Ties to People

Many people have asked about my unique one-of-a-kind painted wooden ties. So with this in mind I thought I’d showcase some of the ties I’ve made and the interesting people who wear them.

Lets kick this off with the actual creator of the tangible wooden tie (Jeff Risk). I do not cut the wood and/or assemble the ties. I buy blank ones from him and add my artwork later.

There are 9 featured people, so you may have to click on “Older Posts” to see all.

Ties to People: Jeff Risk

(Jeff Risk / President/CEO of Woodknot Ties) Jeff grew up in the mountain region of North Carolina, and is the son of a general contractor. For generations, his family members have been woodworkers. In 1992, Jeff broke his back in a terrible construction accident and spent much of the next year bed ridden as he recovered, with plenty of time to think and dream. During this time, he conceived his idea and with the help of his father's carpentry crew, made prototypes. An overwhelming response during a market-testing phase, which included interviews on CNN and Good Morning America, prompted Jeff to pursue a patent, which he was awarded in 1995. Since then, he has sold his unique wooden “neckware” around the world.

Ties to People: Victor Davila

(Victor Davila / Illustrator, Designer, Cartoonist). Victor’s artistic world is basically filled with cartoons, comic books, design books and magazines, messy pencils and inks, and tons of crumpled paper. As a result, he’s usually not a tie-wearing kind of guy. However, he’s has recently had a change of heart on the matter. Victor is also the fearless leader of GIANT Illustrators

Ties to People: Derek Demeter

(Derek Demeter / Director of Seminole Community College Planetarium) Ever since Derek could remember, he’s been looking to the stars. This constant fascination with Astronomy gave him the lift-off he needed to soar him upward, and onward through many stellar journeys… landing him at the Seminole Community College Planetarium in Sanford Florida. This outlet offers live interactive digital video presentations that are unlike any planetarium show you'll ever experience. The planetarium has something for curious stargazers of all ages.

Ties to People: Ric Kraszewski

(Ric Kraszewski / VP of Sales, Whale Tails Tortilla Chips) Ric loves to be an entrepreneur. First he started a successful “green oriented” construction company in Southern California from 1975 – 1990. Ric then designed and marketed a unique product for the hospitality and special event industry that is still in use today. Ric (A life long surfer) and his wife, Terry, founded Whale Tails Tortilla Chip in 2006. Ric puts his passion for ocean conservation, his family and his commitment to the future into everything he does. He loves being part of an eco-entrepreneurship on a mission to raise awareness of ocean conservation efforts through the sale of their naturally gluten free, GMO free, trans fat free, certified organic, kosher tortilla chip. The chip received national recognition on the FOOD Network and CBS when selected as Snack of the Day on Rachael Ray.

Ties to People: Joe Mantisano

(Joe Mantisano / CEO (Chief Executive Officer, as well as, Chief Entertainment Officer!) of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens) After many years in business, Joe left the tie-wearing world of the House of Seagram and Anhueser-Busch/SeaWorld to venture into the world of non-profits. Today, at speaking engagements and meetings throughout the country, the only tie you will see Joe wear is the wonderful wooden tie by Brian Demeter. Joe's vision as CEO has increased Zoo's attendance to record breaking numbers, has updated the Zoo and its many exhibits, added new features such as ZOOm Air Adventures and the Wharton-Smith Splash Ground, and increased the visitor experience for children-of-all-ages that come to the Zoo each year.

Ties to People: Maegan Reid

(Maegan Reid / Artist) Once Maegan found clay, she instantly fell in love with the medium. She has taken several different classes to develop her skills. While participating in several shows she won ‘First Place’ and ‘Best of Show’ a few times and she was also voted ‘Senior Superlative Most Talented’ in her High School. Her dream has always been to work in the art field; she’s presently working on a Fine Arts degree and would like to go into Art Restoration/Conservation.

Ties to People: Ginny Rorby

(Ginny Rorby / Author) Ginny is a retired Pan Am flight attendant turned novelist and full-time volunteer. A poor student in high school, and a college drop-out, she finally recognized the importance of an education and returned to college at the ripe old age of 33. Attending classes during the week and flying trips to London on weekends, she finally graduated from the University of Miami--eight grueling years later--with a dual major in Biology and English. PenguinPutnam, Inc. published Ginny’s first young adult novel, Dolphin Sky, in March of 1996. Tor Books released her new novel, Hurt Go Happy, in August 2006.

Ties to People: Chris Sedlak

(Chris Sedlak / Developer & Founder of Little Fish Big Ocean, Inc.) After working with a local publishing company to develop a software solution to manage their business, founder Chris Sedlak decided that the same business principals would apply to many other businesses desperately needing some sort of organization. And, Little Fish Big Ocean Inc. was created (2008) with the goal of providing efficiency to small and medium-sized businesses allowing them to "swim" with the big companies who have million-dollar software programs.

Ties to People: Blair Sligar

(Blair Sligar / Woodworker, Artist) Blair’s interest in animals, silhouettes of animals, and all things in general, along with his love of wood, fires his passion for woodworking, large drawings and prints, and clay. His company, "hog.eat.hog” builds custom furniture and creates sculptural installations from local, salvaged, and reclaimed materials and wood species. He also builds children's toys, houses for bats (the birds wish they could get in too). Currently, he is studying for a BFA in sculpture/drawing at the University of Central Florida, and works from his studio in downtown Orlando.

Whale Tails Tortilla Chips!

Had these chips at my son's birthday party. Great chips. A very "tasteful" company from CA. Awesome! Check'em out!