My Story

Hello! My name is Rob and I started Raptor Trail LLC for woodworking in my garage.  It has evolved to include home services since I love the satisfaction of completing projects, and figured to be able to help folks along the way would be the cherry on top.

One of my earliest memories of woodworking is building a mailbox stand with my Dad. I'm still amazed he trusted me not to smash his fingers as he held the nail for me, but that small project made a lasting impression.  I eventually began making cutting boards, flowing from simple edge grain boards to more complex end grain patterns.  Over time I gained experience with tools and materials and took on larger projects. This background helped me once I purchased a home, and over the last 15 years I’ve enjoyed everything from hanging the street number on the house, to fully finishing my basement.

So why Raptor Trail? Well aside from Raptors being cool, when I was growing up we would take regular walks around a cranberry bog with sections of boardwalk weaving in and out through the woods and water.  I loved the Jurassic Park movies (still do), so my Dad and I would throw acorns at each other's backs whispering "it's a raptor".  We therefore dubbed it Raptor Trail.  It's silly, and is a wonderful memory. 

Years after we moved, that bog had a family of beavers move in who changed the landscape so the path is completely different. My wife and I now have our own wonderful son and daughter, and Dad and I get to take them to Raptor Trail.  The trail and company has changed but I’m thrilled to now be able to share the experience with my own kids.

With Raptor Trail I aim to add the same beauty and joy to the world that I find walking around the cranberry bog, while embracing the idea of change over time and seeing what comes next. I am happy to say the acorns are still flying.

On another note, while the boardwalk isn’t really accessible anymore, ‘Raptor Trail’ is still walkable if there hasn’t been too much rain. It’s now part of the Mattabaseck Audobon Society and known as the Helen Carlson Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re ever on South Road in Portland, CT why not stop for a hike? Just watch out for Raptors.