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/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, hosts Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger interview Nick Mooers from Maverick Sawmill. They discuss the growth of Nick's business during the pandemic, exciting projects, including a massive walnut table, and the development of a new shop to enhance operational efficiency. Nick shares insights on leadership, industry trends, and the balance between raw and finished products. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies for high-end builds and the importance of relationships in the luxury market.

Takeaways

• The pandemic drove significant growth in home renovation projects and woodworking demand
• Maverick Sawmill specializes in oversized walnut pieces and has developed a unique 50/50 balance between raw and finished products
• Nick emphasizes the critical importance of team dynamics, leadership, and relationship building
• A new shop is being developed to enhance operational efficiency and support business growth
• Epoxy projects and home and garden shows have emerged as important trends in the woodworking industry

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maverick Sawmill

01:00 Business Growth During the Pandemic

02:40 Exciting Projects and New Shop Development

05:19 Operational Success Factors

09:51 Leadership and Team Dynamics

11:06 Industry Trends and Innovations

13:12 Balancing Raw and Finished Products

15:18 Investments in Machinery and Efficiency

19:01 Future Plans and Moving Challenges

20:24 Marketing Strategies for High-End Builds

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/

You can connect with Nick at:

https://www.instagram.com/mavericksawmill/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, hosts Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger interview Chris Hitchcock from Coyote Custom Woodwork. Chris shares his journey as a self-taught woodworker, discussing his passion for creating unique pieces and the challenges he faces in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of networking and word-of-mouth referrals in building his client base, as well as the satisfaction he derives from his craft. The conversation also touches on current trends in woodworking materials and Chris's aspirations for future growth in his business.

Takeaways

• Chris began his woodworking journey as a self-taught craftsman, starting around 2015
• Networking and word-of-mouth referrals are crucial for building a successful woodworking business
• Walnut remains his favorite wood to work with, despite changing industry trends
• Creative satisfaction stems from the hands-on process of building unique pieces
• Chris is focused on business growth and overcoming challenges in the woodworking industry

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Coyote Custom Woodwork

02:04 The Journey of a Self-Taught Woodworker

05:57 Identifying Ideal Clients and Building a Network

09:58 Creative Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

13:59 Trends in Woodworking and Material Preferences

18:04 Business Growth and Future Aspirations

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/

You can connect with Chris at:

https://www.instagram.com/coyotewoodwork/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere introduces new co-host Jennifer Alger, a seasoned professional in the wood industry. They discuss Jennifer's extensive experience, the importance of collaboration in the urban lumber sector, and the launch of AncesTREE, an innovative inventory management software. Steve shares his transition to focusing on designers and builders, emphasizing the need for community and support in the woodworking industry. The episode concludes with a look at the podcast's future and the exciting developments.

Takeaways

• Jennifer Alger brings extensive experience to the Woodpreneur Podcast as a seasoned wood industry professional
• AncesTREE emerges as an innovative inventory management solution for the woodworking industry
• Steve is strategically transitioning to focus more on designers and builders
• Collaboration and community-building are highlighted as crucial elements in the urban lumber sector
• The podcast demonstrates a commitment to evolving and exploring new opportunities in woodworking

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast

04:14 Jennifer's Journey in the Wood Industry

08:51 Steve's Transition and New Ventures

12:22 Collaborative Opportunities in the Urban Lumber Industry

15:18 AncesTREE: Revolutionizing Inventory Management

18:22 Looking Ahead: Future of the Podcast and Community

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/

You can connect with Jennifer at:

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlynnalger/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Juan Bruera from Reclaimed Wood Source. Juan shares his journey from construction to entrepreneurship, discussing how he built his reclaimed wood business. The conversation covers business operations, family-work balance, material sourcing, and digital marketing strategies, highlighting how creating engaging content and building community relationships have contributed to his success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Juan's journey into reclaimed wood began with construction experience and grew through his passion for recycling materials and preserving history.
2. Building a successful reclaimed wood business requires balancing multiple operations, from sourcing and production to marketing and sales.
3. The unique value of reclaimed wood comes from its history and character, though this makes it more expensive due to labor-intensive sourcing and preparation.
4. Digital marketing, particularly through social media and blogging, plays a crucial role in business growth and customer engagement.
5. Creating engaging content and building community relationships are essential for long-term business success in the reclaimed wood industry.

