When he’s not practicing finger holds on the climbing wall he built inside the HofArc office, or playing music, Thomas Townsend, 25, is crafting wood, tile, metal and plastic on Airstream interiors at the HofArc Airstream yard.

Thomas is one of the reasons for our success this past year, and has been working for us longer than any subcontractor.

He set down his tape measure and pencil long enough to answer a few questions:

HofArc: Can you share something about yourself we may not know?

Thomas: I was born in Hawaii, near Oahu, and grew up on the North Shore with my brothers and sisters. It was a great place for a kid to grow up.

HofArc: How many are in your family?

Thomas: There’s 10 of us.

HofArc: Wow! What was it like growing up with seven brothers and sisters?

Thomas: Large families are incredible! We’re all still very close.

HofArc: Where else have you lived besides Hawaii?

Thomas: I lived in Washington State when I was 18 and I learned finish carpentry from my Dad. I’ve spent time in Southern California, in a beach community and the mountains, where I worked on large custom homes and became a tile craftsman.

HofArc: How’d you get started as a finish carpenter?

Thomas: I’ve been building stuff since I was 8. I started out playing around in my Dad’s furniture shop. As I grew older I enjoyed working with exotic woods – creating jewelry boxes, cedar chests, and picture frames for my paintings. My favorite is the intimacy of the Arts & Crafts style of furniture making.

HofArc: You’re also a artist?

Thomas: Yes. I work with all types of mediums, but my favorite is oils.

HofArc: What do you like best about working with Airstreams?

Thomas: They each have a unique personality. Each one offers a new challenge, and I enjoy figuring out solutions

HofArc: Why Santa Barbara?

Thomas: What’s not to like about Santa Barbara? The weather hardly varies between the 50s and 70s; nice beaches; beautiful mountains; awesome cycling; and it’s not too crowded. It’s an incredible place to live.

HofArc: What’s it like working at HofArc?

Thomas: I have the freedom to utilize my skills creatively, and it’s a place where I keep learning new things everyday. I really like working for the Hofmanns. I love the way it’s a family-run business. Matthew (the owner) and I were friends before I worked here. The other subs that work here are now my friends, too. All the guys are great.

HofArc: Any hobbies you enjoy?

Thomas: Rock climbing, road cycling, hiking, gardening, and playing drums or guitar. Music – that’s my ultimate passion.

HofArc: How did you get into playing music?

Thomas: My father plays guitar, and when I was 16 he made a deal with me – that he’d give me his guitar when I could play better than him. So, I played his guitar every day, and a month later the guitar was mine. Since then, I’ve been playing and writing my own music. I learned to play by ear. I also sing and have had several bands. I like most types of music, but I prefer folk rock and mellow tunes.

HofArc: Has any of your music been published?

Thomas: It’s not public, yet, but you never know where a passion leads you.