

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Mike Delisle

Mike is a carpenter, handyman, and woodworker from Rhode Island, where he has spent the last 17 years working in the trades. Mike became interested in building construction by helping out the contractor who built his house. While being a carpenter is enjoyable and pays the bills, his real passion lies in woodworking and using his favorite tool, the scroll saw, to create 3d signs. In his spare time Mike enjoys bass fishing, skiing, and cheering for the Montreal Canadiens.

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Jeff Deitz

Jeff Deitz is a trained Mechanical and Systems Engineer but underwent a career change a decade ago to pursue a career in aviation. Jeff joined the Concord Carpenter team several years ago to assist with smart home automation and electronic integrations. After working with Rob on several projects, Jeff quickly gravitated to Tool Box Buzz’s Head 2 Head tests. Using his background as a systems test engineer he can frequently be found with a few other TBB crew members discussing the finer points of tool testing and designing the next Head 2 Head tool test.

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Weston Bartosik

Wes Bartosik is a Connecticut native with strong family ties to the construction world. Wes’ father and grandfather both were builders and developers and taught Wes the values of doing things right from an early age and getting hands on experience with every facet of the construction industry. Wes apprenticed with a carpenter throughout high school and would later attend Central Connecticut State University earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management all while working for a large excavation contractor throughout. Wes would go on to work for a local heavy-highway construction company and gain further experience with all the skilled trades associated with large civil engineering and utility projects. Though working as a manager now, Wes’ true passion is working in the field alongside the tradesman and laborers on site. Wes has been involved in community based service projects throughout his life as well as emergency services. In his spare time he takes on serious DIY projects for himself, friends and family. He is a firm believer that with a quality tool in your hands and some grit, you can accomplish anything.

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ralph mroz

Ralph Mroz grew up in an extended family of tradesmen, and worked at the trades summers and weekends through school. He put those skills to good use in renovating the five houses he and his wife have owned. Even while working in the white-collar and law enforcement worlds, he's always had one foot in the construction trades.

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Benjamin Fecteau

Benjamin is a former project manager, CNC-designer, and AWS-certified welder with experience running a commercial and industrial steel design and fabrication company. Before making the jump to commercial construction, he spent years renovating houses and building furniture where he became skilled in the art of home wiring, flooring, siding, and custom tool modifications. Benjamin has a Masters Degree in Education and is passionate about sharing his love of design with his sons and through community-based outreach. He resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and enjoys spending time with his family, in his workshop, and serving as an Air Force Officer.

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Dan Wheeler

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Forrest Owen

Forrest Owen is a real estate investor and carpenter. After purchasing his first home, Forrest gutted the property and remodeled it with the help of his wife. He gained valuable experience, finding his love for tools and construction during the remodeling process. Since then, Forrest has completed a number of house flips and development projects. Forrest works part-time as an apprentice carpenter with the ConcordCarpenter crew and is a self-professed tool fan. When Forrest isn't working on his latest real estate deal, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, woodworking, travelling, and teaching marksmanship at a local range.

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