Originally from Southampton, England, Andrew Bannister believes in the value of hard work and integrity. At age 16, he became an apprentice carpenter and joiner under the City Guilds of London Institute, where he learned to craft the “old-fashioned” way, using only hand tools to create staircases, windows, doors and even furniture. He went on to become a project manager at a large construction company in San Francisco. While on vacation in Sebastopol, he met Sierra, his wife of 28 years. When the two settled down in Sebastopol, Bannister founded his company, Earthtone Construction, where he helps clients achieve their visions while using sustainable practices for a better and brighter future. He is also board president of the Redwood Empire Food Bank, a certified personal trainer and an avid kettlebell fanatic. The Bannisters have three children, Ethan (27), Sophie (24) and Pete (20). They reside in Sebastopol with their youngest son, two dogs and farm animals.
What do you miss most about England?
Family of course, but other than that, two things: One, that when you walk out your door, you can walk anywhere—the whole place is a network of footpaths. The other is the green grass that we have all year, though this year England is in a drought
What is the best phrase people in your hometown use? Do you still say it?
A greeting—instead of saying “Hi” or “Hello,” we say “Alright?” The other person says, “Yeah, I’m alright. You alright?” I’ve managed to convert a few folks at work to adopting it.
What is your dream vacation?
Our favorite place is Hanalei in Kauai where we get to do a little bit of everything—hiking the Na Pali coast, paddleboarding or sitting on the beach.
What is something you recently tried for the first time?
I’m always trying new things—mostly experimenting on outcomes for myself with health and wellness. Currently, I’m doing some club training, but I don’t have a heavy club so I use a splitting maul or heavy ax. It works just as well, but is a little more dangerous.
What draws you to the kettlebell?
Kettlebell work is very translatable to everyday life. We’re always told lift with your knees, but the truth is, we’re not always in an ideal position to do that, and it’s lifting things—even light objects—out of plane that can tweak your back. Learning to brace the core correctly and move an object in all different axes is really what we should be taught. When I’m training my team, this is what I’m trying to ingrain.
What’s a piece of advice that has stayed with you?
So many things, but one sticks out. My mum would always remind us we that humans are waterproof—that if we went out in the rain, it wouldn’t hurt us. That sticks with me with a lot of things, the idea that we are more resilient than we think we are.
What is your ideal sandwich?
Currently, ham and brie with fig mustard.
