Anthony Helinski grew up in Salem, New Hampshire, where curiosity and hard work shaped his early years. As a kid, he spent his time on the ice and the field, playing youth hockey as a goalie for the Salem Saints and competing in Little League baseball. Summers were reserved for Cape Cod, outdoor adventures, and learning the value of balance and routine.
In high school at Central Catholic in Lawrence, Massachusetts, hockey became a defining force. Anthony played varsity hockey from 1999 to 2002 and earned MVP honors along the way. His dedication opened the door to Suffolk University in Boston, where he continued playing hockey while earning a bachelor’s degree. Eventually, he stepped away from the sport to focus on education, setting the tone for the thoughtful decisions that would guide his career.
Anthony went on to earn two master’s degrees from Lesley University, one in General Science and another in Education, graduating with top academic honors. He spent seven years teaching science and reading in Lawrence Public Schools, where his classroom was known for hands-on learning and creative energy. Later, he taught engineering and design, leading students through robotics, woodworking, and real-world problem solving.
After teaching, Anthony moved into engineering and project management in the gas utilities industry, where he blended technical skill with leadership and training development. Today, he channels the same focus into woodworking, creating custom pieces that reflect patience, precision, and pride in craftsmanship. Whether building with wood, teaching others, or refining a process, Anthony’s story is rooted in steady growth, self-reflection, and showing up with purpose every day.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts early. I like quiet mornings because that’s when my head is clear. I’ll make coffee, stretch a bit, and write down the three things that actually matter that day. Not a long list. Just three. If I get those done, it’s a good day. If I’m in the shop, I’ll start by prepping materials and tools so I’m not stopping every ten minutes. When I was teaching and later working in engineering, that same habit applied. Preparation first. Execution second.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I treat ideas like engineering problems. I break them down. When I designed lessons for robotics or woodworking clubs, I’d start with the end goal and work backward. I do the same with woodworking projects. I sketch, prototype, and test. I expect the first version to be wrong. That mindset came from teaching engineering design and constantly asking, “What worked? What didn’t? What can I change?”
What’s one trend that excites you?
I like the renewed interest in hands-on work. People want to know how things are made again. Whether it’s woodworking, mechanical skills, or fixing instead of replacing, that shift matters. I saw how powerful hands-on learning was with students, and I see the same curiosity coming back with adults.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I end the day by resetting my space. Clean bench. Tools back where they belong. Classroom, jobsite, or shop—it’s the same rule. Walking into a clean space removes friction the next day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t confuse being busy with being effective. I spent years saying yes to everything. Focus comes from choosing what not to do.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think slowing down usually produces better results than pushing harder. In teaching, rushing lessons killed curiosity. In engineering, rushing plans created rework. In woodworking, rushing ruins the piece.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I reflect in writing. After projects, lessons, or jobs, I write quick notes: what worked, what failed, and why. It’s simple but powerful.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go do something physical. Golf, hockey, or even organizing the shop. Movement resets my thinking better than staring at a screen.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Teaching others. Whether it was onboarding gas utility operators or showing students how to use tools safely, explaining concepts forced me to understand them deeply. That clarity carried into leadership roles.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Leaving hockey at Suffolk was hard. It felt like quitting. But finishing my degree opened doors I didn’t know existed. The lesson was that identity can evolve without losing discipline.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Host small, in-person skill nights. Woodworking, basic repairs, or design thinking. People crave learning together, not just content online
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Notion. I use it to track projects, sketch ideas, and keep simple checklists. It replaces piles of notebooks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Range by David Epstein. It validated my path across teaching, engineering, and trades. Depth matters, but breadth creates insight.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Ford v Ferrari. It’s about craft, tension, and pride in doing things right, even when it’s hard.
Key learnings
- Preparation and reflection consistently lead to better outcomes than speed alone.
- Teaching and explaining work deepens understanding and strengthens leadership.
- Hands-on learning builds confidence, creativity, and long-term problem-solving skills.
- Physical activity and craftsmanship can reset focus and improve decision-making.