In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Nate Schuele, the owner of Full Tilt Timber Framing, a traditional timber framing company specializing in mortise and tenon joinery. Nate learned the craft from his father and has been running the business since 2019. He primarily generates leads through Instagram and collaborates with general contractors on timber design elements that are too complicated for them to execute. Nate has invested heavily in tools and is constantly working on improving his skills. He also has plans to expand his business into mass timber production and is considering investing in a CNC machine.

Takeaways:

• Traditional timber framing focuses on mortise and tenon joinery and European-style designs.
• Instagram is a valuable platform for generating leads in the timber framing industry.
• Investing in tools and continuously improving skills is essential for success in the business.
• Expanding into mass timber production and investing in a CNC machine can open up new opportunities.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Full Tilt Timber Framing
• 02:23 Using Instagram for Lead Generation
• 03:19 Investing in Tools and Skills
• 14:24 Venturing into Mass Timber Production
• 27:06 The Challenges of Partnerships
• 29:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Connect with Nate at:

https://www.instagram.com/full.tilt.timber.framing/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Aaron Cash from Fine Line Millworks, who shares his journey of starting the company and navigating various challenges, including the impact of COVID-19. They focused on creating a customer-centric experience and developed a process to understand and meet their clients' needs. They also leveraged online platforms like Zoom to connect with customers and showcase their work. Through strategic partnerships and exposure on HGTV and Magnolia Network, they gained recognition and expanded their client base. Currently, they are working on developing new products and finding the balance between custom work and scalability.

Takeaways:

• Focus on creating a customer-centric experience and understanding your clients' needs.
• Leverage online platforms like Zoom to connect with customers and showcase your work.
• Strategic partnerships and exposure on popular networks can help gain recognition and expand your client base.
• Find the balance between custom work and scalability to ensure profitability and growth.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background of Fine Line Millworks
• 09:18 Adapting to COVID-19 and Creating a Predictable Process
• 14:08 Strategic Partnerships and Exposure on HGTV and Magnolia Network

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Aaron at:

https://www.instagram.com/finelinemillworks/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Tedd Benson, founder of Bensonwood and Unity Homes. Tedd shares the history and mission of his companies.

He discusses his passion for carpentry and timber framing and his desire to bring high-quality, energy-efficient homes to more people.

Bensonwood focuses on craftsmanship and uses natural and organic materials in its building process. Unity Homes, a separate brand within the company, offers standardized, energy-efficient homes that are affordable and customizable.

Benson emphasizes the importance of company culture and teamwork, aiming to create a lasting legacy.

Takeaways:

• Tedd Benson's passion for carpentry and timber framing led him to found Bensonwood and Unity Homes.
• Bensonwood focuses on craftsmanship and uses natural and organic materials in its building process.
• Unity Homes offers standardized, energy-efficient homes that are affordable and customizable.
• Benson emphasizes the importance of company culture and teamwork in achieving the company's mission.
• He is working on succession planning to ensure the company's long-term success and legacy.

Chapters:

• 00:00 The Origin of Bensonwood and Unity Homes
• 03:29 The Evolution of Bensonwood and Unity Homes
• 07:05 The Creation of Unity Homes
• 10:33 Key Moments in the Company's Growth
• 11:02 Developing New Skills and Learning from Other Countries
• 13:20 Transitioning to Offsite Building Practices
• 15:22 The Importance of a Strong Team
• 16:20 Tedd Benson's Transition from Carpenter to Leader
• 20:46 Navigating Economic Challenges
• 22:27 Writing Books on Timber Framing
• 23:30 Tedd Benson's Role in the Company Today
• 24:28 Planning for Succession and the Future
• 29:12 Collaboration and Sharing Knowledge
• 32:03 The Importance of Company Culture
• 33:28 The Everlasting Path of Bensonwood and Unity Homes
• 35:25 Transitioning to a Chairman of the Board Role
• 37:06 Continuing to Learn and Grow
• 38:59 Partnerships with Developers
• 43:34 Advice for Others in the Industry

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Ben at:

https://www.instagram.com/beam_team/

https://www.instagram.com/unity_homes/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews BJ Chandler from Millhaven Homes. Millhaven Homes is a custom home builder that takes a comprehensive approach to home building, managing everything from start to finish. They offer development, plan design, interior design, landscape architecture, construction, furniture, and landscape installation services. The company evolved to address gaps in the custom home market, aiming to enhance the customer experience. They prioritize storytelling and creating a strong connection with clients, emphasizing the reasons behind the home-building process. Millhaven Homes also fosters a positive company culture and builds robust relationships with clients and team members.

