In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Taylor Rachko from Distinctive Design Storage Solutions. Taylor shares her company's origin, which began with her father's epoxy flooring business and evolved into a full-service design and storage solution provider. The conversation explores the growth of the closet industry, the importance of networking and professional development, and the shift in client preferences toward more personalized and functional designs. Taylor highlights the importance of understanding client needs and the role of technology in enhancing the customer experience. The episode concludes with insights on marketing strategies and community engagement to drive business growth.

Takeaways

1. Taylor’s father started the company, leading to her involvement.
2. Networking is crucial for business development and success.
3. The closet industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation.
4. Technology enhances the client experience by helping visualize designs.
5. Community engagement fosters brand loyalty and business growth.

Chapters

00:00 - The Origin Story of Distinctive Design Storage Solutions

02:48 - Growth and Evolution in the Closet Industry

06:01 - Networking and Professional Development

09:03 - The Rise of Closet Design

11:58 - Client-Centric Design Approach

15:03 - Future Trends and Innovations

18:06 - Marketing Strategies and Community 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/

Connect with Taylor at:

https://www.distinctivedesignstoragesolutions.com/

https://www.instagram.com/distinctive_closets/#

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Jeff Perry from Angel City Lumber about the devastating impact of the recent Los Angeles fires and how his company is navigating this challenging landscape. They discuss Angel City Lumber's growth, its mission to reconnect the community with local trees, and the opportunities within urban lumber. Jeff shares insights on innovative products, operational strategies, and the importance of storytelling in raising awareness about tree conservation and community rebuilding efforts.

Takeaways

1. The recent fires in Los Angeles have devastated communities, highlighting the need for support and rebuilding efforts.
2. Angel City Lumber has experienced significant growth, focusing on local sourcing and sustainability.
3. Collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service is addressing forest management challenges.
4. Trees are more than just a resource; they represent history, connection, and the opportunity to rebuild community bonds.
5. Storytelling and community engagement are essential for fostering awareness, conservation, and recovery.

Chapters

00:00 - The Impact of Los Angeles Fires

03:04 - Angel City Lumber's Growth and Mission

06:08 - Urban Lumber: Opportunities and Challenges

08:53 - Connecting Community and Trees

12:06 - Innovative Products and Services

14:57 - Operational Growth and Team Dynamics

18:12 - Future Planning and Community Engagement

21:00 - Storytelling and Awareness

23:59 - Rebuilding and Recovery Strategies

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

Connect with Jeff at:

https://www.instagram.com/angelcitylumber/

https://www.angelcitylumber.com/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Eric Gummer from Thomas Philips Woodworking. Eric shares his journey from being a high school woodworking enthusiast to becoming a successful business owner. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he encountered while building his company, the importance of branding, and the critical hires that helped his business grow.

The conversation explores the dynamics of running a woodworking business, defining roles within a partnership, and the key investments that significantly impacted their operations. Eric provides insights on navigating market fluctuations, maintaining quality while expanding, and the potential investment in CNC machinery to boost productivity. The dialogue also touches on employee management, marketing strategies, and balancing growth with operational efficiency.

Takeaways

1. Eric’s woodworking journey began in high school and evolved into founding Thomas Philips Woodworking with his business partner, Derek.
2. Networking and building relationships have been vital to their growth.
3. Early projects, though small, laid a strong foundation for future success.
4. Investments in branding, tools, and shop space were pivotal to establishing market identity and growth.
5. Balancing growth with quality remains essential for long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey to Thomas Philips Woodworking

06:07 - Building a Business from the Ground Up

09:08 - Navigating Early Challenges and Opportunities

12:05 - Establishing a Brand and Identity

15:10 - Finding Focus in Product Offerings

18:02 - Critical Hires and Team Dynamics

20:55 - Defining Roles and Responsibilities

23:58 - Investments That Made a Difference

24:28 - Expansion and Growth Strategies

27:10 - Navigating Market Challenges

28:15 - Future Goals and Productivity

30:28 - Balancing Growth and Quality

33:39 - Investment Decisions and Marketing Strategies

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

Connect with Eric at:

https://thomasphilipswoodworking.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ThomasPhilipsWoodworkingLtd

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

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Karen McWilliams, founder of Closets by Karen. Karen shares her journey from studying fashion merchandising to starting her own closet design business. She highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing, defines her ideal client profile, and explores evolving trends in closet design. The conversation touches on the emotional impact of organized spaces, effective marketing strategies for growth, and Karen's aspirations for the future of her business.

