Meet The Team

American Reclaimed & Authentic Antique Lumber

Our team is like a family and we are proud of the work we do together.

Our Team Members

Get to know our team members below by clicking on the buttons below and then any headshot to read our bios.

Marek
Master Builder
Aidan – Sales & Customer Service ; USR
Larry
Yard Manager
Toni
Office Manager & Sales – Goshen, NY
Rich
Builder Manager
Brendan
Sander Finisher
Mike
Master Builder
Terence
Lead Finisher
Terri Schedler
Sales & Customer Assistance – Upper Saddle River, NJ
Rabbi
Yardsman
Tim
Sales & Management – Rye, NY
Matthew Scott Weems
Master Furniture Maker
Mark
Master Builder
Keith
Apprentice Builder
Michael C.
Apprentice Builder
Rey D. Virgen
Flooring Specialist
Sal Mastropolo Jr.
Founder (1956-2020)
Gaby
Jose F. Morales
Susan Spence
Sal Mastropolo III
Owner/Operator
Marek
Master Builder

Born in Zeszow, in the southeast of Poland, Merrick has been working with wood his entire life. Merrick’s father built several buildings in his hometown of Zeszow, including the local church, which Merrick remembers building right alongside him. When Merrick first arrived in the United States in the 1980’s, he worked as a cabinet maker, and then a general contractor for After the Barn, where he did renovations and interiors for the better part of 18 years. Merrick joined us over 3 years ago and his extensive experience has been invaluable to our operation. In his freetime he likes to have a beer and relax!

Aidan – Sales & Customer Service ; USR

Aidan, born and raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is the newest member of our sales team at our custom furniture company. With a fresh and enthusiastic approach, he is eager to help clients find the perfect pieces to match their style and space. Aidan's background in the arts deeply influences his work, allowing him to offer creative and insightful suggestions that go beyond the ordinary.

When he's not on the showroom floor, Aidan is a devoted artist and fitness enthusiast. Whether he's painting or hitting the gym, he brings the same level of energy and dedication that he offers to our customers. Aidan's blend of artistic vision and physical energy makes him a vibrant addition to our team, ready to tackle any challenge and assist customers in bringing their custom furniture dreams to life.

Larry
Yard Manager

Larry serves as the yard manager of our woodshop located in Goshen, NY. Born and raised in Warwick, NY, Larry has been working with wood since 1982 and has developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of wood. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Larry expertly manages our wood yard, ensuring that all of our materials are carefully handled and stored.

In his free time, Larry enjoys attending concerts and listening to music. We are proud to have Larry on board to help us create beautiful and unique pieces for our customers.

Toni
Office Manager & Sales – Goshen, NY

Toni is the office manager at our Goshen, NY store. Raised in the Bronx, she brings a wealth of experience from her time working at top companies including UBS, Deutsche Bank, and KPMG. Toni is a consummate professional with a vast knowledge of our reclaimed wood products and custom furniture. Her attention to detail and commitment to exceptional customer service make her an invaluable member of our team. In her free time, Toni enjoys pursuing her creative interests, including sewing and woodworking. She’s also an avid runner and loves to stay active whenever possible.

Rich
Builder Manager

Raised in Pearl River, New York, Rich has been a carpenter and contractor for all of his professional life. After graduating high school he began working at his uncle’s framing business in Rockland County. In the ensuing years, he worked in just about every trade- building houses, luxury renovations, commercial contracting, tile and interiors, and more. Rich began working at Authentic Antique Lumber 7 years ago, though he’s been a friend of the family for 25 years. Rich is a master of fine trim work, and is our resident expert on flooring. Outside of work he loves to play golf.

Brendan
Sander Finisher

Brendan is a skilled sander and finisher with a passion for craftsmanship. Originally from Syracuse, NY, Brendan brings a wealth of experience to his work and takes great pride in ensuring that each piece he works on is finished to perfection. Outside of work, Brendan is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time outdoors camping, fishing, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors with friends. He’s also a devoted father and loves nothing more than spending quality time with his daughter.

