In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Cam Read from Cread Wood and shares his journey of starting a woodworking business and the role of CNC machines in his work. He discusses how he got started during the COVID-19 pandemic and the support he received from friends and family. Cam talks about the expansion of his product line and building relationships with customers. He also shares his plans for the future and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Finally, he receives advice on organizing his back office and using a CRM to manage his workload.

Takeaways

• Starting a business based on your passion can lead to success and fulfillment.
• Building relationships with customers and providing excellent service can lead to word-of-mouth referrals.
• Investing in the right tools, such as a CNC machine, can greatly enhance productivity and expand the range of products and services offered.
• Organizing the back office and using a CRM can help manage leads, projects, and customer communication more effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:51 Starting Cread Wood

05:58 Getting a CNC Machine

09:05 Building Relationships and Expanding Product Line

12:06 Using the CNC Machine for Custom Furniture

14:58 Future Plans and Growth

21:06 Advice for Managing Workload

23:59 Organizing Back Office and CRM

25:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

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

Connect with Cam at: 

https://www.instagram.com/cread.wood/

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Jack Forsberg, a carpenter, cabinet maker, and designer. Jack shares his journey in the woodworking business and how he evolved from furniture making to specializing in historical renovation. He also discusses the Rust Fest, an annual community gathering he organizes, and the importance of social media in connecting with like-minded individuals. Jack emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to assess their goals and determine if they are more inclined to be artists or entrepreneurs. He advises entrepreneurs to move up during recessions and stay true to their values.

Takeaways

- Specialize in a niche and focus on high-quality work to stand out in the market.

- Assess your goals and determine if you are more inclined towards being an artist or an entrepreneur.

- During recessions, move up and offer value instead of lowering prices.

- Use social media to connect with like-minded individuals and showcase your work.

- Continuously adapt and adjust your business model to stay relevant and successful.

Chapters

- 00:00 Introduction and Background

- 00:22 Jack's Business and Specialization

- 04:17 Early Years and Starting the Business

- 05:32 The Rust Fest and Community Gathering

- 21:53 Advice for Entrepreneurs

- 28:22 Assessing Goals and Moving Forward

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

Connect with Jack at: 

https://www.instagram.com/jackenglishmachines/

https://jforsberg.ca

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Laura Basili, the Deck Diva. She shares her journey in the decking industry and the growth of her business, Brazilian Lumber. She discusses the challenges of marketing niche products and the importance of training the marketing team. Laura emphasizes the significance of personal development and staying grounded as a business leader. She also highlights the impact of the economy on the industry and the plans for her business.

Takeaways

• Focus on personal development as a foundation for business success.
• Create training materials and online courses to onboard new team members and share industry knowledge.
• Stay grounded and present to approach challenges with a clear mind.
• Emphasize the importance of good service and building relationships with customers.
• Adapt to market trends and expand product offerings to meet customer demands.

Chapters

00:00 - Origin Story and Deck Diva Name

01:03 - Getting into the Industry

03:46 - Trends in the Decking Industry

05:42 - Business Operations and Team

06:58 - Marketing and Building a Customer Base

08:46 - Challenges in Running the Business

09:58 - Personal and Professional Development

11:14 - Expanding to a Second Location

12:18 - Exciting Aspects of the Business

13:51 - Importance of Being Grounded and Present

16:04 - Impact of the Economy on the Business

20:16 - Approach to Personal and Professional Development

25:32 - Perspective on Life and Business

29:35 - Marketing Advice and Training the Marketing Team

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

Connect with Laura at: 

https://www.instagram.com/brazilian_lumber/

https://www.instagram.com/realdeckdiva/

https://brazilianlumber.com

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Eric Marton from Shoreline Custom Cabinetry. Eric shares how he and his partner Jason Jarrold started their business after meeting through the Kijiji app. They took a leap of faith and invested all their money into the business. Eric talks about the importance of networking and word-of-mouth marketing in growing their customer base. He also discusses the benefits of using a CNC machine and other investments they have made in their business. Eric shares their plans for future growth, including expanding into light renovations.