Takeaways:

• Millhaven Homes offers a comprehensive approach to custom home building, managing every aspect of the project from start to finish.
• The company prioritizes creating a positive customer experience and has evolved to address gaps in the custom home market.
• Storytelling and fostering a connection with clients are central to their approach.
• They value a strong company culture and focus on building meaningful relationships with both clients and team members.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Millhaven Homes
• 03:11 Changing the Narrative in Custom Home Building
• 09:28 The Importance of Reputation and Marketing
• 12:12 The Power of Storytelling in Home Building
• 24:02 Creating a Positive Company Culture
• 25:26 Protecting Team Members' Work-Life Balance
• 29:00 Ensuring Accurate Budgeting and Cost Management
• 32:12 Marketing the Importance of Accurate Budgeting
• 35:20 Online Presence and Expansion into Other States

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with BJ Chandler at:

https://www.instagram.com/millhavenhomes/

https://millhavenhomes.com

In this episode Steve Larosiliere interviews Ben and Nick from Fresh Start Contracting. They share how they started the business while in college and the challenges they faced along the way. They emphasize the importance of their partnership and how they complement each other's strengths.

They also talk about their focus on custom remodeling and the preferences of their high-end clientele. Ben and Nick discuss their marketing strategies, including social media and word-of-mouth referrals. They share their goals for the future and their commitment to staying ahead in the industry.

Takeaways

Starting a business with a trusted partner can provide support and complementary skills.

Custom remodeling is a significant part of their business, catering to high-end clientele.

Marketing strategies include social media presence and word-of-mouth referrals.

Adapting to industry trends and staying ahead of the competition is crucial for success.

Their goal is to become a $50 million annual company and be the best in their area.

Chapters

00:00 Childhood Friends to Business Partners

05:28 The Power of Partnership

09:32 Goals and Aspirations

13:33 Marketing Strategies

22:05 Catering to High-End Clientele

23:17 Working with Smart Clients

28:34 Focus on Custom Remodeling

32:32 Building a Strong Online Presence

33:43 The Future of Fresh Start Contracting

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Nick and Ben at:

https://www.instagram.com/freshstartcorp/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Jonathan Orpin, CEO and founder of New Energy Works and Pioneer Millworks. Jonathan shares his journey of starting and growing his companies. He discusses the challenges of being an entrepreneur and deciding to move from New York to Portland. He also talks about the impact of the 2008 recession on his business and the strategies they implemented to survive and thrive. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of building relationships with clients and the value of word-of-mouth referrals. He also highlights the triple-bottom-line approach to business, focusing on people, the planet, and profit. Jonathan shares his experience of transitioning to an employee-owned company and the benefits it brings. He concludes by discussing his plans and the importance of finding the right people for his team.

Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs often need to step back from day-to-day operations to gain a fresh perspective and explore new opportunities.
• Navigating a recession requires creativity, resilience, and adaptability.
• Building strong relationships with clients and delivering high-quality work leads to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Adopting a triple bottom line approach to business, focusing on people, the planet, and profit, can lead to long-term success.
• Transitioning to an employee-owned company can empower employees and create a sense of ownership and accountability.
• Finding the right people for your team is crucial for business growth and success.

Chapters:

00:00 From New York to Portland: A Journey of Entrepreneurship

02:14 Surviving and Thriving Through the 2008 Recession

04:26 Building Relationships and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

08:05 The Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, and Profit

13:15 The Benefits of Employee Ownership

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Jonathan at:

https://www.instagram.com/newenergyworks/

https://www.instagram.com/pioneermillworks/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Elvin Hurst, the founder of Kountry Kraft. Elvin shares his journey of building a successful kitchen cabinet business over 65 years, discussing the company's humble beginnings, growth, and the principles that have contributed to its longevity and success.

Takeaways:

• Vision and ambition are essential for building a successful business.
• Putting customers and employees first, and oneself last is a key principle for business success.
• Treating customers and employees fairly and doing good work are crucial for any industry, including the wood industry.