Mike
Master Builder
Born in Suffern, New York, Mike wanted to be a woodworker since his 9th grade shop class. His father encouraged him to be an electrician, so Mike met him in the middle and had a long and successful career as a free-lance computer programmer, all the while honing his craft as a woodworker. A few years ago, Mike came into our store as a customer, and when he showed us the beautiful work he was doing in his own shop, we asked him to join us. Mike loves working with inlays, hardwoods, and favors modern and contemporary style furniture. He is especially influenced by the aesthetic of japanese furniture. Outside of work, Mike loves landscaping, gardening, and is an enthusiast of the earth and all her bounty.
Terence
Lead Finisher

Terrence is our talented lead finisher, with an extensive background in painting and drawing. He brings a keen eye for detail and creativity to his work. Raised in Monroe, NY, Terrence has been an invaluable member of our team for five years. In his spare time, he enjoys riding motorcycles and spending time with his son. Terrence’s creativity and attention to detail are a true asset to our team, and we are proud to have him on board managing our finishing department.

Terri Schedler
Sales & Customer Assistance – Upper Saddle River, NJ
Terri is a lifelong resident of Bergen County, New Jersey, with a rich history in the local real estate market. Since obtaining her license in 2004, she has specialized in residential home sales, bringing a deep understanding and a personal touch to each transaction. Currently residing in Allendale, she thrives on the connections she makes with her clients and the community. Beyond her professional pursuits, Terri is an avid fitness enthusiast. She enjoys running marathons, playing tennis, and engaging in pickleball. Her dedication extends to her community involvement as well, where she actively participates in initiatives supporting The Valley Hospital and various local charities. At our showroom, Terri is eager to assist customers with their unique inspirations and looks forward to helping each person bring their vision to life through custom projects.
Rabbi
Yardsman

Coming Soon!

Tim
Sales & Management – Rye, NY

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Tim Schilling, our sales manager at our Rye, NY showroom, is a dedicated and passionate member of our team, with a background as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion and instructor.

In addition to his success as a martial artist, Tim is also a devoted family man. He loves spending his free time with his wife, daughter, and two energetic dogs. Tim’s dedication to his family and his work make him an exceptional individual, and we’re proud to have him on our team. He can be found at our newest showroom located in Rye, NY.

Matthew Scott Weems
Master Furniture Maker
Matthew Scott Weems, born in Morristown, is an expert furniture maker with 23 years of experience teaching at Morris County Vocational technical, and many more years dedicated to building furniture. He is renowned throughout New Jersey for his custom wall units and bespoke furniture, which are prominently featured across the internet. Matthew’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship has established him as a highly respected figure in the furniture-making community.
Mark
Master Builder

Born in Leningrad, U.S.S.R, Mark has been doing carpentry all his life. His father was a carpenter, so Mark helped with jobs starting from a young age. Mark came to the United States in the 1980’s and attended SUNY Stonybrook for sculpture and ceramics. He went on to work in ceramics, computer and printer design, and was an editor for a prominent science and technology magazine. In 2010, Mark moved to nearby Monticello where he opened his own woodshop, and shortly after joined the AAL team as a master woodworker. He specializes in Arts and Crafts style furniture, and fine cabinetry work. Outside of the shop, he enjoys hiking and kayaking.

Keith
Apprentice Builder

Keith is an apprentice builder at our Goshen shop who has had a passion for woodworking since a young age. Growing up in Mahwah, NJ, he began developing his skills in woodshop class in high school.

Some of his earliest projects included room renovations, cutting boards, and a folding patio chair. Keith’s talents didn’t stop there, as he used his woodworking abilities to help build sets for school plays, and even built a duck house for a park in town while pursuing the rank of Life Scout.

