In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Rodney Jacobs from Unique Woods of the Northwest about the restoration of big trees in the Pacific Northwest and the collaborative efforts with the Coquille Tribe.

They discuss the ecological benefits of restoring these trees, the process of sawmilling, and the importance of creating local jobs and skills development. Rodney emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and the long-term vision required for forest restoration, highlighting the legacy that can be left for future generations.

Takeaways

• Restoring big trees in the Pacific Northwest significantly benefits local ecosystems and addresses the genetic opportunity crisis caused by the loss of these ancient specimens.
• Collaboration with local tribes like the Coquille Tribe enhances restoration efforts by combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable forestry practices.
• Sawmilling dying wood represents a sustainable practice that creates valuable products while supporting forest health and preventing waste.
• Diversity in forests, particularly through hardwoods rather than monoculture plantations, is crucial for ecosystem health, resilience, and long-term environmental benefits.
• Creating local jobs and skills development through forest restoration projects builds community capacity while fostering environmental stewardship and long-term thinking for future generations.

Chapters

00:00 Restoring Big Trees in the Pacific Northwest

03:02 The Impact of Tree Restoration on Ecosystems

06:05 Collaboration with the Coquille Tribe

09:04 The Process of Sawmilling and Wood Restoration

11:49 Creating Local Jobs and Skills Development

15:03 The Importance of Sustainable Practices

17:57 The Future of Forest Restoration

21:01 Legacy and Long-Term Thinking

24:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

You can connect with Rodney at:

https://www.uniquewoodsnw.com/

https://www.instagram.com/uniquewoodsnw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger reconnects with Viktor Sarudi from The Stump Shop to discuss the evolution of his business, strategies for growing a social media presence, and how he monetizes his work through brand partnerships. Viktor shares insights on navigating sponsored content, understanding algorithm changes, and his marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of quality content and consistency in social media engagement. 

He discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing a part-time woodworking business with a full-time corporate job, sourcing urban wood, maintaining the integrity of wood pieces, and market trends affecting the woodworking industry. Viktor also reflects on scaling a hobby into a business and the potential for future growth while emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Takeaways

• Viktor has shifted focus from custom work to creating what he enjoys, finding that brands often pay more than individual customers for products.
• Growing a social media presence requires hard work, consistency, and adaptation to platform changes, with quality content being more important than chasing numbers.
• Instagram and Facebook are key drivers for sales in his business, with Viktor preferring to let his social media feed market itself rather than spending on advertising.
• Sourcing wood ethically, maintaining craftsmanship integrity, and understanding market trends are crucial for sustainability and business decisions in a competitive woodworking market.
• Balancing a part-time woodworking business with full-time employment requires careful time management, with future plans potentially involving a transition to focusing on woodworking full-time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Stump Shop

01:18 Viktor's Business Evolution

04:06 Growing Social Media Presence

08:17 Monetizing Through Brands

11:36 Navigating Sponsored Content

15:58 Understanding Algorithm Changes

19:49 Marketing Strategies for The Stump Shop

24:30 Navigating the Balance of Business and Life

27:29 Sourcing and Working with Urban Wood

30:52 Trends in Woodworking and Market Challenges

35:01 Scaling a Hobby into a Business

39:30 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

You can connect with Viktor at:

https://www.instagram.com/thestumpshop/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Daniel West of Big Ass Slabs about his journey in the woodworking industry. Daniel shares his background in timber framing, the transition to focusing on live edge slabs, and the challenges he faces in marketing and customer engagement. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his business and the need for diversification in uncertain economic times. The conversation also touches on unique projects, customer relationships, and strategies for future growth.

