From Darren Gozali (Founder)

During my tenure at Autodesk, I was privileged to immerse myself in 3D printing, lasers, CNC machines, and other advanced manufacturing technologies at the Pier 9 Workshop and with our partners. This hands-on experience ignited a deep appreciation for the intersection of technology and craftsmanship. In 2017, when a community in South San Francisco sought a unique medal, I seized the opportunity to create a wearable masterpiece using the tools at Pier 9. Although I initially doubted the appeal of the laser-cut wood with its burnt bark edges, by 2019, these medals had become a symbol of identity, resonating throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

My fascination with intricate woodwork only grew as I watched makers in downtown Sunnyvale and Mountain View create stunning contour map woodworks. Interactive maps had been a significant part of my work since 2012 when I developed a worldwide Catholic directory. This interest was further fueled after COVID-19 when I launched a virtual land startup that leveraged custom maps to create a decentralized force for promoting new products during lockdowns.

In late 2023, I fell in love with map art, particularly map glass. Just as fine art evokes many emotions, maps contain countless hidden stories. Each map can recount personal narratives: the restaurants I frequented, the streets I walked daily, and the neighborhoods where I met significant people. The idea that we could replay our lives through the right map fascinated me. However, I struggled to find suppliers to deliver a custom map that met my specifications regarding street detail, zoom level, crop, labels, and angles. When asking for proof, designers had no idea about my life in the area, merely giving attention to a few details.

This situation led me to start FineBruh, a new consumer goods portfolio, as part of my missionary business venture. FineBruh wants to democratize powerful self-service map creation, enabling individuals to craft physical goods with direct map precision.