A catastrophic event can either destroy a business or become the catalyst for creating something entirely new. For one Colorado family, a natural disaster became the unexpected beginning of a thriving sawmill operation.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with John Christenson of Native Lumber to explore his remarkable journey from managing a family ranch to running a successful sawmill business. John shares how natural disasters shaped his business decisions, the challenges of logging in Colorado's diverse terrain, and why finding a niche specialization has been critical to Native Lumber's growth and sustainability.

You'll hear about John's approach to fire mitigation and sustainable logging practices that benefit both the business and the environment, how he's built employment opportunities and community impact through his operation, and the diverse timber species they work with in their logging and milling practices. John discusses his effective use of social media and online marketing to reach customers, the importance of industry connections and networking for growth, and his strategies for selling slabs and specialty products in a competitive market.

This conversation explores the practical realities of streamlining logging operations, choosing the right equipment for efficiency and quality, and building strong customer relationships through local presence and social media engagement. John also shares success stories of empowering the next generation of woodworkers and how connecting with the community through locally sourced lumber brings joy and strengthens regional wood economies.

Whether you're considering starting a sawmill business, interested in fire mitigation and sustainable logging, or looking for insights on niche marketing and social media strategies for wood products, this episode offers honest advice and practical wisdom from someone who's built a successful operation from unexpected beginnings.

Tune in to discover how Native Lumber turned catastrophe into craft and built a thriving business that supports both family and community, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more inspiring stories from the wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 From Catastrophe to Creation

09:59 Timber Challenges and Sustainable Practices

22:39 Community Connection and Business Challenges

28:28 Industry Connections and Equipment Choices

33:17 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with John at:

https://nativelumber.co/

https://www.instagram.com/nativelumber/

Three generations of family ownership doesn't happen by accident. It takes unwavering commitment to quality, strong relationships, and the ability to adapt while staying true to your core values.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Steve Jones from Ron Jones Hardwood to explore what it takes to build and sustain a successful family lumber business across generations. Steve shares insights into the hardwood lumber industry, the critical importance of quality control and consistency, and how Ron Jones Hardwood has navigated complex challenges like tariffs and export market fluctuations while maintaining their reputation for excellence.

You'll hear about the distinctive branding elements like the red end color that differentiate Ron Jones Hardwood in a competitive market, the company's approach to vetting suppliers and building strong partnerships throughout the supply chain, and their operational efficiency strategies in lumber processing. Steve discusses the value of clear communication when problems arise, how they've built lasting customer relationships based on trust and reliability, and the leadership lessons learned from both successes and failures.

This conversation explores the natural benefits of wood products, including how wood lowers stress and improves health in built environments, the role of sustainability and carbon sequestration in wood products, and why choosing wood is both an environmental and wellness decision. Steve also reflects on adapting to industry changes while preserving family legacy, preparing the next generation for leadership roles, and the importance of local resources and education in supporting the hardwood industry.

Whether you're in the lumber business, interested in family business succession and leadership, or curious about quality control and supply chain management in the wood industry, this episode offers valuable wisdom from someone who's helping carry forward a multi-generational legacy of excellence.

Tune in to discover the secrets behind Ron Jones Hardwood's three-generation success story and what it takes to build a lumber business that stands the test of time, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more conversations with industry leaders.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Company Legacy

05:49 Export Markets and Quality Control

18:47 Operational Efficiency and Wood Benefits

27:35 Leadership Lessons and Business Evolution

38:34 Next Generation and Local Resources

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Steve at:

https://www.ronjoneshardwood.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ronjoneshardwood/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-jones-394a5513/

Local wood economies don't just happen on their own. They require dedicated advocates who understand forestry, respect the trades, and can bridge the gap between landowners, loggers, sawmills, and communities.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Malloree Weinheimer of Chickadee Forestry LLC to explore her work championing small-scale loggers, supporting sustainable forest management, and connecting people to the trees in their own backyards. Malloree shares her journey from conservation research to private consulting focused on rural economic development, and why passing down forestry knowledge as experienced foresters retire has become critically important.

You'll hear about the vital role foresters play in helping small landowners manage micro-forests sustainably, the importance of building stronger, cooperative relationships between foresters and loggers, and how local wood groups can create viable markets for locally sourced timber. Malloree discusses innovative projects like the Firewood CSA and the successful Washington sawmill cooperative that's making measurable progress in local wood sales and community-based forestry.

This conversation explores practical strategies for advocating for local timber economies, overcoming logistical challenges for small-scale operations, and helping landowners align their goals with wildlife and conservation priorities. Malloree emphasizes the cultural shift needed to value local forests and traditional skills, the importance of educating communities about tree species and their specific uses, and how connecting urban residents with their own land resources can transform perspectives on forestry.

