Steve holds degree is history from the University of Texas at Arlington and has been operating, interpreting and maintaining historic watermills since 1994. In the late 1990s, Steve worked with English millwright, Derek Ogden on several mill restorations. From 2001 to 2003 Steve was project manager for the Stratford Mill restoration at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Working with millwright, Ben Hassett, this project included major repairs to the hurst frame, construction of a new waterwheel shaft, new waterwheel, and seven new gears. In January 2007, Steve began work at Mount as Manager of the Historic Trades Department. This department operates and interprets George Washington’s Gristmill, Distillery, Pioneer Farm and Blacksmith Shop. The focus of the interpretation is the entrepreneurial side of Washington’s Mount Vernon. At the Distillery, Steve and his staff produce George Washington’s rye whiskey using all 18^th-century methods. Steve has traveled extensively in England and Europe researching wind and water mills, and regularly lectures on 18th century milling, distilling, farming and industry.