Michael C.
Apprentice Builder
Born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, moved across the country before settling in Warwick, NY, in 2007. He began his carpentry career as an apprentice with Local 547 in San Diego in 2016. In 2018, he relocated to Brooklyn, where he worked in various creative studios, including Bower Studios in Greenpoint, known for high-end mirrors. At Bower Studios, he crafted modern wood frames using techniques like steam bending and Japanese hand tools. Returning to Warwick, Michael joined AAL as a new member and apprentice, eager to continue his passion for woodworking. He enjoys hiking, swimming, and canoeing, and his favorite woods to work with are ash, for its open grain and light color, and black walnut, for its classic look. “I always look forward to the many lessons I learn along the way and the people that come along with them.”
Rey D. Virgen
Flooring Specialist
Rey D Virgen is a highly skilled flooring specialist and entrepreneur who has been finishing floors since 2003. With over 4000 floors completed, Rey is known for his excellent service and has built a reputation for his exceptional work. When he’s not working, Rey enjoys spending time working around his house and relaxing at the beach. We are proud to have him on our side.
Sal Mastropolo Jr.
Founder (1956-2020)

Sal was a skilled woodworker and the founder of our company. He was born on May 2, 1956 and dedicated much of his life wood. He began his journey in the late 70s selling firewood, before moving into movie and theatrical props. In the 90s, he started taking down barns and reselling the wood, which led to the foundation of our current company.

After the passing of his wife, Sal faced the difficult decision of whether or not to sell the company. However, his son Sal, who shared his passion, joined him and together they decided to take the company in a new direction, focusing on the creation of custom reclaimed furniture. With Sal’s expertise in woodworking and his son’s vision, the company flourished and became a leader in the industry.

Throughout his life, Sal was known for his unwavering dedication to his craft, his exceptional attention to detail, and his commitment to providing his clients with the highest quality furniture. His passion for woodworking was evident in every piece he created, and he was respected and admired by all who knew him.

Sadly, Sal passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and a company that continues to thrive under the leadership of his son. We at the company miss him dearly, but we are proud to carry on his legacy and create beautiful, unique pieces of furniture that reflect his passion and expertise.

Gaby

Gaby is a seasoned artist with over 40 years of experience, recognized for her custom wood art. Based in Orange County, NY, she created a Woodstock Peace Dove for the festival's 50th Anniversary. As the owner of Creekside Art Company since 2016, Gaby’s unique artwork has been featured by businesses like Harley Davidson and can be found across all three of our locations. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, the beach, and spending time with loved ones.

Jose F. Morales

Jose F Morales, born in Managua, Nicaragua on August 18, 1955, is a skilled watercolor and oil painter. His work draws inspiration from his lifelong study of art, with a particular fondness for the Renaissance and Impressionist periods. Influenced by mentors like Irwin Greenberg and Max Ginsburg, Jose is an active member of the Art Students League of NY. He holds a certification from Rutgers University and was a Director of Purchasing for a New York fashion house from 1985 to 2020. Jose is also a member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society.

Susan Spence

Susan was born in Arizona and raised in Sacramento, California, where her love for art began as soon as she could hold a pencil. She has been passionately drawing and painting ever since. Susan enjoys spending time with friends, exploring the woods for mushrooms and deer, and her creative pursuits extend beyond the canvas to include taxidermy. Her unique blend of interests fuels her artistic expression, making her work deeply connected to the natural world. 

Sal Mastropolo III
Owner/Operator

Sal Mastropolo III is the president and guiding force behind the success of our company. With a passion for woodworking that was instilled in him from an early age, Sal has been honing his skills since his teenage years, when he worked alongside his father taking down barns and selling various types of lumber. Today, as the leader of our company, Sal focuses on working with customers to design unique and personalized pieces of custom reclaimed furniture.

Sal Mastropolo III is the president and guiding force behind the success of our company. With a passion for woodworking that was instilled in him from an early age, Sal has been honing his skills since his teenage years, when he worked alongside his father taking down barns and selling various types of lumber. Today, as the leader of our company, Sal focuses on working with customers to design unique and personalized pieces of custom reclaimed furniture.