Whether you're a forester, logger, sawmill operator, or landowner interested in sustainable forest management, local wood economies, or building community connections around timber and conservation, this episode offers valuable insights from someone working at the intersection of forestry, advocacy, and rural development.

Tune in to discover how Chickadee Forestry LLC is bridging forests and communities while supporting the next generation of loggers and building sustainable local wood markets, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more conversations about forestry, conservation, and the wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Malloree's Journey

04:11 Supporting Loggers and Local Sawmills

09:04 Building Awareness and Serving Communities

15:07 Conservation Priorities and Community Trust

20:04 Sawmill Cooperatives and Mentorship

26:43 Future of Local Wood and Education

30:23 Connect with Chickadee Forestry

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Malloree at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malloree-weinheimer

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

https://chickadeeforestry.com/

Sometimes the best business opportunities come from the most unexpected places. A background in real estate doesn't seem like the obvious path to running a thriving reclaimed wood company, but that's exactly how one entrepreneur built a multimillion-dollar timber business.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Eric Freed of E & K Vintage Wood to explore his remarkable journey from real estate into the reclaimed wood industry. Eric shares how he discovered opportunities in salvaged timber during the 2008 recession and grew his business from a side project into a 24-employee operation that's moving to a larger facility to meet growing demand.

You'll hear about the explosive growth E & K Vintage Wood has experienced, including building a social media following of 100,000 on Instagram that has expanded their customer base nationwide. Eric discusses their top-selling products like box beams, the importance of offering customization to meet diverse client needs, and the quality standards that have kept them problem-free for 15 years. He also shares stories from notable projects for high-profile clients including the San Francisco 49ers and Google.

This conversation explores the challenges of sourcing quality reclaimed wood in a competitive market, the sustainability practices and chain of custody considerations that guide their operations, and how certification plays a role in their business model. Eric reflects on the lessons learned from navigating industry challenges and shares his excitement about future plans, including ramping up flooring production in their new facility and continuing to innovate their product offerings.

Whether you're interested in the reclaimed wood business, building a sustainable timber company, or learning how to scale a wood business through quality and customization, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who's successfully transformed an unexpected opportunity into a thriving enterprise.

Tune in to discover how E & K Vintage Wood built success through sustainability, quality, and customer service, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more inspiring stories from entrepreneurs in the wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Eric's Journey

04:42 Business Growth and Product Offerings

12:10 Industry Challenges and Notable Projects

20:07 Sustainability 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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Eric at:

Website: https://ekvintagewood.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-freed-20148315/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eandk_vintagewood/

A background in conservation and wildlife biology might seem at odds with running a logging and sawmill operation, but for some, it's the perfect foundation for sustainable, community-focused timber harvesting.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Katrina Amaral of Timberdoodle Farm and Sawmill to explore her unique journey from conservation work to the timber industry. Katrina shares how Timberdoodle evolved from a side project into a full-time family business run with her husband Miles Amaral, and how her environmental background informs their thoughtful approach to logging and milling.

You'll hear about the innovative full circle projects that set Timberdoodle apart, where they log trees and provide lumber for local building projects, creating a complete supply chain from forest to finished construction. Katrina discusses their certification as lumber graders which allows them to provide structural timbers, their flexible business model that includes selling logs to larger mills when needed, and the strong word-of-mouth network they've built through quality work and community relationships.

This conversation explores their marketing strategies for a small-scale operation, innovations in logging and sawmill operations that keep them competitive, and the challenges of balancing family life with business responsibilities. Katrina emphasizes the central role of environmental considerations in their timber harvesting practices, ensuring they work in harmony with the forest ecosystem rather than against it. She also shares insights on collaborative efforts with other women in the industry to promote local wood economies and sustainable forestry practices.

Whether you're interested in sustainable logging and forestry, running a family sawmill business, or learning how conservation principles can guide timber operations, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building a business that serves both community needs and environmental stewardship.

Tune in to discover how Timberdoodle Farm and Sawmill is creating a sustainable model for local timber production, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from innovative professionals in the wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Katrina's Background

05:49 Evolution and Full Circle Projects

14:43 Marketing and Innovation in Operations

23:26 Environmental Considerations and Collaborations

32:35 Conclusion and Community Engagement

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Katrina at:

https://www.timberdoodlesawmill.com/

https://www.instagram.com/timberdoodlefarm

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-timberdoodle/

A 36-year career in law enforcement might seem like an unlikely path to running a successful sawmill operation, but for some, retirement is just the beginning of a new chapter.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with John Bartlett from Maryland Logs 2 Lumber to explore his remarkable transition from law enforcement to becoming a skilled sawmill operator over the past 24 years. John shares the unique aspects of his business model, where he doesn't sell wood but instead mills logs owned by customers, focusing on building strong relationships with three main clients who trust him with their valuable timber.

