Tommy MacDonald grew up in the greater Boston area, the eighth of nine kids. From an early education with tools from his father and a voc-tech high school to a 4-year union carpentry apprenticeship program and 15 years as a journeyman carpenter, Tommy never strayed too far from his tool box.

A serious on-the-job injury while working construction in Boston closed one door for Tommy, but his irrepressible spirit led him to open a new one. His career path took a critical turn when he was accepted at the North Bennet Street School, an internationally renowned craft and trade school. There he honed and refined his native woodworking skills while learning the art of fine furniture making. It also led to a chance meeting with Bob Vila, who featured Tommy and his work on national TV in his Colonial Home project.

Tommy’s big break came in 2010 when he hit the airwaves nationally as the co-creator, co-executive producer, and host of the series Rough Cut – Woodworking with Tommy Mac. The show was an instant success and ran for seven seasons, accruing 5 Emmy Nominations and close to a dozen Telly Awards, along the way. Tommy’s work on Rough Cut included fundraising, furniture design, and furniture making.

Tommy’s current focus is on a passion project, Murder Matters, which aims to help surviving family members of unsolved murder victims. To learn more visit murdermatters.com.