Michael Gallagher

President

Michael Gallagher is the founder and principal craftsman of Michael Gallagher Custom Designs. While at the University of Iowa where he graduated with concentrations in business and computer science, Michael's varied special interests included crew, student aviation and model airplane construction. Drawing on such experiences in teamwork, mechanical skill and design, it is now Michael's mission to provide quality craftsmanship and dedicated service in every detail of your project. An accomplished craftsman, Michael works in a variety of woods, laminate, veneer, stone and metal in his suburban Chicago studio. Michael Gallagher Custom Designs strives to deliver fine furniture and custom installations that exceed your expectations.

Larry Markel

Principal Craftsman

Larry Dean Markel is the lead craftsman for Michael Gallagher Custom Designs. Larry combines dedication with hands-on skill to ensure that your project is individually crafted to specification. A native of suburban Chicago, Larry earned his nickname "Geppetto" for the full-scale wooden motorcycles he builds every year to help find a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease through the National ALS Association. An accomplished wood and metal fabricator, Larry is proud of the recognition he has received for his work. He brings this sense of ownership to each project and strives to follow the advice his father gave him ­ "whatever you chose to do, do it the best you can."

Below are a few sample images of the latest full-scale wooden motorcycle Larry has made. This full-scale wooden motorcycle created by Larry Markel and Eric Plaia for the 2004 National ALS Association raffle earned over $100,000 with help from the State of Illinois and Mike Madigan, Illinois Speaker of the House.