You'll hear about the high-value projects and unique logs John has worked with, the importance of quarter sawing techniques for producing premium lumber, and how he's invested in Wood-Mizer equipment over the years to improve his operation. John discusses the challenges of navigating business regulations and taxes, the significant impact COVID-19 had on operational costs (particularly diesel prices), and how he's adapted his business model to include deposits for new customers to protect against market volatility.

This conversation emphasizes the critical role of customer service in the sawmilling business, the value of industry connections and expertise from mentors like Marty Parsons, and the personal stories and relationships that make this work meaningful. John also shares insights on market changes, innovative sawmilling techniques, and how building trust with clients has been the foundation of his long-term success.

Whether you're considering starting a sawmill business, interested in custom milling and wood processing, or looking for lessons on adapting to industry changes while maintaining quality and customer relationships, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's successfully navigated both careers in service and entrepreneurship.

Tune in to discover how dedication to customer service, continuous learning, and strong industry relationships can build a thriving sawmill business, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from experienced professionals in the wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and John's Journey

06:07 High-Value Projects and Client Relationships

11:50 Business Challenges and Regulations

17:43 Market Changes and COVID-19 Impact

20:50 Sawmilling Innovations and Customer Service

26:48 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with John at:

https://www.facebook.com/mdlogs2lumber/

https://www.instagram.com/marylandlogs2lumber/?hl=en

Sometimes it's the catalyst that leads you to build the business and life you've always wanted.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Justin Czar of Liberty Lumber Products to explore his journey from working in fencing to establishing a thriving custom woodworking business. Justin shares the pivotal moment that pushed him to start side hustling and eventually transition full-time into woodworking, proving that it's never too late to pursue your passion.

You'll hear about the real challenges Justin has faced in the wood industry, including sourcing lumber during supply shortages, navigating the impact of tariffs on materials and pricing, and adapting to economic pressures that affect sales and customer demand. Justin discusses his focus on custom builds and innovative projects, the importance of social media (particularly his successful YouTube channel) in his marketing strategy, and how community engagement through charity events has helped raise significant funds while building local connections.

This conversation also covers critical topics like workshop safety, especially following Justin's personal injury experience, the process of sourcing and processing lumber for unique projects, and strategies for increasing local visibility in a competitive market. Justin shares his excitement about future collaborations with local universities and his vision for growing Liberty Lumber Products while staying true to the craft and community values that define his business.

Whether you're considering a career change into woodworking, navigating the challenges of sourcing materials and pricing in today's market, or looking for effective marketing strategies to grow your wood business, this episode offers honest insights and practical wisdom from someone who's building success one project at a time.

Tune in to discover how passion, perseverance, and community engagement can transform a side hustle into a sustainable woodworking business, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more inspiring stories from makers and entrepreneurs in the wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Liberty Lumber Products

03:01 From Fencing to Woodworking 

06:00 Industry Challenges and Sourcing

11:58 Innovative Projects and Safety

18:26 Marketing and Social Media Growth

25:17 Future Goals and Community Engagement

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Justin at:

https://libertylumberproducts.com/

https://www.instagram.com/libertylumberproducts

https://www.facebook.com/libertylumberproducts

A lumber company that's been in business since 1851 has seen it all, from economic shifts to pandemics, and its survival depends on more than just selling wood. It's about relationships, education, and adapting to change.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Chris Black, President and GM of Century Mill Lumber, to explore the remarkable history of a company that predates Canada itself. Chris shares his personal journey from selling high-end wood doors to running a lumber business with deep roots and a forward-looking vision, emphasizing how customer relationships, continuous education, and innovation have kept Century Mill thriving for over 170 years.

You'll hear about the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19 and how the pandemic reshaped the lumber industry, the complexities of navigating the lumber supply chain from sourcing to delivery, and the evolving trends in both hardwood and softwood markets. Chris discusses the importance of investing in quality products and employee training, the role of design aesthetics in customer preferences, and how innovative materials are meeting modern application needs.

This conversation dives into the significance of personal branding in an industry that's fundamentally about people, effective marketing strategies for connecting with customers in the lumber business, and why criticism and feedback are essential for growth and improvement. Chris also shares insights on building a strong team that will carry the company's legacy forward and ensure its success for generations to come.

Whether you're in the lumber business, interested in customer service excellence and relationship building, or looking for lessons on navigating industry challenges while maintaining quality and values, this episode offers wisdom from a leader who understands that lumber is ultimately a people business.

