For over 40 years, Gary Katz was a licensed general contractor in California where he specialized in finish carpentry working on a wide range of projects—from tract housing to expansive custom homes; from office tenant improvement to schools and hospitals. Today, Gary is based in Southern Oregon.

Gary has trained carpenters on everything from basic techniques to advanced design and joinery. For many years, he was a popular presenter at national trade shows where he led hands-on workshops demonstrating finish carpentry techniques. In 2003, creating a unique partnership with leading industry manufacturers, Gary founded the Katz Roadshow, the only peer-to-peer national program providing continuing education for carpenters and architects, hosted at lumberyards throughout America.

In 1991, Gary published his first article in Fine Homebuilding. He soon became a frequent contributor to The Journal of Light Construction, Fine Homebuilding, Fine Woodworking, Tools of the Trade, and other leading trade magazines. In addition to countless articles, Gary authored The Doorhanger’s Handbook (Taunton), Trim Made Simple (Taunton), and Finish Carpentry: Efficient Techniques for Custom Interiors (JLC/Craftsman).

Gary's Mastering Finish Carpentry DVD series set the standard for professional video instruction in the construction trades. The Doorhanger's DVD was the final program in the series, released in 2010, a two-disc set covered Hanging a New Door in an Old Jamb and Installing Prehung Doors.

In 2008, Gary launched THISisCarpentry.com (TiC), a dynamic, interactive online magazine written by carpenters for carpenters. TiC offered detailed, well-illustrated articles about construction techniques, new tools of the trade, improving carpentry skills...and much more.

Gary continues to be active on YouTube and Instagram, sharing videos relating to finish carpentry and home remodeling. He is currently at work on his fourth book, American Mantelpieces: One Carpenter’s Journey through Architectural Styles, to be published in 2023.