The Woodpreneur Podcast

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Joey Kochlacs of Santa Cruz Sustainable Sawmill. Joey shares his journey in the wood industry, from milling and selling raw wood to crafting high-end furniture and premium guitar tops. Recently, he took a significant step by forming an LLC to expand his business, bringing on new team members in the process. While he primarily markets his products through Instagram and word of mouth, Joey is now seeking strategies to attract high-end clients, especially in a challenging economy. Steve suggests focusing on brand building, creating a strong community, and targeting affluent individuals and high-end furniture makers. You can find more about Joey's work at kochlacswood.com.

Key Takeaways:

• Joey Kochlacs has operated under the name Cokeless Wood for the past 10 years and recently established his LLC, Santa Cruz Sustainable Sawmill.
• He sources logs from tree services and property owners, milling them into high-end wood products, including furniture and guitar tops.
• While Instagram and word of mouth have been his primary marketing tools, Joey is exploring ways to attract high-end clients during slower economic times.
• Steve advises Joey to focus on building his brand, developing a community around it, and specifically targeting affluent individuals and high-end furniture makers to grow his business.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 03:29 Marketing Strategies
• 05:24 Popular Wood Species
• 07:31 Current Marketing Channels
• 11:38 New Members and Shop Space
• 13:51 Strategies for Attracting High-End Clients

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Joey at:

https://www.instagram.com/joeykochlacs_furnituremaker/

https://www.instagram.com/santa_cruz_sustainable_sawmill/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Jamie Stebenne, owner of JPS Construction and Design, as he shares the journey of starting and growing his construction business. Jamie discusses how he entered the industry, the niche he carved out in high-end residential projects, and the crucial role that design plays in his work. He also delves into the challenges of project management and the strategies his team employs to improve efficiency. Jamie provides insights on leadership development, effective client communication, and recognizing the early signs of a project going off track. Additionally, he highlights the importance of building strong relationships and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals to acquire new clients. Jamie also shares his future plans, which include expanding the business into property management and interior design.

Takeaways

• Finding a niche in high-end residential projects can help sustain a construction business during economic downturns.
• Design is a crucial aspect of construction, and having a team with a background in architecture can set a company apart.
• Efficiency in project management can be improved through the use of technology and clear communication with clients.
• Word-of-mouth referrals and building relationships in the community are effective ways to attract new clients.
• Expanding into related businesses, such as property management and interior design, can provide additional revenue streams and support the core construction business.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:00 Starting and Growing the Business

06:02 Improving Efficiency in Project Management

10:00 The Role of Design and Client Communication

14:18 Challenges and Signs of a Project Not Going Well

16:52 Acquiring New Clients and Projects

20:14 Expanding into Related Businesses

24:43 Current State of the Business

27:06 Leadership Development and Motivation

28:14 Advice for Starting Over and Marketing Strategies

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Jamie at:

https://www.instagram.com/jpsconstdesign/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Ben Deumling from Zena Forest Products as he discusses the journey of his company, which specializes in producing hardwood flooring from Oregon oak. The business started as a way to utilize the oak trees on their family’s forest lands and has grown into a vertically integrated operation. They have developed the infrastructure to process hardwoods, with a primary focus on producing hardwood flooring. A pivotal moment for the company was securing a contract to provide flooring for the Portland airport, which led to the development of a new type of flooring. Zena Forest Products is now focused on scaling and marketing this innovative product.

Takeaways

• Zena Forest Products is a vertically integrated company that specializes in producing hardwood flooring from Oregon oak.
• The company started by utilizing oak trees from their family forest lands and has grown significantly over the years.
• Securing a contract to provide flooring for the Portland airport was a pivotal moment that led to the development of a new flooring product.
• The company is currently focused on scaling and marketing this unique and innovative product.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zena Forest Products

02:10 Starting the Mill Side of the Business

04:36 Providing Flooring for the Portland Airport

07:10 Transforming the Business with a Big Project

10:05 Primary Product and Target Customers

12:15 Demand and Market Expansion

13:22 Exploring Other Byproducts and Product Lines

16:28 Satisfying Aspects of Running the Business

18:47 Utilizing Video and Photography for Marketing

19:37 The Origin of the Name Zena

20:43 Seeking Advice on Scaling and Marketing a New Product

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Ben at:

https://www.instagram.com/zenaforestproducts/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Corey Tighe, owner of CT Woodwork, as he shares his journey of starting a woodworking business and teaching woodworking classes. He began working full-time in 2019 and has since grown his business by offering a variety of services, including custom furniture, built-ins, and classes. Corey finds teaching to be the most rewarding aspect of his business and has fostered a positive, collaborative community in his shop. He emphasizes the importance of word-of-mouth referrals and has recently started using Google Ads to promote his classes. Corey’s future plans include expanding his services to offer lumber milling and promoting his business on Instagram.