In this conversation, Eric Marton, co-owner of Shoreline Custom Cabinetry, discusses the origin of the company's name and its location in Windsor, Canada. He shares insights into Windsor's growing population and the impact of EV battery plants on the local economy. Eric also talks about the benefits of using CanCam CNC machines and the importance of programming. He seeks advice on improving Instagram engagement and discusses the balance between direct customers and contractors. Steve emphasizes the value of documenting the process and creating content to showcase the company's values and attract customers. He also highlights the importance of optimizing the website and engaging with customers through social media.

Takeaways:

- Taking a leap of faith and investing in your business can lead to success.

- Networking and word-of-mouth marketing are powerful tools for growing a customer base.

- Using a CNC machine can greatly improve efficiency and accuracy in cabinetry work.

- Investing in the right tools and equipment can help streamline operations and improve productivity.

- Expanding into related services, such as light renovations, can open up new opportunities for business growth.

- Choose a name that reflects the location and surroundings of your business.

- Consider the impact of local factors, such as population growth and economic developments, on your business.

- Invest in high-quality machinery and focus on programming to ensure efficient and accurate production.

- Document your process and create engaging content to showcase your work and attract customers.

- Optimize your website with testimonials, videos, and engaging content to make it easy for customers to choose your business.

**Chapters:**

00:00 - Introduction and Background 

01:20 - Starting Shoreline Custom Cabinetry 

05:06 - Building the Brand and Getting Customers 

07:26 - Partnership and Networking 

09:02 - Benefits of a CNC Machine 

12:09 - Semi-Partnership and Sharing Space 

13:07 - Choosing a CanCam CNC Machine 

14:01 - Impact of the CanCam CNC Machine 

19:10 - Business Growth and Future Plans 

20:26 - Expanding into Light Renovations 

21:36 - The Origin of the Name Shoreline 

22:22 - Location and Proximity to the United States 

23:24 - Windsor's Growing Population 

24:08 - Visiting Windsor and Getting a CanCam CNC 

25:05 - The Importance of Programming in CNC Machines 

25:23 - Advice for Improving Instagram Engagement 

26:19 - Balancing Direct Customers and Contractors 

27:17 - Dealing with Potential Time-Wasting Customers 

28:19 - Customer Acquisition and Word of Mouth 

29:17 - Documenting the Process and Creating Content 

30:11 - Injecting Values and Storytelling in Content 

31:08 - Optimizing the Website and Engaging with Customers 

33:01 - Continuously Improving and Doubling Down on Success 

34:06 - Investing in Testimonials and Organic Content 

36:53 - Improving the Website and Adding Personal Photos 

37:18 - Final Advice: Don't Give Up and Focus on Quality

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

Connect with Eric at: 

https://www.instagram.com/shorelinecustomcabinetry/

https://shorelinecustomcabinetry.ca

In this episode, David Hoffman shares his journey from starting woodworking in 2019 to becoming a full-time woodworker. He began with small projects for his own home and gradually built up his skills and tools. David's obsession with woodworking led him to take on bigger projects, including his first kitchen job. He credits his success to his consistency in posting on social media and building a supportive community. While he may not be making more money than in his previous job, he values the freedom and fulfillment that woodworking brings him. In this conversation, David discusses his experience with different social media platforms, the importance of word-of-mouth and referrals, and his plans for his business. He also talks about the surprises and freedom of being his own boss and the challenges of scaling his business. Steve provides advice on outsourcing installations, identifying tasks to delegate, and building systems and processes. They also discuss the integration of content creation and business and the importance of feeding the social media beast

