The Craftsman

My name is Alexander Florizone, but to everyone I know, I'm Alex. I am the founder and craftsman of Ministro Woodworking.

To me, woodwork has always been a privilege to partake in; a hobby and craft which I rarely had the opportunity to practice, but which I loved dearly since the early days of high school. But as a young husband and father of four by 24, life never seemed to slow down enough to even think of spending hours out of the house, making noise and sawdust. Then there was the cost of tools, and needing a proper space to do my work in. But most of all, I wanted a reason and purpose to drive it all.

I suppose things just needed time to cook.

To put it simply, a lot of things changed. We moved around a few times. I worked in a couple different careers, and then eventually, I found myself jobless, shortly after the birth of our fourth child. I felt a deep sense of loss over the work I had been doing, and was unsure of where our life was headed for a while. For the next few months, I was blessed to be able to stay home and care for my wife and children.

It was during that time my wife had the idea that I shouldn't go back to work as I had before. She saw in me the love I'd been given for carpentry, creativity, and making something with my hands in a devoted service to others.

And so I picked up my carpentry again in the summer of 2025, pulling from ideas I had for friends and family, as well as establishments like churches. I pondered and envisioned what unique woodwork I could bring to them to ease daily tasks, brighten a room, uplift moments with family and friends, or a moment spent in solitude, with careful craftsmanship and an engraving of art, meant to reflect the unique beauties we encounter in each of our lives.

For myself, this has meant engravings of Catholic art, nature, and designing items inspired by stories; like the epic adventure of Lord of the Rings, or one more floral and romantic, like Pride and Prejudice.

I am very eager, and deeply grateful, to be able to continue this journey to meeting you all, as well as your ideas, and working to bring you a new creation you can love.

Ministro - In Latin, "ministro" (as a verb) means "I serve," "I attend to," "I furnish," or "I supply".