Takeaways

• Starting a woodworking business requires bold moves and finding ways to balance different income streams.
• Teaching woodworking classes can be both rewarding and profitable.
• Word-of-mouth referrals and local connections are essential for growing a woodworking business.
• Expanding services, such as lumber milling, can be a key goal for future growth.
• Promoting the business through platforms like Google Ads and Instagram can help attract new customers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Corey’s Background

01:08 Starting the Business and Teaching Classes

03:21 Balancing Income Streams

05:12 Focus on Custom Furniture

07:22 Word-of-Mouth Referrals and Marketing

08:00 Teaching as a Source of Inspiration

10:27 Growing the Business and Future Plans

12:10 Upcoming Projects

13:26 The Importance of Community

14:08 Continual Learning and Exploring New Projects

16:34 Milling Lumber and Future Expansion

17:44 Promoting the Business Through Instagram

19:38 Finding a Work-Life Balance

22:11 Direct Marketing and Its Impressive Results

23:20 Contact Information and Conclusion

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Corey at:

https://www.instagram.com/ctwoodwork/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Matthew Gutchess from Gutchess Lumber. They discuss the company's 120-year history, which began in 1904, and its evolution from building barns to manufacturing kiln-dried hardwood lumber. Gutchess Lumber now produces 100 million feet of lumber annually and employs 460 people across seven locations.

Gutchess emphasizes the importance of storytelling in educating consumers about the environmental benefits of hardwoods, such as carbon sequestration. He also highlights their ESOP model, which involves employees owning 30% of the business. The conversation concludes with advice on leveraging social media and content creation to enhance the company's brand and customer engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Use storytelling to promote Gutchess Lumber and educate consumers.
• Create a media department or branded content like "Gutches TV."
• Write a book to document the company's history.
• Highlight hardwoods' environmental benefits to strengthen the brand.
• An ESOP model can boost employee investment and company culture.
• Leverage social media for increased brand awareness and engagement.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:15 The Evolution of Gutchess Lumber

09:32 The Importance of Storytelling in Business

14:08 Environmental Benefits of Hardwoods

18:45 The ESOP Model and Employee Ownership

22:17 Leveraging Social Media and Content Creation

26:50 Future Plans and Brand Building

29:03 Conclusion

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Matthew at:

https://www.instagram.com/gutchesslumbercoinc/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews John Bohman, a carpenter and furniture maker. John shares his journey of starting and growing his business. He discusses the challenges he faced, the mistakes he made, and the lessons he learned along the way. Bohman emphasizes the importance of finding one's specialization and focusing on it, as well as the value of word-of-mouth marketing and building a strong reputation. He also highlights the significance of work-life balance and the impact of family on his success.

Bohman shares his passion for creating unique, custom furniture pieces and his joy in making sales and seeing clients excited about his work.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding a specialization and focusing on it can lead to business success.
• Word-of-mouth marketing and building a strong reputation are effective for attracting clients.
• Maintaining work-life balance is crucial for overall success and well-being.
• Passion for the work and the joy of making sales can drive motivation and satisfaction.
• Learning from mistakes and continuously improving are essential for growth and success.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:39 Defining Success and Finding Specialization

07:19 Balancing Work and Life

12:51 The Importance of Reputation

19:31 Learning from Mistakes and Building a Business

24:13 Passion for the Work and Making Sales

28:32 Future Plans and Expansion

29:05 Conclusion

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with John at:

https://www.instagram.com/dovetail_furniture_company/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Shaun Burroughs from Build Nashville. Shaun shares his journey of starting a construction company in Nashville and growing it into a successful custom home-building business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a lawsuit on his first deal, and how he overcame them. Shaun emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and incorporating unique design features in his homes, which has helped him stand out in the market. He also highlights the need for consistent communication and problem-solving when managing multiple builds simultaneously.

