Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Hamerski.
Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first learned about makerspaces in 2018. A place where people can gather to share what they know, collaborate on projects, and pool their resources to obtain equipment for making cool things sounded like just what Wilmington needed. So I toured a few makerspaces across the region and became convinced that someone needed to make one here. Gradually the idea grew that maybe I could do it after I retired. Then I realized that if I’m going to do it, I needed to do it now. So in 2022 I took the first steps, forming the non-profit, creating the website, asking around for like-minded people and looking for a space. The Good Samaritan Church offered us two rooms in their annex and for 6 months we met there and made plans. In December 2022 my wife and I purchased a property in Downtown Wilmington and in March 2023 we set up there using old, donated laser cutters and 3D printers. Every Tuesday since then we’ve hosted a talk or workshop with topics ranging from technical to artistic. For $40/month members have 24/7 access to the space, free talks and participation in the local maker community. Over the past year we’ve grown from 6 members to 60. The old equipment was replaced with better donated equipment and eventually we were able to use member dues to purchase new top of the line equipment.
But our journey has just begun. We just purchased a building in the South Cargo District and are in the process of fixing it up with plans to move there this fall. This will give us 4x the space, allowing us to vastly expand our wood and metalworking, triple the size of our talks and workshops and offer co-work spaces for rent.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has, so far, been smoother than I would have predicted (knock on wood). When we first started a person visited that has been involved with makerspaces for years and he pulled me aside and said, “this isn’t for the light hearted. There will be plenty of conflict in your future.” I told him I’m used to conflict and am ready. Mostly, it’s just been a lot of work and some anxiety. Every time a member cancels, I’m worried. I’m used to working with others and would say with no hesitation that the maker community of Wilmington are among the most considerate, compassionate, thoughtful and kind groups I’ve ever worked with.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My day job is Nephrology. I’m a kidney doctor. I graduated from medical school in 1993 and moved here in 2000 after completing my fellowship in St. Louis. Nephrologists are famously the nerds of the medical field. Ours is one of the few specialties that actually involves math. So I’m a big science nerd. I love topics ranging from cosmology, chemistry, geology, to electronics and many more. When those involve learning new skills and making things, I’ve always felt that it is more enjoyable to share the journey with others. Having people to bounce ideas off of, ask questions, and share your progress with makes creation much more fun. And that’s exactly what being a member of Cape Fear Makers Guild provides.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Sticking with it. A willingness to put in the hours and be available for interacting with the public and members has, I think, been very important
Pricing:
- $40 / month for individual membership
- $60 / month for family membership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.capefearmakersguild.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfmakers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capefearmakersguild
