In the 70’s, in Southern California, while Bruce Hogan was in High School, he worked with his father building a boat in the family’s back yard. Bruce’s father also had a full woodshop in the family garage and while his father’s interest was as a hobbyist, Bruce fell in love with working wood. After High School, he attended a trade college in Los Angeles where he earned an associate degree in Cabinetmaking and Millwork. The program provided the foundation for his teaching career and advanced woodworking skills in both traditional and contemporary furniture design. Upon graduating, Bruce apprenticed with a local boat builder. Here he would further develop his knowledge and woodworking skills. He built wooden boats including trimarans, cold molded steam launches, strip- planked boats and even lapstrake boats. Simultaneously, Bruce integrated these specialized skills into his cabinetmaking and furniture design.