In 2005, my father and son designed and handmade a USA map using recycled license plates. The map got so much attention my father started making different items with recycled license plates as a hobby. He was 80 years old at that time in 2005.

In 2007, the company I had worked for over 20 years closed. I couldn't find work in a corporate office. I was in my 50s, and nobody answered my resume.

I started going to my dad's second-hand shop. I wanted to spend time with him. He would show me how to make things using license plates. I learned how to use a band saw, sander, and other hand tools. Working with metal and learning to handcraft items didn't come easily to me. There is a lot of cutting, pounding, and sanding. The plates are dirty, and the woodworking is dusty, but I enjoyed being back to work. I didn't miss corporate America at all. I had even stopped sending out resumes.

My parents leave Michigan from Mid November through April for warmer weather. Usually, the shop would shut down. This year I committed to running the shop while they were away.

When they returned, I had an Etsy Store and a website. I had done quite a few holiday craft and art shows. I have made enough to live on for the winter and even had a little savings.

They offered their help in opening my own business. I got an area in the front of the 2nd hand shop and license plates.

I opened License Plate Heaven in May 2011. Where license plates get a new life, and so did I.

UPDATE

In October 2013, my son, Patrick, moved back to Michigan. He had moved out of state to find work and had been gone 7 years. He now helps in every asset of the business. I couldn't run the shop without him. My father comes by the shop when he is in Michigan. He turned 90-year-old in 2015.

We have 3 generations working together on recycling license plates.