Takeaways:

• Starting a construction company at a young age and learning on the job.
• Overcoming challenges and setbacks, such as a lawsuit on the first deal.
• The importance of attention to detail and unique design features in custom home building.
• The need for consistent communication and problem-solving when managing multiple builds.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Starting in Construction
• 02:38 Building a Successful Construction Company
• 04:06 Growing the Business and Overcoming Challenges
• 09:49 Dealing with Lawsuits and Setbacks
• 13:47 Recognition and Success as a Builder
• 15:24 Attention to Detail and Unique Design
• 19:33 Constant Growth and Leveling Up
• 23:06 The Challenge of Consistent Actions
• 28:36 Continuing to Solve New Problems

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Shaun at:

https://www.instagram.com/buildnashville/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Tom Addison, a furniture maker, who shares his journey in the industry and his passion for creating unique, handcrafted pieces. He began his career as an apprentice, gaining valuable experience working alongside skilled craftsmen. Tom emphasizes the importance of networking and building a social media presence to attract clients. He discusses the challenges of balancing work and personal life and his satisfaction in delivering high-quality furniture. Tom also explores the potential for collaborations with interior designers and draws inspiration from the beautiful countryside where his workshop is located.

Takeaways:

• Building a social media presence and marketing oneself online can help attract clients and generate sales.
• Word-of-mouth referrals and personal connections are valuable in the furniture-making industry.
• Balancing work and personal life can be challenging but is crucial for overall well-being.
• Collaborating with professionals like interior designers can lead to new opportunities and growth.
• Drawing inspiration from surroundings can result in unique and meaningful designs.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background Story
• 06:26 Tom's Passion for Crafting Unique Furniture
• 09:21 Building a Social Media Presence and Networking
• 14:18 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 25:43 Exploring Collaborations with Interior Designers
• 27:56 Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Advice
• 35:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with TOM at:

https://www.instagram.com/tomaddisonfinefurniture/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Adam Hicks, founder of Cooper Build, who shares his journey from finance to real estate development and contracting. He started Cooper Build to address his challenges with property renovations. Over the years, the business has evolved into a customer-facing general contracting and millwork operation in New York City and the Hamptons. Adam discusses the challenges of managing costs and delivering value to clients in the expensive New York City market. He also highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting to different trades and processes in the construction industry.

Takeaways:

• Cooper Build was founded to solve Adam Hicks' challenges with property renovations.
• Managing costs and providing value for clients is a continuous challenge in the costly New York City market.
• Continuous learning and adaptability are essential in the construction industry.
• Building a strong network and forging relationships with architects and designers is key to success in contracting.
• Developing a semi-autonomous business structure within Cooper Build can empower employees and fuel growth.

Chapters:

• Introduction and Background
• Transition from Finance to Real Estate Development
• Challenges of Managing Costs in the New York City Market
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation in the Construction Industry
• Harnessing Digital Footprint for Business Growth
• Importance of Infrastructure and Process in Contracting
• Working with Architects and Designers in the New York City Market
• Satisfying Moments in the Construction Process
• Adding Energy and Fire to Projects
• Empowering Employees and Driving Growth at Cooper Build
• Marketing Strategies for Contractors
• Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with ADAM at:

https://www.instagram.com/cooper_build/

https://cooperbuild.com/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Adam from Pompous Fox Wood Co. Adam shares his journey of starting a high-end luxury furniture business, from crafting furniture in his garage to leaving his engineering career and launching his shop. He discusses the challenges he faced, such as targeting interior designers as clients and investing in machinery. Adam also talks about hiring employees and stresses the importance of budgeting and saving. He shares his marketing strategies, including cold calling and attending trade shows, and provides insights into the custom furniture industry.

Takeaways:

• Starting a niche business demands passion, determination, and hard work.
• Targeting interior designers can yield substantial sales for high-end furniture.
• Budgeting and saving are critical when transitioning from a full-time job to entrepreneurship.
• Investing in machinery enhances workshop efficiency and product quality.
• Cold calling and attending trade shows are effective for client acquisition.
• Continuous employee training fosters skill development.
• Establishing a strong brand and online presence is essential for attracting customers.

Chapters:

• Starting a Passion Project
• Budgeting and Saving
• Targeting Interior Designers
• Hiring Employees
• Investing in Machinery
• Building a Strong Brand

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Adam at:

https://www.instagram.com/pompousfoxwoodco/