Blacksmithing has been part of Justin’s life for as long as he can remember.  His father opened a blacksmith shop when Justin was 3 years old, and his fascination began there.  As he grew, Justin learned all he could about blacksmithing and even started helping at the shop for a small wage at age 11.  He joined his father full-time right after high school and expanded his knowledge of design and theory by apprenticing with Lance Cloutier in Tyler, Texas, and Joe Pahoski in Salado, Texas. 

Justin recently assumed the role of president at Morrell Metalsmiths and enjoys teaching beginner and intermediate classes at the studio.  He demonstrated at the 2000 ABANA conference on design-build and jigging for production items, and in 2003 at Hampshire College on scroll terminations.  He is also a member of the New England Blacksmiths Association.