Tune in to discover how a company with roots in 1851 continues to innovate and lead in today's market, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from industry leaders who are shaping the future of wood.

Chapters:

00:00 The Legacy of Century Mill Lumber

05:45 Customer Service and COVID-19 Challenges

14:44 The Future and Investment in Quality

22:56 Market Trends and Innovation

31:19 Relationships and Personal Branding

39:12 The People Behind the Business

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Chris at:

https://www.centurymill.com/

https://www.instagram.com/centurymilllumber/

https://www.facebook.com/centurymill

Growing a woodworking business isn't just about craftsmanship. It's about building systems, forming strategic partnerships, and adapting to unexpected opportunities that can transform your entire operation.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Ryan Moore of Urban Wood Company to explore the evolution of his Oklahoma City-based woodworking business. Ryan shares how he went from drying wood and building custom furniture to expanding into cabinet projects and developing new product lines, all while navigating the challenges of scaling a team, implementing systems, and maintaining profitability.

You'll hear about the unexpected opportunities that shaped Ryan's business growth, including how unforeseen events like house fires opened entirely new markets for cabinetry work. Ryan discusses the critical role of strategic partnerships with CNC companies and suppliers, effective use of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for marketing finished projects, and his approach to staffing by adding young employees and upskilling existing team members.

This conversation dives into the practical side of business operations, including implementing documentation systems to streamline workflows, setting competitive pricing using square footage models, and leveraging industry partnerships for better materials and resources. Ryan also shares valuable lessons learned from overcoming challenges like tariffs, international shipping costs, equipment repairs, and the importance of trusting your gut to avoid projects that don't align with your business goals.

Whether you're looking to scale your woodworking business, interested in cabinet making and product development, or seeking insights on team building and operational efficiency, this episode offers honest reflections and actionable strategies from someone who's experienced record growth while learning to balance business demands with personal life, family, and self-care.

Tune in to discover how systems, partnerships, and strategic growth can take your woodworking business to the next level, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more conversations about building sustainable, profitable wood businesses.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Ryan's Journey

03:15 New Opportunities and Strategic Partnerships

10:05 Building Systems and Pricing Strategies

21:07 Lessons Learned and Avoiding Bad Projects

28:06 Client Communication and Work-Life Balance

32:51 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Ryan at:

https://www.theurbanwoodco.com/

https://www.instagram.com/theurbanwoodco

The path to becoming a master woodworker doesn't always start in a workshop. Sometimes it begins on a mountain bike trail during the off-season.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger welcomes Simon Silver of Simon Silver Designs to explore his remarkable journey from mountain bike athlete to accomplished woodworker and sawmill operator. Simon shares how he discovered woodworking as a hobby during the off-season and how a pivotal class with a skilled mentor accelerated his learning and instilled a detail-oriented mindset that defines his work today.

You'll hear about Simon's commitment to creating timeless furniture pieces from urban wood, storm trees, and reclaimed materials, and his sawmill business that sources local redwood logs to provide unique lumber for custom projects. Simon discusses the balance between commissioned work and personal creative projects, the evolution of his business from small pieces to large-scale installations, and the increasing complexity and reward of challenging custom woodworking.

This conversation dives into the realities of running a custom woodworking business, including the challenges of job site work, the importance of educating clients about wood movement and natural material characteristics, and the critical skill of learning to say no to projects that don't align with your vision or values. Simon also reflects on maintaining passion for the craft when business demands threaten to overshadow creative fulfillment, and his plans to create personal pieces that reignite his love for woodworking.

Whether you're a woodworker navigating the transition from hobby to business, interested in sustainable wood sourcing and urban lumber, or looking for insights on balancing commercial success with creative satisfaction, this episode offers honest wisdom from someone who's built a thriving woodworking business while staying true to his craft.

Tune in to discover how perseverance, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn can transform a passion into a sustainable livelihood, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more inspiring stories from makers and craftspeople.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Simon Silver

01:00 Simon's Journey from Mountain Biking to Woodworking

03:58 The Importance of Mentorship in Woodworking

08:31 Exploring Custom Projects and Personal Interests

10:05 Proud Achievements in Custom Furniture

12:10 Challenges of Working with Wood

16:01 The Sawmill Business and Sourcing Logs

20:53 Urban Wood and Sustainability

24:29 Navigating Challenges in Custom Work

29:52 Maintaining Passion in Woodworking

34:14 How to Reach Simon Silver for Projects

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/sawmillsnearme/

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

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

Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork

You can connect with Simon at:

www.simonsilverdesigns.com

https://www.instagram.com/simonsilverdesigns

https://www.facebook.com/simonsilverdesigns/