Takeaways

• Daniel West transitioned from timber framing to live edge slabs, demonstrating the importance of business evolution.
• Diversification in services has been crucial for sustaining his business through economic fluctuations.
• Marketing remains his biggest challenge, with word of mouth being his most effective tool.
• Storytelling and emotional connections with the wood help Daniel engage customers and differentiate his products.
• Local economy support and personal customer relationships are foundational to his business model.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Daniel West

02:54 Transitioning from Timber Framing to Slabs

05:59 Current Business Landscape and Market Trends

09:02 Marketing Challenges and Strategies

11:58 Customer Engagement and Personal Branding

15:04 Unique Projects and Customer Stories

18:01 Future Challenges and Business Growth

20:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

You can connect with Daniel at:

https://www.bigassslabs.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/bigassslabs

https://www.instagram.com/bigassslabs/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Daniel Torres of Deadwood Revival Design. Daniel shares his inspiring journey from firefighter to full-time entrepreneur in the urban wood industry. The conversation explores themes of commitment, collaboration, and innovation—especially within the unique challenges of urban wood.

Daniel discusses the importance of community, adaptability, and resourcefulness, and reflects on his recent acquisition of Pacific Coast Lumber. He emphasizes the need for long-term planning, knowledge sharing, and building strong industry relationships to support sustainable business growth.

Takeaways

1. Decide to commit fully—true momentum begins when you go all in.
2. Collaboration over competition—supporting others lifts the entire industry.
3. Innovation is key—pioneering new methods, like advanced wood drying, drives growth.
4. Knowledge + community = sustainability—shared wisdom helps avoid common pitfalls.
5. Scaling custom work requires strategy—growing a niche business demands creative revenue models.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Daniel Torres and His Journey

03:01 — The Decision to Go All In

06:06 — Collaborative Competition in the Urban Wood Industry

08:57 — Pioneering Techniques in Urban Wood Drying

11:46 — Understanding Species Variations in Urban Lumber

15:06 — Resourcefulness in Urban Wood Operations

18:09 — Acquiring Pacific Coast Lumber

21:01 — Honoring the Legacy of Urban Wood Sawmills

23:22 — Navigating Challenges in the Urban Wood Industry

25:50 — The Power of Knowledge and Community Support

27:29 — Entrepreneurship: Facing Doubts and Staying the Course

34:30 — Scaling Custom Work and Creating Sustainable Revenue Streams

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

You can connect with Danny at:

https://www.deadwoodrevivaldesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/deadwoodrevivaldesign/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/deadwoodrevivaldesign

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger introduces the podcast’s new direction—highlighting sustainable practices, community empowerment, and innovation in woodworking. Guest Marji Medina, founder of It’s Not Trash, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood of salvaging materials to building a furniture business rooted in sustainability, affordability, and purpose.

Marji discusses how her Build-a-Bed model empowers customers to customize affordable furniture, and how she balances paying her team a living wage with staying financially sustainable. The conversation touches on reclaiming materials, creating accessible designs, and building a supportive work environment. She also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and mentoring the next generation, all while staying true to her mission of conscious capitalism and community connection.

Takeaways

1. Marji Medina’s early experiences with salvaging materials laid the foundation for her sustainable furniture brand, It’s Not Trash.
2. Her Build-a-Bed concept makes furniture affordable and customizable, bridging the gap between quality craftsmanship and accessibility.
3. Marji prioritizes paying her staff a living wage, proving that ethical labor practices can coexist with smart business strategy.
4. Community-based movements like “Buy Nothing” help reduce waste, showing how local initiatives can support global sustainability.
5. Empowering young people through financial literacy and mentorship is central to Marji’s mission of driving systemic change through business.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast

01:04 – Marji’s Journey: From Trash to Treasure

04:02 – The Evolution of Furniture Design and Sustainability

09:52 – The Middle Ground: Affordable Quality Furniture

13:04 – Community and Conscious Capitalism

18:03 – The Joy of Woodworking and Creative Fixing

22:22 – Designing Affordable Furniture

25:09 – Innovative Business Model: Build-a-Bed

31:11 – Balancing Employee Welfare and Business Profitability

39:06 – Empowering the Next Generation Through Financial Literacy

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

To join a network of woodpreneurs: See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

You can connect with Marji at: 

https://itsnottrashdesigns.com/

https://www.instagram.com/itsnottrash/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, new host Jennifer Alger talks with Brendan Vande Kamp of Logs to Lumber about his unexpected entry into sawmilling and how he grew his business. They cover the shift from live edge slabs to dimensional lumber, the value of investing in better tools, and new revenue streams like cabin building. Brendan also shares insights on branding, certification, and building community through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Takeaways