Chapters:

1. Building a Legacy: The Country Craft Story
2. The Power of Vision and Ambition in Business

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Elvin at:

https://www.instagram.com/kountrykraftcabinetry/

https://www.kountrykraft.com

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Daniel Dodd from Hudson Builders in Austin, Texas. Daniel shares the story of starting his construction business during the pandemic and the challenges he faced. He discusses the importance of customer experience and the key roles in his team. Daniel talks about his role in estimating, client interaction, and networking with architects and builders. He emphasizes the value of networking and collaboration in the Austin community. He also shares insights into the progression of his business through various projects and the importance of work-life balance and personal development.

Takeaways:

• Starting a construction business during the pandemic presented unique challenges and opportunities.
• Customer experience is a top priority for Hudson Builders, focusing on trust, collaboration, and professionalism.
• The key roles in the team include a project manager and a project coordinator, each playing a crucial part in the success of the business.
• Networking and collaboration are valuable in the construction industry.
• The progression of a construction business through various projects is essential for growth.
• Work-life balance and personal development are important for business owners.
• Considerations for technology and project management are crucial in the construction industry.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Navigating the Pandemic: Starting a Construction Business
• 03:01 Prioritizing Customer Experience in Construction
• 05:57 Building a Strong Team: Key Roles and Responsibilities
• 24:48 Project Progression and Business Growth
• 34:23 Balancing Work and Personal Development in Construction

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with DANIEL at:

https://www.instagram.com/hudson.builders/

https://www.hudsonbuilderstx.com

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Jo Huddle, the owner of 5'1 Perspective. Jo shares her journey as a small business owner in the woodworking industry. She discusses how she started her business during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges she faced. Jo talks about reinvesting in a laser machine to scale her business and streamline her production process. She also highlights the rewards of being able to bring her customers' visions to life and the satisfaction of creating personalized keepsakes. Jo shares her experiences with marketing and the need to improve in that area. She expresses her desire to find more passive income streams and considers the possibility of hiring help in the future. Overall, Jo's story is a testament to the resilience and creativity of small business owners.

Takeaways:

• Starting a small business during challenging times is possible with determination and resourcefulness.
• Investing in the right tools, like a laser machine, can help streamline production and scale the business.
• Marketing is a crucial aspect of running a small business and requires continuous improvement and adaptation.
• Finding passive income streams can provide stability and growth opportunities.
• Knowing when to hire help and delegate tasks is essential for business growth and personal well-being.
• Creativity and the ability to bring customers' visions to life are rewarding aspects of being a small business owner.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 02:16 Starting a Small Business During Challenging Times
• 03:36 Scaling and Streamlining Production with a Laser Machine
• 09:03 The Challenges and Importance of Marketing
• 11:17 Exploring Passive Income Opportunities
• 11:43 Considering Hiring Help for Business Growth
• 19:37 The Benefits of a Reliable Laser Machine
• 26:19 Business Performance and Seasonality
• 31:30 The Importance of Marketing and Branding
• 33:49 Overcoming Mental Blocks and Embracing Growth
• 39:02 Conclusion and Future Plans

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Jo at:

https://www.instagram.com/51perspective/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Carter C from 1BENMU Millworks Design & Studio. Carter started his business by building custom live edge tables. He then transitioned into furniture making and eventually embraced CNC machining and software technology for custom millwork. He emphasized the importance of value-added products and efficient processes. Carter's company focuses on commercial projects and offers project management services. They also specialize in micro cement finishing. Carter discussed the challenges of marketing and the need for a strong online presence.

Takeaways:

• Starting small and building a reputation for quality can lead to business growth.
• Embracing technology can streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Value-added products are essential for sustainability in the market.
• Project management services can enhance the customer experience.
• Micro cement finishing offers seamless and waterproof solutions for interior design.
• A strong online presence and effective marketing strategies are crucial for success.

Chapters:

• 00:00 From Custom Tables to Furniture Making
• 04:02 Embracing Technology for Custom Millwork
• 05:10 The Importance of Value-Added Products
• 09:17 Project Management for Commercial Projects

Join the Woodpreneur Network and Community at Woodpreneur.com or Woodpreneurnetwork.com

Connect with Carter at:

https://www.instagram.com/1benmu/

https://www.1benmu.com