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In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul shares hard-earned lessons about preventing refund requests and keeping clients engaged after they’ve paid their deposit. Drawing from stories of losing a project—even to George Nakashima himself—he explains how Philadelphia Table Company developed systems that reduce client uncertainty, set expectations clearly, and create checkpoints that build excitement instead of frustration.

Paul walks through the sales process he uses today, highlighting how to turn deposits into true commitments, frame wait times as part of the customer journey, and use design, samples, and drawings as “insurance policies” that protect both the maker and the client. He also explores subtle language shifts (like calling deposits “first payments”), ways to handle holiday deadline requests, and how to structure communication so clients always know where their project stands.

Takeaways:

• Frame deposits strategically: Present them as the first payment or installment to make them feel non-refundable and binding.
• Hype the design phase: Use it to keep clients engaged while waiting in the queue, turning delays into part of the narrative.
• Set expectations upfront: Be clear about queue times, processes, and potential delays before the client signs.
• Build in checkpoints: From proposal to design approval, samples, materials, and final delivery, create structured touchpoints to reassure clients.
• Use drawings and samples as insurance: Client approvals protect against disputes and reduce anxiety about misaligned expectations.
• Offer (but limit) rush options: Guarantee delivery for an added fee but refund only the rush fee if deadlines aren’t met.

This episode is a blueprint for makers who want to keep deposits secure, manage client expectations, and build lasting trust through clear communication and process.

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In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul unpacks a common question makers ask: what’s the silver bullet that tips a business into real growth? Drawing from his own journey building Philadelphia Table Company, Paul explains why there is no single magic moment—growth is the result of persistence, incremental effort, and clear direction.

He uses the analogy of a seesaw filling drop by drop to illustrate how small, consistent actions accumulate into major inflection points. Along the way, Paul shares the pivotal shifts that moved his company forward, including recording a brand-storytelling video, dedicating himself full-time to sales, and eventually hiring operations support so he could focus on working on the business rather than in it.

Highlights and Takeaways:

• No true silver bullet: Growth comes from compounding small wins, not one breakthrough moment.
• Work backwards from goals: Define where you want to go (first client, first hire, first $1M) and reverse engineer the steps.
• Inflection points matter: Brand storytelling, dedicating time to sales, and hiring key team members created real breakthroughs.
• Sales as a daily discipline: Treat closing deals like reps at the gym—persistence builds the sales muscle.
• Work on the business: Stepping back from day-to-day production is essential for scaling sustainably.
• Set clear milestones: Know your 5- and 10-year vision, or risk drifting without meaningful progress.

The episode closes with Paul’s encouragement to stay persistent, set achievable goals, and remember that every “drop in the bucket” contributes to the tipping points that grow a handcrafted business.

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In this office-hours episode, Paul answers community questions on how PTC runs its single-maker production model, when (and if) to start Meta ads, how to navigate niche decisions (built-ins vs. custom furniture), and the pricing math that supports a healthy shop.

He shares practical systems—how projects move from sales to ops to a maker’s Trello queue—plus the cultural guardrails that protect quality and teamwork. The throughline: build a real foundation first, then scale with intention.

Takeaways / Highlights:

• Single-maker workflow: One maker leads a project end-to-end; jobs live in individual Trello queues with quoted hours as guardrails; foreman assigns/monitors; tag-team only when scale demands; finishing is included (hand-rubbed oil).
• Why not pay-by-project (yet): Paul considered piece-rate for speed and profit discipline but kept hourly to avoid rushing, protect teamwork, and prevent “unfair quotes” risk; may revisit later if incentives align.
• Clear project flow: Sales → Ops/Design for drawings/materials → Foreman assignment → Maker executes with daily check-ins and ownership end-to-end.
• Choosing your niche: Early on, take varied work to learn—but show what you want to sell (proof-of-concept builds, photos on site) and start saying “no” to misaligned jobs; intentional branding (even a name change) helps the market find you.
• Are you ready for Meta ads?: Don’t start until your sales process, offer, and fulfillment are solid. Be prepared to “burn” $1–1.5k learning. Ads are not an easy button; Paul keeps them to ~20–30% of pipeline and relies on reviews, word-of-mouth, designers, and hospitality partners.
• Pricing reality check: Aim for ~40% gross margin per job to support ~20% annual net. If you get all “no’s,” either the price is wrong or you’re fishing in the wrong pond—reposition to the market that values (and can afford) your work.
• Grow deliberately: Start lean, raise prices as overhead and capability grow, and keep culture (quality, team over self) front and center as you scale.

Questions for a future office hours? Email [email protected]
.

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In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul explores what it really takes to scale a woodworking business—whether you’re just starting out or already running a team and aiming for the next big revenue milestone. Drawing from his own experience growing Philadelphia Table Company, Paul shares how to reverse-engineer client acquisition, double down on what’s already working, and use a strategic revenue planner to break ambitious goals into realistic, actionable steps.

He highlights the importance of understanding exactly where current clients come from, leveraging word-of-mouth with incentives and reviews, and knowing when (and how) to layer on ads. Paul also unpacks the mindset shift required to move past plateaus, the role of new offerings like chairs in expanding revenue, and why scaling quickly can sometimes be smarter than slow, incremental growth.

