Eric Zankowski CA ’13

A need for something tangible

Carpentry ’13
Age 37
Mansfield, MA
Project Manager, Mitchell Construction Group

What were you doing before you came to NBSS to train?

After high school, I got pushed into college and didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I ended up getting a degree in Mathematics because it came naturally. I found myself in a bit of a rut after I got that degree—math is a tricky thing to have a degree in—and I wound up staying in academia in pursuit of a graduate degree.

While I was in grad school, it became evident that this wasn’t the path for me. Everything in the academic world seemed too abstract. Everything was on the computer or sitting behind a desk, and I couldn’t find meaning in that.

Why NBSS, and how did it impact you?

I had always been interested in carpentry and finally decided to commit to it. It was a bit of a tough sell to my family because none of them are in the trades. I think people have a misconception of carpentry that you just “fall into it,” that you don’t intentionally pursue it. 

I chose North Bennet because it’s professional and intentional. The Carpentry program is well-rounded, unlike learning only through on-the-job training. I was able to study the actual craft and set myself apart from others. 

My mindset going into it was that I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could, but I had no idea what I was doing when I first got to North Bennet. I knew numbers, but I didn’t know how to use any of the equipment; I had barely touched power tools. 

All of those numbers didn’t quite mean anything until I had a tape measure in my hand and I was building something; until I had the tangible reward of seeing a finished product that I made. 

I can’t stress enough how great the instructors are and how helpful they were to me. In particular, Patrick O’Shaughnessy CA ‘06, who was the Department Head while I was there, took so much time to help teach me the basics and cared genuinely about each student’s progress.

What are you doing now?

After I finished the program at NBSS, I joined Pat at the company he started, Sequoia Custom Builders, as his first employee. I spent several years there as the lead carpenter for high-end residential home building. Today, I’m in a similar role at Mitchell Construction Group. I work closely with the in-house designers on pre-construction plans to be sure that everything will fit and look as it should, and I also do project management. 

I always knew I wanted to be on the more mathematical and complex geometrical side of the woodworking stuff—detailed trim work and custom cabinetry—but once I got out of school and into the field, I realized that I also enjoy other aspects, like framing for instance, that aren’t as detail-oriented.  

What advice would you give to current NBSS students?

Take advantage of your time there. Ask as many questions as you can, and really pay attention. 

I’ve been going back to NBSS as a guest instructor for the past several years, so I’ve interacted with many of the students. I always share that they won’t have these resources at their fingertips in this kind of setting once they’re out in the working world. 

One thing I love about NBSS that I see often when I’m back is that they very much teach at the intersection of artistry and industry. You learn to appreciate both the craft and creativity, along with the essentials.

This story is from our Summer 2025 issue of Benchmarks magazine. Read more stories from the issue or view past issues.