Larry has an art background from the University of Illinois and a watch making and micro-precision technology background from Parkland College, and completed a formal apprenticeship with Master Jeweler and Designer, W.K. Theobald.
    Before starting Hustedt Mfg, Larry first worked for Max Hoover, Certified Master Watchmaker and Certified Master Clock maker while attending Parkland College. He also studied with Wm O. Smith, Jr., Author, Instructor at Parkland and Master Craftsman and W.K. Theobald, Master Goldsmith and Designer. Larry then went on to serve a formal apprenticeship with Mr. Theobald, instructor at Parkland College and formerly a designer for Jabel and instructor with the School of Art in Pforzheim, Germany. After working for several retail jewelers in Ohio, Larry returned to Illinois to start Hustedt Mfg, teach at Parkland College and eventually buy Max Hoover's retail jewelry store.
    Larry's vast experience is unique in the industry. Working with Max, he learned to work on and restore antique watches as well as the new. Working with Bill Smith, he learned to analyze, repair and manufacture virtually any small mechanism working to tolerances of 1/100th of a millimeter. Working with Mr. Theobald, he developed jewelry techniques gained from thousands of years experience passed down from Master to apprentice.