Takeaways:

• Reverse engineer client acquisition: Identify how your past clients found you and double down on those channels.
• Don’t dismiss too quickly: If something worked once (Google Ads, word-of-mouth, outreach), refine and repeat it at scale before moving on.
• Strategic revenue planning matters: Break annual goals into monthly and weekly targets, then map out the specific actions needed to hit them.
• Add new offerings for growth: Expanding services or products (like chairs alongside tables) can increase ticket value and compound revenue.
• Stack, don’t replace: Cold outreach, ads, referrals, and reviews should all build on each other for a stronger foundation.
• Think long-term: Growth requires systems, planning, and sometimes bold moves like hiring or expanding shop space.

If you’d like Paul’s Strategic Revenue Planner worksheet, email him at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul revisits Seth Godin’s Purple Cow and lays out how makers break through by being deliberately different rather than chasing “best.” Sparked by a marketing convo earlier in the day, he reframes how to position a craft business so it stands out in a sea of look-alike messaging.

He distills the approach into a set of practical moves:

• Difference over “best.” Compete by being meaningfully distinct, not by claiming superiority.
• Name your edge. Replace generic terms (“handcrafted,” “custom”) with specific positioning—e.g., PTC’s Single-Maker Approach.
• Show the build. Use shop-floor storytelling to “stop the scroll”: works-in-progress, tools, scale, process.
• Price with purpose. Set premium pricing to signal you’re not a big-box alternative.
• Niche and be bold. Choose edges (smaller/bigger, louder/quieter) and make decisions that feel a little scary—in the best way.
• Lead with a point of view. Let values (like eco-responsibility) attract the right clients.

Paul shares how Philadelphia Table Company applies this: running ads that feature 15-foot tables mid-build in the shop, leaning into fully bespoke projects (drawings, revisions, unusual sizes/colors), and using language that differentiates instead of blending in. The goal is a defensible moat—story, process, and positioning that mass manufacturers can’t copy.

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In this quick Office Hours episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul tackles three listener questions before heading out on vacation. He shares his perspective on integrating CNC machines without compromising craftsmanship, explains how to structure pricing and communication when working with interior designers, and discusses the benefits of developing a small collection alongside custom work. Packed with practical tips and real-world examples, this episode is all about finding the right balance between efficiency, creative integrity, and business growth.

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In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul shares the exact sales process he uses at Philadelphia Table Company to consistently close custom furniture projects. From building trust fast through in-person meetings, Zoom calls, and Loom videos, to listening for personal details that create genuine connections, Paul breaks down how to move a lead from initial inquiry to final sale without high-pressure tactics. You’ll learn how he talks pricing, presents value, follows up effectively, and matches communication styles to each client — plus how he’s documenting it all to train a future salesperson.

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Summary:
In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul shares the ethos behind Philadelphia Table Company and the guiding framework he calls Enlightened Manufacturing—a values-based approach to running a profitable, ethical, and intentional business. After surpassing his original $1M revenue goal and experiencing a period of uncertainty, Paul worked with a coach to define a clearer vision and purpose for the company.

That vision is built on four interconnected pillars:

1. Profit – Essential for sustaining the business, supporting employees, and funding ethical practices.
2. People – Prioritizing work-life balance, listening to employees, and creating a collaborative environment.
3. Product – Crafting high-quality, intentional pieces, even if it means avoiding cheaper, faster manufacturing methods.
4. Planet – Reducing environmental impact, using sustainable finishes, and supporting causes like 1% for the Planet.

Paul explains how these pillars guide every decision, from choosing eco-friendly finishes like Odie’s Oil over toxic conversion varnishes, to resisting assembly-line production in favor of bespoke craftsmanship. He encourages makers to define their own non-negotiables and vision statements so their business growth stays aligned with their core values.

The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to join Paul’s community calls, access vision-creation tools, and send in questions for future episodes.

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In this Office Hours edition, Paul answers four thoughtful listener questions covering key transitions in growing a handcrafted business. He dives into why he chose to scale beyond Etsy and the personal turning point that pushed him to hire and systematize. He shares his mindset around luxury pricing—why negotiating can erode brand value and how to communicate your worth clearly to clients. Paul also offers practical advice on carving out time to build systems while still buried in day-to-day production, including how he slowly stepped out of the shop by empowering his team and setting up Trello, SOPs, and home office days.

Whether you're a solo operator trying to grow sustainably or someone refining your client process, there’s plenty of real-world insight here to help you think bigger while staying grounded.

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In this episode, Paul dives into the real-world ways he's using AI—specifically ChatGPT—to streamline and grow his handcrafted furniture business. He shares how AI serves as a behind-the-scenes business partner, helping with everything from ad copy and lead tracking to sales systems and grant discovery. You'll hear how he prompts ChatGPT to act as a strategic collaborator, even asking it to assign tasks across his team.

Paul also breaks down tools like Presti.ai for product photography and Zapier for automating workflows—plus, he touches on the ethical boundaries he won’t cross, like generating fake AI images of products. Toward the end, he tackles the eco-impact of AI and how companies are shifting toward nuclear energy to power servers responsibly.

Whether you're new to AI or already using it, this episode is full of practical tips, creative ideas, and a thoughtful look at where human craftsmanship meets modern technology.

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