This course led to an apprenticeship program that John Roberts started back in 1969 called the Juan Roberto Guitar Works.
Before this, Roberts found himself in the jungles of Nicaragua, flying airplanes for a wood import company.
Much of the rosewood and mahogany used at the school was collected with the help of the Miskito Indians and shipped to Phoenix, where Roberts began his guitar making endeavor.
Venn built or repaired for fine guitarists such as Phil Baugh, Maurice Anderson, Tom Morrell, Bud Isaacs, Norm Hamlet, and Tiny Moore.
The plan became the blueprint for the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, which Roberts, Venn, Eaton, and Bruce Scotten incorporated and founded in 1975.