Eds 'home away from home' his 'very organised' workshop where many fine award winning pieces of furniture have been created.
What I call a WIN - WIN situation!
Ed Frendo
Born and raised in Sydney's West, Ed Frendo found his passion for woodworking at a very early age. While it is rumored that he was actually born holding on to a piece of his favourite timber, we do know that it was at the age of 4 when his first project was made and his passionate journey had just begun.
His skills and eye for detail continued to develop through his schooling days until he was successful in gaining his apprenticeship in the Shopfitting / Detail Joinery industry. It was in his first year when his natural talent shone through yet again, being awarded leading TAFE NSW Shopfitting apprentice, this achievement was repeated again in his second year, then again in his third and final year of trade. As if his third consecutive TAFE award wasn't enough, he also picked up the leading apprentice State award in that same year. He narrowly missed out on going all the way to the National level. "I was beaten by a girl, a story I never ever told my mates because at the time I would have copped a bagging".
One year later, at the age of 20, he started his own business and has never looked back. That 'real world' experience was a steep learning curve for him which then lead to a part time teaching career at TAFE, then on to a television stint with channel nine where he worked on lifestyle programs such as Our House, with the late Shirl Strachan and other popular renovation shows. His experience in a wide range of media including writing for Handyman magazine helped him branch out into presenting live demonstrations and instructional videos.
An increasing number of companies are utilising Ed's vast range of experience and his 'down to earth' style of presenting, such companies as Ryobi, Porta, Bunnings, Coolaroo and Readers Digest. "I love presenting, whether it is to camera or to live audiences, it gives me the opportunity to share my passion and have a joke along the way". Ed is not shy to share his sense of humor but also admitted that he is usually the first one to have a laugh - at his own jokes, that is!
His same level of passion for woodworking has now extended to his other favourite pass time, Photography, Sports Photography in particular.
Well it seems his love of the camera, whether it be behind it or in front of it, is something that we will all be able to enjoy for many years to come.