Hi, I’m Damian Abston. Memories of my childhood in a small downstate Illinois town still bring a smile good folks, wide-open skies, and a generous measure of “let’s get it done” attitude. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, I took a job with a manufacturing firm in the Chicagoland suburbs, working on product development for everyday tools and consumer-goods accessories.
That early career taught me a lot about how things are made, what drives cost and quality, and why real-world usability often gets overlooked when marketing takes over.
From there I moved into a field role travelling occasionally, visiting factories, working with QC teams and soon discovered that the most meaningful lessons came from using products in “the real world”: on the job, on the weekend, in the garage, and when I just wanted something to do the job without breaking. I set up shop in a modest bungalow outside Peoria, where I still call home, surrounded by my workshop and a few projects in progress.
Why This Blog
In early 2025 I launched this site to shift gears: I wanted to leave the manufacturing board rooms behind and instead bring honest, user-first product reviews to everyday people. I’d spent years seeing gloss overshadow substance, materials get substituted, and claims fall short of experience. So I created illinoisminutemanproject.com (yes, the name hints at my Midwestern roots and drive to stand ready for the next “project” or challenge) as a space to dig into real tools, everyday gadgets, and gear that either works or doesn’t and to share what I learn in plain speak.
Here you won’t find hype or meaningless buzzwords. You’ll find product reviews built from actual use: I test things, I push them a little, I bring them home into real life. My goal is to help you make smarter buying decisions so you don’t end up with the shiny thing that turns out to be more hassle than help.
How I Review
When I pick a product to review, I start with what I care about: durability, ease of use, real performance, and value. I’ll tell you what it does, what it doesn’t. I’ll show ideas you might not have thought of and help you weigh whether paying more is worth it for your situation. Since I’ve spent years with inside visibility into how things are engineered and produced, I try to pull back the curtain so you get context not just features listed, but what they mean.
My reviews come from my actual home workshop, from weekend jobs in the backyard, from real-life living. I keep things rooted in what matters, because I know you don’t have time for fluff. Most importantly, I want to build trust so if something is just okay, I’ll say that. If it’s outstanding, I’ll tell you why.
Outside of the Blog
When I’m not digging into a toolbox or testing a device, you’ll find me strolling the trails near our little town, tinkering with old radios, or cooking up a casual barbecue for friends. I believe in balance: good work, practical gear, and time spent unplugged now and then. Living in Illinois gives me seasons and with each new season, there’s a new project around the house or yard. That’s where I often discover the next product worth reviewing.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope my reviews help you feel confident in your purchases and maybe discover something useful you didn’t know you needed.
Here’s to practical gear. Here’s to better buying. And here’s to doing things right.
Damian Abston
Author Profile
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Damian Abston is a product enthusiast and former industrial designer from Illinois who turned his curiosity for how things work into a passion for writing honest reviews. After years in the manufacturing world, he realized how often everyday shoppers are misled by polished marketing and decided to create a space where real-world testing and transparent feedback take the spotlight.
Based near Peoria, Damian now spends his days comparing gadgets, tools, and home essentials, sharing insights shaped by firsthand experience and practical know-how. Through his blog illinoisminutemanproject.com, he helps readers make confident, informed buying decisions—cutting through the noise with clarity, authenticity, and a true Midwestern work ethic.
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