The Flipstoration Podcast

In a world obsessed with speed, instant results, and “hustle,” this episode is about something different: slowing down.

In furniture refinishing and restoration, the best results rarely come from rushing. Real success happens when we’re fully present with the work in front of us.

But the same thing applies to life.

In this episode of the Flipstoration Podcast, we explore how slowing down and focusing on the moment you’re in can actually create more progress over time—not less. Whether you’re building a business, restoring furniture, raising a family, or trying to find your footing during a difficult season in your, there’s power in learning to stop constantly chasing the next thing and embracing the discipline of slowing down.

Because sometimes the people who look like they’re moving the slowest are actually building the strongest foundation.

This is a conversation about patience and perspective, and why being fully present today often creates the momentum that changes everything tomorrow.

If I could go back and start my refinishing business from scratch, I’d do a few things very differently. These changes would’ve saved me time, money, and a lot of frustration.

In this episode, I discuss some of the changes I’d make. This is part one and I will revisit this topic in future episode.

This isn’t theory, guys. This is hard-earned perspective from years in the shop. If you’re just getting started (or feeling stuck), this episode will help you avoid common traps and build your business the right way from day one.

Perfection can often slow you down, and that can really hold you back. In this episode, we break down why “good enough” executed consistently will outperform perfect ideas that never leave your head. Execute, learn, implement change, and REPEAT.

We also tackle the trap of overcommitting. Just because you can take on more projects doesn’t mean you should.

The real goal? Build a simple system that limits how many pieces you bring into your shop, protects your time, and keeps your workflow moving. Less chaos, more completion...PERSONAL FREEDOM.

Marissa Godinez, an actress, author, and furniture flipper joins Gary LeClerc on the Flipstoration Podcast. Marissa shares her journey from Hawaii to Los Angeles to Georgia, where she now resides. She explains how she got into furniture flipping during the pandemic and how it runs in her family. Marissa discusses her unique style of using geometric patterns and bold colors in her designs. She also talks about the balance between client work and sourcing pieces to sell. Additionally, Marissa shares her motivation for writing a book on furniture flipping, providing detailed instructions for those who prefer written guidance. Marissa discusses the overwhelming amount of information available on social media and YouTube, making it difficult for viewers to find specific content. She highlights the importance of having a reference, like a book, to easily access the information needed. Marissa's book is more instructional and based on her personal experiences, providing reliable instructions and methods for furniture flipping. Gary and Marissa also discuss the challenges of navigating through conflicting information and dealing with criticism from social media viewers. Marissa shares her journey in acting and how furniture flipping provides her with the freedom and flexibility to pursue her dreams. Together, they emphasize the importance of starting and not sweating the small stuff, and how building confidence in oneself is key to personal growth.

Nick and Alex Fos of Fos Restoration specialize in mid-century modern furniture restoration. They started in the furniture industry when Alex's co-worker, who was an upholsterer, recommended her for a job at a mid-century company. Nick began by doing prep work for upholstery and then transitioned to refinishing. In 2016, they decided to start their own business and focus on mid-century modern restorations. They enjoy the freedom and flexibility of owning their own business and being able to spend time with their daughter. Their motivation each day is to not have to work for someone else and to have time together as a family. They find joy in seeing furniture come back to life and appreciate the sentimental value that furniture holds for people. They strive to balance their workload and make time for their family. In this conversation, Gary LeClerc and Alex and Nick Fos discuss the importance of respecting and highlighting the simplicity and beauty of mid-century modern furniture. They also touch on the experience of being parents to young children and the challenges of balancing personal life with running a small business. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they share their experiences with pregnancy loss and the impact it has on their lives and work. The key takeaways include trusting your instincts, surrounding yourself with positive people, and finding moments to pause and reflect. The conversation ends with a reminder to start planting seeds for your own success and the importance of pursuing what you love.

Waste is all around us, but do we notice it? Do we even care? Are we fighting back and doing all we can to eliminate waste. That's what we're talking about on this episode of the Flipstoration Podcast.

A WORD FROM OUR HOST - GARY LECLERC

Hi friends! Gary here! Thanks for checking out the Flipstoration podcast. If what we're doing resonates with you, please do us a big favor by subscribing and leaving a short review/rating. That would mean the world to us! Also, feel free to send us a message or leave a comment about other topics you would love to hear on the Flipstoration Podcast. Thanks guys!

