I was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri, eventually making my way to Leipers Fork, Tennessee, where I live with my wife, Laura, and our three sleepy beagles.

I’ve spent over three decades as a food safety scientist for major pet food brands such as MARS and the Hills division of Colgate-Palmolive. I can talk your ear off about corn.

I’m always taking things apart and putting them together, and I have always loved classic cars. I’ve had 30 cars over the course of my life so far. I rebuilt a ‘77 classic yellow MG and spend many weekends working on my Jaguar XKR. On sunny days, Laura and I will drive out the Natchez Trace or head to the local diner in Leipers Fork to eat the daily special and trounce everyone at trivia.

I’m a lifelong musician. I took to percussion early, and in high school I was a drummer in a garage band called Moon and drummed for the Midwest chapter of Up With People.

Since then, I’ve continued to pick up my sticks as a hobby and, in that time, developed an interest in guitars and the craftsmanship side of music. The guitar you see on the right is the first I ever built.

It’s what led me here.

Making music, bringing something special into existence piece by piece - these are my lifelong passions I want to share with you through RanFord so we can turn something you’re passionate about into reality too.

I look forward to getting to know you.