• Brendan Vande Kamp’s sawmilling journey began unexpectedly, but his willingness to adapt and invest in better equipment transformed Logs to Lumber into a successful, multi-faceted business.
• The shift from live edge slabs to dimensional lumber reflects changing market demands, and tools like edgers help small sawmillers scale production efficiently.
• Brendan has found success in cabin construction, not only by offering customized builds with dovetail jigs but also by connecting personally with clients—turning each project into something meaningful.
• Certification plays a key role in building trust within the sawmilling industry, while branding and marketing (especially through social media and Google reviews) are essential for growth.
• The woodworking community thrives on collaboration and knowledge-sharing—Brendan encourages aspiring sawmillers to find their niche, engage with others, and never stop learning.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast

01:23 – Brendan’s Journey into Sawmilling

05:02 – The Evolution of Logs to Lumber Business

06:16 – Branding and Value Addition in Woodworking

07:58 – Shifting Focus: From Live Edge to Dimensional Lumber

10:52 – Innovations in Sawmilling: The Edger Experience

14:22 – Building Cabins: A New Revenue Stream

19:46 – Creating Custom Dovetail Jigs for Cabin Construction

25:14 – The Importance of Certification in Sawmilling

26:08 – Understanding Business Splits and Service Levels

29:41 – Sourcing Logs and Customization in Cabin Building

32:41 – Community Engagement and Personal Touch in Projects

35:12 – Marketing Strategies for Sawmilling Businesses

37:12 – Knowledge Sharing and Community Support

41:24 – Key Takeaways for Aspiring Sawmillers

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

To join a network of woodpreneurs: See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

Connect with Brendan at:

https://www.logtolumberva.com/about

https://www.instagram.com/Logtolumber

https://www.facebook.com/LogtoLumber/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Jennifer Alger introduces the new direction of the show, focusing on the sawmill and woodworking community. She interviews Sims Acuff, founder of Eutree, who shares his journey from starting a tree service to transitioning into the lumber business. The conversation covers the challenges of business growth, the importance of investing in equipment, and innovations in lumber processing technology. In this conversation, Sims Acuff discusses the advancements in wood processing technology at Eutree, the diverse product offerings, and the challenges faced in the urban wood industry. He highlights the shift in market dynamics towards engineered products and the need for local sawmills to adapt to remain competitive. Sims emphasizes the importance of innovation in equipment to support smaller mills and shares insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the wood industry.

Takeaways

Jennifer Alger hosts the Woodpreneur Podcast, where Sims Acuff shares his journey transforming a tree service into Eutree, an urban wood utilization business focused on sustainability.

Cash flow management and strategic equipment investment are critical challenges for small wood businesses, with Sims emphasizing the importance of maintaining some debt for growth.

Innovative technologies like Woodflow's modular design and the Smart Stacker have helped Eutree streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and respond flexibly to market demands.

The wood industry is shifting toward engineered products, creating competitive challenges for local sawmills that require adaptation and innovation to remain viable.

Aspiring wood entrepreneurs should approach the sawmill business cautiously, with collaboration and innovation being essential strategies for overcoming industry challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Woodpreneur Podcast

01:01 Sims Acuff and the Eutree Journey

04:44 Transitioning from Tree Service to Lumber Business

10:09 Challenges in Business Growth and Cash Flow

12:33 Investing in Equipment for Growth

17:31 Innovations in Lumber Processing Technology

21:57 Innovations in Wood Processing Technology

25:12 Product Range and Customization at Eutree

28:45 Challenges in the Urban Wood Industry

31:34 Market Dynamics and Competition

38:01 Future of Local Sawmills and Decentralization

44:09 Advice for Aspiring Wood Industry Entrepreneurs

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger

For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com

To join a network of woodpreneurs: See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com

Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io

Connect with us at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/

Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork

Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/

Connect with Sims Acuff at:

https://www.eutree.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eutree/

https://www.instagram.com/eutree/

In this episode of The Woodpreneur Podcast, hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger, guest Seth San Filippo of Urban Lumber Company shares the story of building his business over the past nine years—navigating challenges, embracing growth, and evolving as a leader. He reflects on the unique experiences that come with working in the urban lumber industry, from salvaging materials to crafting custom furniture, which remains his core passion. Seth emphasizes the power of storytelling in marketing and highlights the deep sense of loyalty and connection within his team, whom he considers family. He also discusses how the business adapted during the pandemic, maintained a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, and fostered collaborative relationships with architects and designers. The episode concludes with insights into future goals, including expanding marketing efforts, strengthening community impact, and continuing to create meaningful, sustainable products.

Top Takeaways:

1. Long-term business growth stems from resilience, adaptability, and continuous leadership development.
2. Storytelling is essential for connecting customers to the value and mission behind each product.
3. The urban lumber industry offers unique creative potential but comes with technical challenges.
4. A strong, loyal team and a commitment to craftsmanship are central to Urban Lumber’s success.
5. Community involvement and strategic collaboration shape the company's evolving vision.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Growth Journey

02:59 — Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

05:51 — Leadership Evolution and Team Dynamics

09:01 — Product Focus and Unique Experiences

12:00 — Marketing Strategies and Storytelling

14:53 — Day-to-Day Operations and Future Vision

17:48 — Achievements and Impact on the Community

21:00 — Creative Collaborations and Design Process

23:58 — Final Thoughts and Future Directions

You can connect with Seth at:

https://urbanlumber.co/

https://www.instagram.com/urbanlumberco

https://www.facebook.com/UrbanLumberCo/

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/

Steve and Jennifer analyze the evolving lumber and sawmill industry on this Woodpreneur Podcast episode, spotlighting emerging opportunities from tariffs and the power of collaboration. Jennifer outlines strategic steps for small producers—from inventory building to cooperative models—while highlighting the urban wood sector's growth potential. The discussion champions local resource utilization as a win for economic and environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaways

Tariff Advantages: New policies create prime opportunities to promote domestic wood products

Collaborative Growth: Unified industry efforts yield greater success than solo ventures

Waste Reduction: Addresses the paradox of wasted local wood amid lumber imports

Proactive Preparation: Small producers should stockpile inventory and explore cooperatives

Localized Benefits: Urban wood utilization strengthens community economies and ecosystems 

Chapters

00:00 Industry Snapshot & Tariff Impacts

10:03 Collaborative Strategies for Growth

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/

On the Woodpreneur Podcast, Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger interview Zach Bancroft of 805 Woodworks about his transition from antique dealing to custom furniture making. Zach discusses developing his craft style, material sourcing, and the vital role of word-of-mouth marketing. He shares candid insights about pandemic-era business struggles, mental health challenges, and his passion for creating sustainable, heirloom-quality furniture in today's disposable culture. The conversation covers customer education strategies, production scaling, local collaborations, and balancing creative work with business growth.

Key Takeaways

Career Evolution: Zach transitioned from antique dealing to custom furniture, adapting his style based on customer needs.

Business Challenges: He faced significant hurdles during the pandemic, including layoffs and mental health struggles.

Sustainability & Craftsmanship: Zach advocates for heirloom-quality furniture and a shift away from disposable consumer culture.

Customer Education: Effectively marketing handmade products requires time, online showcases, and finding the right audience.

Growth Strategies: Scaling production, local collaborations, and balancing creativity with business logistics are key to future success.

Chapters

00:00 The Origins of 805 Woodworks

02:57 Crafting a Unique Style

05:54 Sourcing Materials and Building Relationships

08:45 Navigating Business Challenges and Mental Health

12:05 The Comeback Journey

14:59 The Value of Heirloom Furniture

17:55 Sustainability and Consumer Mindset

20:58 Finding the Right Customers

23:43 The Cost of Customer Education

24:41 Building the Mantle Business

26:44 Challenges in Scaling Production

32:52 Exploring Collaborative Opportunities

37:55 Finding Balance and Future Growth

You can connect with Zach at:

https://www.instagram.com/805woodworks/

https://www.805woodworks.com/

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/