We are big enough to work with the largest customers on the most complex jobs, but small enough to be nimble when the situation requires it. Here's our team:
Paul Downs 1986
Founder / President
Founding Date: 1986
Paul founded the company when he was fresh out of college in 1985. Long retired from the bench, Paul acts as general manager. In addition to running the business, Paul is a prolific writer.
"Fortune favors a prepared mind."
Carolina Castro 2019
Project Manager
Carolina is a professional project manager with training in architecture & interior design.
Her passions are high-quality processes, client relationship, and leadership. She manages projects and covers specialty sourcing, logistics, PMO, and project follow-up.
"Thank you!"
Nathan Rossman 1999
Design Engineer
Nate started as a bench cabinetmaker with us in 1999, and has worked his way through every position in the shop. He works with clients to produce custom designs, and guides each of his projects through our entire process.
Nancy Dauti 2024
Design Engineer
Nancy comes to is with a degree in Industrial Design and years of experience in wood shops. Perfect for a design engineer!
Pam Pittenger 1998
Bookkeeping
Pam has a diverse background in business management and accounting. Pam does our bookkeeping and financial reports.
Ryan Bardsley 2008
Production Manager
Ryan runs all operations. He oversees every project as it passes out of engineering and through the production process. He is responsible for everything that happens in the shop. Ryan is a master cabinetmaker, and specializes in working with the exotic veneers that we use on our table tops.
"Teamwork makes the dream work."
Luis Ordonez 2013
Logistics
Luis leads the logistics implementation team. His eagle eye and attention to detail is critical to making sure that our work gets shipped on time and without error.
Issac Wahba 2014
Senior Engineer
Issac started as our CNC operator and has worked his way up to lead engineer. He works closely with the production staff to make sure every detail is perfect.
David Dano 2011
Lead Finisher
David is in charge of our finishing department. His day is a combination of heavy physical labor, precise chemistry, and applying the eye of an artist to the production of our fine finishes.
Andy Cole 1997
Senior Project Manager
Andy is our lead project manager and lead engineer emeritus. Andy has been with Paul Downs Custom Furniture since 1997.
Eric Getz 2023
Engineer
Eric has over 12 years of architectural and mechanical design experience. Growing up with a master craftsman as a father, he was constantly building in his wood shop, including professionally for two years.
Legesse Tesfay 2017
Craftsman
Legesse grew up in a woodworking family in Ethiopia. He builds tables, from rough milling to final assembly.
Tom Hefferon 2016
Client Relationship Manager
Tom comes to Paul Downs with a wealth of knowledge in customer service, relationship building, sales support, and administration. Tom has an extensive background in media, business and financial, and event marketing.
Michelle Parisi 2014
Sales & Marketing
Michelle is in charge of strategy and implementation of our marketing and sales efforts.
"Be sure to mention the Core Concepts!"
Ashton Ackley 2024
Craftsman
Ashton trained as a cabinetmaker at Thaddeus Stevens College. Since joining us, she has added welding to her ever-expanding skillset.
Evan Ciano 2024
CNC Operator
Evan trained as a cabinetmaker at Thaddeus Stevens College. He has brought that skill set to his work as CNC operator.
Jordan Steel 2023
Craftsman
Jordan is a skilled luthier in addition to his bench skills. You can see his incredible work on Instagram: @jordansteelluthiery
Liam McKee 2024
Craftsman
Liam trained as a cabinetmaker at Thaddeus Stevens College. He works on all kinds of projects for us, and is now working in the finishing room.
Nick Sarappo 2025
Craftsman
Nick joins us after stints in shops in Florida and New Jersey. He specializes in veneering
Aiden Falcone 2025
Intern
Aiden is joining us for summer work. He's recently caught the woodworking bug. We're training him to be a full fledged bench worker.
Alessandro Borrelli 2025
Project Manager
Alessandro is a recent graduate from Penn State. He joins our project managment team to assist with client relations.
Eshak Gerges 2025
Logistics & Maintenance
Eshak is a jack of all trades. He helps with general maintenance, receiving and shipping, and too many other small duties to list.
Stay in touch with us and hear about our latest projects.