I'm a gunsmith, reloader, hunter, and lifelong outdoorsman born and raised in Elk County, Pennsylvania—where my passion for firearms first took hold. After high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Boom Operator flying on the KC-10, eventually becoming an Instructor. During my six years of service, I earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Penn State University, with the goal of turning my passion into a lifelong career.

After leaving the military, I attended the Colorado School of Trades in Lakewood, Colorado, where I trained as a gunsmith and was honored to receive a scholarship from the American Pistolsmiths Guild. Upon graduation, I joined C. Sharps Arms in Montana, where I worked full-time as a stockmaker and gunsmith for two and a half years.

While living in Montana, I launched kurtthegunsmith.com, a blog dedicated to firearms and gunsmithing. I also contributed freelance articles to platforms like Free Range American and Sage & Braker, sharing my knowledge and passion with a wider audience.

In 2023, I returned home to Elk County and founded Highland Custom LLC, fulfilling my dream of owning and operating my own gunsmithing business. Today, I take pride in offering precision craftsmanship rooted in tradition, discipline, and a deep respect for the outdoors.