Takeaways

1. Karen’s journey into closet design began as she sought more flexibility as a new mother.
2. Word-of-mouth remains a powerful marketing tool for Closets by Karen.
3. Her ideal client is often building a new home or renovating an existing one.
4. Trends in closet design are shifting toward lighter colors and better organization.
5. The emotional satisfaction of clients is a key motivator for Karen.

Chapters

00:00 - The Genesis of Closets by Karen

03:02 - Building a Brand Through Word of Mouth

05:55 - Understanding the Ideal Client

09:02 - Trends in Closet Design

12:01 - The Emotional Impact of Closet Design

15:02 - Marketing Strategies for Growth

18:01 - Future Aspirations and Collaborations

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 Karen at:

https://closetsbykaren.com/

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

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Bucky and Melissa Miller of Miller's Rustic Sawmill. They share their journey from tree work to establishing a successful sawmill business, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, innovative marketing strategies, and balancing roles within their partnership. The Millers discuss their product offerings, including live-edge slabs and custom furniture, and how they’ve revitalized their small town while navigating growth challenges and opportunities.

Takeaways

1. Starting a sawmill allowed them to stay closer to home.
2. Community engagement has been a cornerstone of their success.
3. Facebook Live sales boosted visibility and expanded their market.
4. High-quality, custom products set them apart.
5. Balancing risks and opportunities drives their strategy.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey Begins: From Tree Work to Sawmill

02:56 - Building a Business: The Early Years

05:47 - Community Impact: Revitalizing King City

09:01 - Product Offerings: From Slabs to Custom Builds

11:54 - Navigating Risks and Opportunities

15:12 - Innovative Sales Strategies: Live Sales and Beyond

17:55 - Balancing Roles: The Power of Partnership

21:11 - Future Growth: Expanding the Brand

24:05 - Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy

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 Millers:

https://millersrusticsawmill.com/

https://www.instagram.com/millersrusticsawmill

https://www.facebook.com/millersrusticsawmill

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Clark Cottongim, owner of Woodstock Cabinets, about his journey in transforming a family business. They explore the company's history, founded in the 1960s, and discuss the challenges Clark faced after inheriting the business following his father’s passing in 2021. The conversation highlights the emotional and strategic aspects of managing a legacy business, from navigating grief to making pivotal decisions like adopting CNC technology and focusing on custom cabinetry. Clark also shares insights into marketing, cash flow management, and the importance of building a strong team to ensure growth and sustainability in a competitive market.

Takeaways

1. Legacy and Innovation: Balancing a family business’s heritage with modern advancements, such as CNC technology, is key to staying competitive.
2. Focused Strategy: Saying no to projects outside the company’s niche has strengthened their brand and improved operational efficiency.
3. Marketing Matters: Word-of-mouth remains a cornerstone of their success, but social media and storytelling amplify brand awareness.
4. Team and Cash Flow: Building the right team and growing at the speed of cash are essential for sustainable, long-term business growth.

Chapters

00:00 - The Legacy of Woodstock Cabinets

12:41 - Navigating Grief and Business

25:45 - The Evolution of Products and Services

31:05 - Marketing Strategies and Business Growth

34:47 - Embracing Technology: The CNC Revolution

38:26 - Scaling Up: From Small Shop to Large Facility

40:51 - Growing with Cash Flow: A Legacy of Frugality

43:55 - The Power of People: Building a Strong Team

48:38 - Marketing Strategies: Driving Awareness and 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/

Connect with Clark at:

https://www.woodstockcabinets.com/

https://www.instagram.com/woodstockcabinets/

https://www.facebook.com/WoodstockCabinets/?pnref=lhc

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Travis DeVine, a custom woodworker based in New York City. Travis shares his journey from California to New York, detailing his diverse background in art, carpentry, and the film industry. He discusses the challenges of starting a business in a competitive market, the role of gratitude in his personal and professional life, and his vision for the future of Divine Woodworking. The conversation also explores social media strategies for business growth and the importance of personal branding in the woodworking industry.

