Whiz Kid: Daniel Berrios, World Class Woodworker

On July 23, Daniel Berrios, 19, took first place at the (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers) AWFS Fair held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. His achievement qualifies him for the U.S. World Team where he will exhibit his masterful cabinetmaking skills at the 2013 WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig, Germany.   

“It’s like the Olympics for woodworking,” said Berrios.

Last year Berrios became the 2010 National Gold Medalist in cabinetmaking, advancing him to the 2011 AWFS competition in Las Vegas, where he went head to head in a demanding three-day competition against the 2011 National Gold Medalist, Kaydee Walters, from Toelee High School in Utah. 

Since his sophomore year as a student at , Berrios has taken classes at the in cabinet making and millwork. He was graduated from Liberty in 2010, but continues to teach at BAVT along-side his mentor and former instructor Scott Ribarchik.

With less than two weeks to prepare, Berrios worked with Ribarchik to fashion what would be a small nightstand from the blue prints provided in advance of the competition.

“[Ribarchick] was my mentor for this past competition,” said Berrios, “he stayed a week and a half with me at the school ... we made the cabinet three times in the shop.”

He says that Ribarchik has taught him “time management” and some “tricks of the trade.” According to Ribarchik, Dennis is the first student from BAVTS to represent the U.S. at the WorldSkills competition.

What has given Berrios the edge over his competitors is the amount of time he puts towards practicing until the skills become “automatic and you don’t have to think about it.” He said he practices daily and that woodworking has become routine. 

Cabinet making is a difficult skill to master because it isn’t just one step. It entails multiple steps that all need to be accomplished with precision to create a quality product. While cutting, joining and assembling cabinets are difficult, the finishing is often the toughest skill to master.

“I like finishing better than anything,” said Berrios. “It’s where the wood comes alive and you can see the colors in the grain.”

Woodworking and craftsmanship are a legacy in the Berrios family. While much of the family is part of the construction industry, “I lean more towards the fancy stuff,” said Berrios, “I started at age 12 and branched off into cabinet making.” His grandfather also made furniture. His cabinets and beds are still in use. 

While woodworking takes up almost all of his time, Berrios still finds time to help at his dad’s Borinquen Restaurant and has been active in the past with the Puerto Rican Cultural Coalition, donating thousands of hours and his woodworking skills.

Berrios is currently an instructor at the BAVT where he works in the adult education night class and is enrolled as a student in the CAD program at .

“I would like to incorporate computer design into my woodworking,” said Berrios, “blending modern and traditional woodworking.”

Whiz kid might not be the right term for this young man but, he has definitely displayed extraordinary talent in cabinet making. His success proves that practice makes perfect.