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey Begins: From Construction to Reclaimed Wood

09:15 Building a Business: Operations and Growth

13:38 Vision and Reality: Reflecting on Progress

19:06 Family and Business: Balancing Priorities

22:19 Sourcing Materials: The Story Behind the Wood

26:32 Exploring the Hutterite and Mennonite Communities

28:22 Insights from Reclaimed Wood Projects

29:12 Navigating Google AdWords Challenges

30:28 Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

31:52 The Importance of Blogging for Visibility

34:02 Creating Engaging Content and Community Building

37:34 Maximizing YouTube and Video 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/

You can connect with Juan at:

https://reclaimedwoodsource.com/

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

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Katie Nagji, the founder of Swann Closet Design. Katie shares her journey from working in a larger closet company in New York City to starting her own business in Austin, Texas. She discusses the challenges and rewards of building a new client base, the evolving trends in closet design, and her creative process in delivering high-end, customized storage solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of referrals, the luxury market's demands, and the personal touch she brings to each project.

Key Takeaways

• Katie Nagji successfully transitioned from a corporate position in New York to establishing her own business in Austin, Texas
• Her business thrives primarily through referrals and focuses on high-end, custom millwork for various storage spaces
• Current trends in closet design are shifting towards more luxurious and colorful options
• Her creative process involves extensive client interaction and mood board development
• She has developed effective strategies for managing client relationships and budget discussions while maintaining high-quality standards.

Chapters

00:00 The Origin of Swann Closet Design

03:07 Transitioning to a New Market

06:08 Trends in Closet Design

09:04 Building a Client Base

12:07 The Creative Process

14:56 Navigating Client Relationships

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 Katie at:

https://www.swannclosetdesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/austinclosetdesign/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Christopher Anderson from Saltwater and Sawdust Woodworks. Christopher shares his inspiring journey from military service to starting a woodworking business. He discusses the challenges of pricing, the evolution of his projects, and the critical role of community and social media in building his brand. Christopher highlights the value of learning through diverse projects and emphasizes the importance of cultivating strong client relationships in the woodworking industry. The conversation also explores marketing strategies and the potential of referral programs to boost business growth.

Takeaways

1. Christopher transitioned from military service to woodworking, starting with cutting boards and evolving into custom furniture.
2. Social media, especially YouTube, has been essential for marketing and brand growth.
3. Pricing remains one of the biggest challenges for small woodworking businesses.
4. Building strong client relationships leads to repeat business and referrals.
5. Community engagement and referral programs are effective for expanding the client base.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Saltwater and Sawdust Woodworks

02:15 - The Journey from Military to Woodworking

04:19 - Navigating Business Challenges and Pricing

06:47 - Popular Products and Unique Projects

09:20 - Investments and Exciting Achievements

13:21 - Overcoming Challenges in Custom Requests

16:24 - The Role of Social Media in Woodworking

18:18 - Understanding the Craft and Client Expectations

21:11 - Learning and Growth Through Diverse Projects

24:07 - Marketing Strategies for Growth

30:41 - Referral Programs and Client Engagement

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/

You can contact Christopher at:

https://www.saltwaterandsawdustwoodworking.com/

https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_and_sawdust/

https://www.facebook.com/TheAndersonWoodshop

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Joe Trave from Village Handcrafted, who shares his inspiring journey from building furniture in his backyard to managing a thriving manufacturing operation. Joe discusses the challenges of scaling his business, the importance of craftsmanship, and the future of American manufacturing. He highlights the necessity of obsessing over quality, navigating economic difficulties, and the hustle required to thrive in the woodworking industry. The conversation also explores the impact of policies on business growth, the need for vocational training to address workforce shortages, and the importance of apprenticeship programs to nurture future talent.

Takeaways

1. Joe began building furniture in his backyard and pivoted to cabinetry after recognizing market challenges.
2. Village Handcrafted grew from $200,000 to $5 million in sales, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.
3. Policies, including tax breaks and tariffs, are critical in supporting American manufacturing.
4. Vocational training and apprenticeship programs are essential for addressing the skilled labor shortage.
5. Scaling a business requires balancing quality of life, business demands, and adaptability to economic shifts.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of Village Handcrafted

09:57 - Scaling the Business

20:10 - Navigating Challenges and Growth

29:59 - The Future of American Manufacturing

37:55 - Creating a Pipeline for Future Talent

43:57 - The Misconceptions of Custom Pricing

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/

You can contact Joe at:

https://villagehandcrafted.com/

https://www.instagram.com/village_handcrafted/

https://www.facebook.com/Villagehandcraftedcabinetry/