Takeaways

• Travis founded Divine Woodworking during the pandemic, specializing in custom built-ins.
• Building client relationships and maintaining gratitude are core to his success.
• Social media is a key tool for showcasing work and attracting new clients.
• Travis is booked nearly a year in advance and aims to grow his team.
• New York City’s woodworking scene presents unique challenges, like limited space.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travis DeVine and His Journey

05:03 The Evolution of Divine Woodworking

10:04 Challenges and Triumphs in New York City

14:59 Vision for the Future and Business Growth

19:54 Social Media Strategy and Personal Branding

25:00 Final Thoughts and Advice

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 Travis at:

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

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Rick and Jacob from Dendro Technology, exploring their journey from a successful architectural woodworking business to a new venture focused on live edge slabs and sustainable practices. They discuss the origins of their business, the current operations, and their goals for sustainability and community engagement. The conversation also delves into marketing strategies and the importance of storytelling in promoting their work.

takeaways

• Rick started as a hippie carpenter and evolved into a successful business owner.
• Dendro Technology was born out of a shared passion for woodworking between Rick and Jacob.
• The business model includes custom milling, drying services, and furniture commissions.
• Sustainability is a core value, with efforts to be carbon neutral.
• Rick aims to pass the business to Jacob, focusing on mentorship and legacy.
• Marketing is primarily through word of mouth, with potential for improvement.
• The shop environment is dynamic, with always something to do.
• Rick's previous success was built on being indispensable in the local market.
• Storytelling is a key strategy for engaging customers and promoting the business.
• Building a community of woodworkers can enhance business growth.

Sound Bites

• "We discovered that we had a business"
• "I just didn't have the fire in my belly anymore"
• "We could do a better job at marketing"
• "My goal is to help my son build something"
• "I wanted to make it something carbon neutral"
• "There's always something to do in the shop"
• "You should be the documentary"

Chapters

00:00The Origin Story of Dendro Technology

10:01Business Model and Operations

20:09Sustainability and Future Goals

30:01Marketing Strategies and Community Building

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 Rick & Jacob at:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBhwauJMXIN/

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Eric Capolino, a general contractor from Structure NYC. Eric shares his journey in the construction industry, detailing the evolution of his business, the challenges of operating in New York City, and the importance of building strong client relationships. He discusses the significance of quality assurance, the role of technology in modern construction, and the value of maintaining a dedicated team culture. Eric also touches on his marketing strategies, particularly the impact of social media, and concludes with insights on personal growth and future aspirations.

Takeaways:

• Eric Capolino's journey in construction began with his father's influence.
• Structure NYC evolved to specialize in high-end construction and millwork.
• Navigating New York City's construction complexities requires a strong team culture.
• Quality assurance is driven by education, communication, and technology.
• Social media plays a growing role in visibility and marketing.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Structure NYC
• 02:25 – The Evolution of Services and Products
• 05:10 – Leadership and Navigating Challenges
• 09:00 – Building a Strong Team and Culture
• 12:15 – Ensuring Quality and Communication
• 15:56 – The Role of Technology in Construction
• 18:33 – Work Ethic and Personal Growth
• 21:31 – Maintaining Client Relationships
• 24:07 – The Importance of Availability
• 26:45 – Social Media and Marketing Strategies
• 30:11 – Final Thoughts 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/

Connect with Eric at:

https://www.instagram.com/structurenyc/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-capolino/

https://www.structure-nyc.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaKt1R6AUgto0yx4X-h8rX1hjKjQPwwLYXLsioWID4Imxv38qlXb23Shtw_aem_nBaaUGM7GYRqpKocH7qxXg

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews George Peña, who shares his journey as an urban logger and woodworker. George explains how his passions for woodworking and falconry intersect, offering a unique perspective on craftsmanship. He discusses the complexities of running a sawmill, the challenges of marketing his business, and his goals for future growth. George highlights the value of collaboration with other trades, old-world techniques, and the philosophy of pursuing work that you love.

Key Takeaways

• George has been in the urban logging business for seven years, primarily milling redwood for outdoor structures.
• His interest in woodworking began with creating equipment for falconry, which he also practices professionally.
• He operates a portable sawmill and is searching for a permanent location to expand his operations.
• Marketing remains a significant challenge, though his business thrives on word-of-mouth and local referrals.
• George emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and the philosophy of loving your work.

Chapters

00:00 - The Journey of an Urban Logger

02:52 - Milling and Woodworking: A Craftsmanship Perspective

06:04 - Falconry: A Unique Profession

09:08 - The Business of Sawmilling

11:56 - Marketing Challenges and Strategies

14:58 - Future Aspirations and Growth

17:57 - Collaboration and Community in Craftsmanship

20:51 - The Philosophy of Work and Passion

FULL PODCAST FOLDER: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X2dyqIdD1ls0nDLQU1u33NuwFis8Bhw-?usp=drive_link

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 George at:

https://www.instagram.com/oldlakemillandlumber/