07/20/2026
We've been a little quiet on social media lately, but for all the right reasons. The shop has been incredibly busy thanks to all of you, I recently started a new 9-to-5 job, and we've been making the most of every moment of summer with our family.
A few years ago, we decided to make it a tradition to take one family vacation each summer. This year, we headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula—a place that means so much to us.
For those who are new here, Copper Mine Laser Design LLC got its name from our love of the U.P. I attended Michigan Tech in Houghton while earning my Mechanical Engineering degree, and my wife and I later spent several years living in Iron Mountain before moving back home. With copper mining being such an important part of the U.P.'s history, the name felt like the perfect tribute.
Our trip took us through Iron Mountain to visit friends, up to Baraga, Houghton, Calumet, Copper Harbor, Bond Falls, and many beautiful places in between. Even though wildfire smoke hid the views of Lake Superior, it didn't take away from an unforgettable adventure.
The highlight of our trip was exploring the historic Delaware Mine. We first descended 100 feet underground and walked a 1/4 mile through the copper mine. It was cold, quiet, and filled with history. After returning to the surface, we explored the grounds and the remains of the original mining buildings, imagining what life was like when the mine was operating in the 1800s. Our kids were a little nervous at first, but they faced their fears, completed their booklets, and proudly became Junior Miners.
Standing together underground was a full-circle moment for our family. The place that inspired the name Copper Mine Laser Design LLC became an experience we could all share together.
We're incredibly grateful for the memories we made, the support you've shown our small business, and the opportunity to do what we love. Thank you for keeping us busy and allowing us to enjoy time like this with our family.
We're back in the shop, refreshed, inspired, and excited to keep creating for all of you!