ABOUT THE FLIPSTORATION PODCAST

Hosted by: Gary LeClerc

Sponsored by: Stripwell

The Flipstoration Podcast is dedicated to the stories of those who strip, sand, finish and repeat. Whether you're into furniture flipping as a hobby, a side-income, or for restoring the purity of an antique or vintage piece - welcome to the Flipstoration nation!

Be sure sure to check out our sponsor Stripwell on social media @stripwell or visit their website - https://www.stripwell.com

Are you a furniture flipping imposter? In this episode, we discuss why we often feel like an imposter and how to overcome this self-destructive feeling.

A WORD FROM OUR HOST - GARY LECLERC

Hi friends! Gary here! Thanks for checking out the Flipstoration podcast. If what we're doing resonates with you, please do us a big favor by subscribing and leaving a short review/rating. That would mean the world to us! Also, feel free to send us a message or leave a comment about other topics you would love to hear on the Flipstoration Podcast. Thanks guys!

ABOUT THE FLIPSTORATION PODCAST

Hosted by: Gary LeClerc

Sponsored by: Stripwell

The Flipstoration Podcast is dedicated to the stories of those who strip, sand, finish and repeat. Whether you're into furniture flipping as a hobby, a side-income, or for restoring the purity of an antique or vintage piece - welcome to the conversation. Welcome to the Flipstoration Podcast.

The Flipstoration Podcast is sponsored by Stripwell - @stripwell or https://www.stripwell.com

It can be exciting and challenging to choose your next project to flip, refinish, or restore. In this episode, we take a look at three filters to run every project through to help ensure you consistently make the wisest choice possible.

A WORD FROM OUR HOST - GARY LECLERC

Hi friends! Gary here! Thanks for checking out the Flipstoration podcast. If what we're doing resonates with you, please do us a big favor by subscribing and leaving a short review/rating. That would mean the world to us! Also, feel free to send us a message or leave a comment about other topics you would love to hear on the Flipstoration Podcast. Thanks guys!

ABOUT THE FLIPSTORATION PODCAST

Hosted by: Gary LeClerc

Sponsored by: Stripwell

The Flipstoration Podcast is dedicated to the stories of those who strip, sand, finish and repeat. Whether you're into furniture flipping as a hobby, a side-income, or for restoring the purity of an antique or vintage piece - welcome to the conversation. Welcome to the Flipstoration Podcast.

The Flipstoration Podcast is sponsored by Stripwell - @stripwell or https://www.stripwell.com

The BEST conversations and moments of connection happen around the dinner table. There is something about sharing a meal and having a glass of wine with others that can turn strangers into friends. We invite you to our table.

A WORD FROM OUR HOST - GARY LECLERC

Hi friends! Gary here! Thanks for checking out the Flipstoration podcast. If what we're doing resonates with you, please do us a big favor by subscribing and leaving a short review/rating. That would mean the world to us! Also, feel free to send us a message or leave a comment about other topics you would love to hear on the Flipstoration Podcast. Thanks guys!

ABOUT THE FLIPSTORATION PODCAST

Hosted by: Gary LeClerc

Sponsored by: Stripwell

The Flipstoration Podcast is dedicated to the stories of those who strip, sand, finish and repeat. Whether you're into furniture flipping as a hobby, a side-income, or for restoring the purity of an antique or vintage piece - welcome to the conversation. Welcome to the Flipstoration Podcast.

The Flipstoration Podcast is sponsored by Stripwell - @stripwell or https://www.stripwell.com

Let's talk about the four camps.

What makes us different? How are we the same? Let's talk about it.

A WORD FROM OUR HOST - GARY LECLERC

Hi friends! Gary here! Thanks for checking out the Flipstoration podcast. If what we're doing resonates with you, please do us a big favor by subscribing and leaving a short review/rating. That would mean the world to us! Also, feel free to send us a message or leave a comment about other topics you would love to hear on the Flipstoration Podcast. Thanks guys!

ABOUT THE FLIPSTORATION PODCAST

Hosted by: Gary LeClerc

Sponsored by: Stripwell

The Flipstoration Podcast is dedicated to the stories of those who strip, sand, finish and repeat. Whether you're into furniture flipping as a hobby, a side-income, or for restoring the purity of an antique or vintage piece - welcome to the conversation. Welcome to the Flipstoration Podcast.

The Flipstoration Podcast is sponsored by Stripwell - @stripwell or https://www.stripwell.com