Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Yesterday, I told you about Dr. Lou Jensen of Orem and how his skill with a dental drill led to a hobby that is now his full-time occupation. Dr. Jensen left dentistry, which he really didn't enjoy, and became a renowned carver and engraver. His work adorns the homes of celebrities and even U.S. Presidents. But Dr. Jensen has gone beyond discovering his own talent and is now sharing it with other people through a company called Profitable Hobbies.
The company, which is owned by Tamaree Littlefield, also of Orem, sells the very tool Dr. Jensen has used to create those intricate eggshell carvings. It's called the Paragraver, and it's actually an ultra-high speed drill shaped like a felt tip pen. It will engrave and carve any design on any surface even antlers. The company also sells a sandblasting tool called the Parablaster for producing images on glass. And a third tool called the Parabrush is the first laser-guided airbrush on the market.
Tamaree told me that you don't have to be a skilled artist to become a talented engraver. Profitable Hobbies offers a series of instructional classes that teach the technique. And several people who have taken the classes have gone on to earn national recognition for their work.
The company, through the work of nine employees, also does engraving for clients. For example, it engraved several hundred ornaments for BYU's Lighting The Way campaign, and on a regular basis engraves awards presented by BYU President Merrill Batemen. And Profitable Hobbies has created the Forever Letter, a crystal vase they'll engrave for anyone who would like to forever keep the words of a cherished letter or written work.
As for Dr. Jensen, these days he's busy helping struggling artists succeed through a non-profit organization he founded called the Handmade Association. "Having a good job is my job," he says, emphasizing the importance of enjoying your profession. After all, what could be better than making a profit doing a hobby you love?
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
