Brennan is a woodworker and fine furniture maker specializing in 19th century techniques with a focus on utilizing hand tools to achieve the highest levels of refinement. He is passionate about expanding access to woodworking through an emphasis on hand tool work, as space and funds for specialized machinery are a barrier to entry to most students of the craft. Brennan strongly believes that with a small set of tools and a large set of skills, there is nothing a person cannot make.
The son of a woodworker, Brennan has been practicing his craft since he was able to stand at his father’s workbench. He is the owner of Simpson Fine Furniture, a custom furniture business located in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, offering clients one-of-a-kind designs and bespoke, heirloom-quality commissioned pieces. His work has been featured in Fine Woodworking magazine. Brennan was an instructor at the Chicago School of Woodworking and has taught adult education classes at The North Bennet Street School, as well as lecturing on French Marquetry. He attended the American School of French Marquetry, studying under Patrick Edwards and was previously a member of the Charlestown Furniture Makers.
Brennan is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving for eight years in the Military Police. He is a graduate of the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at The North Bennett Street School in Boston, Massachusetts.