Takeaways

• Consistency and obsession are key to success in woodworking.
• Building a supportive community and sharing knowledge can help grow a social media following.
• Woodworking provides a sense of fulfillment and freedom.
• Combining woodworking with social media can create new opportunities and revenue streams.
• Different social media platforms serve different purposes for businesses.
• Word-of-mouth and referrals are valuable sources of clients.
• Consider the balance between building a business and being a full-time content creator.
• Being your own boss provides freedom but also comes with challenges.
• Outsourcing installations can free up time for other important tasks.
• Identify tasks you love, hate, and should eventually replace yourself in.
• Think long-term and start building systems and processes.
• Integrate content creation into your business strategy.
• Feeding the social media beast is essential for growth and success.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Background

03:19

David's Obsession with Woodworking

07:13

Choosing the Niche of Cabinetry

09:06

Getting the First Kitchen Job

10:12

Investing in Tools

11:02

The Jump to Full-Time Woodworking

13:08

Building a Social Media Following

15:19

Expressing Yourself and Building a Community

21:13

Combining Woodworking and Social Media

22:50

Different Social Media Platforms

23:17

Word of Mouth and Referrals

23:57

Future Plans: Building a Business or Content Creation

26:19

Surprises and Freedom of Being Your Own Boss

28:46

Scaling the Business

29:47

Outsourcing Installations

31:22

Identifying Tasks to Delegate

33:15

Thinking Long-Term and Building Systems

36:14

Content Creation and Business Integration

38:46

Building Systems and Processes

40:17

Feeding the Social Media Beast

42:20

Promoting Timberdust Woodworking

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

Connect with David at: 

https://www.instagram.com/timberdustwoodworking/

https://www.timberdustwoodworking.com

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Nick Gonzalez from San Diego Custom Cabinets. Nick shares the history of his company and how he started in the cabinetry business. He discusses his early years' challenges and his strategies to get customers, including attending trade shows. Nick also highlights the competitive advantage of manufacturing in Mexico and using conversion varnish for finishes. He talks about the importance of giving back to the Mexican community and the growth of his team. Finally, Nick shares his experience in managing and balancing his role as a leader. In this conversation, Nick, the owner of San Diego Custom Cabinets, discusses his journey of finding work-life balance and striving to be the best in his industry. He shares how he prayed for growth and focused on providing exceptional customer service. Nick also talks about the importance of marketing and acquiring customers through social media, and explores the potential of search engine optimization. He discusses the value of storytelling and dominating local markets, as well as the idea of segmenting product lines. Finally, he learns about engaging with followers and building an email list to grow his business further.

Takeaways

• Attending trade shows can be an effective strategy for getting customers in the cabinetry business.
• Manufacturing in Mexico can provide a competitive advantage, such as using conversion varnish for finishes.
• Giving back to the community and providing employment opportunities can be a rewarding aspect of running a business.
• Building a strong team and relying on mentors can help in managing and growing an enterprise.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:36 History of San Diego Custom Cabinets

03:32 Trade Shows as a Growth Strategy

04:58 Differentiating Factors and Competitive Advantage

06:20 Using Conversion Varnish and California Regulations

07:39 Transitioning to Manufacturing in Mexico

09:19 Early Challenges and Learning on the Job

10:26 Transitioning to Manufacturing in Mexico (Continued)

13:14 Size and Structure of the Company

15:12 Giving Back to the Mexican Community

16:37 Quality and Perception of Manufacturing in Mexico

19:40 Learning to Manage and Grow the Enterprise

21:11 Mentors and Learning from Others

23:36 Maintaining Sanity and Self-Care as a Leader

24:51 Finding Work-Life Balance

26:01 Striving to Be the Best

27:21 Praying for Growth

28:10 Personal Success and Gratification

29:21 Putting Customers First

30:01 Balancing Workload and Hiring

31:26 Marketing and Acquiring Customers

34:05 Next Steps in Marketing

36:10 The Value of Search Engine Optimization

38:15 Telling Stories and Dominating Local Markets

41:31 Segmenting Product Lines

44:16 Engaging with Followers and Building an Email List

48:21 Expanding the Brand and Targeting New Markets

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

Connect with Nick at: 

https://www.instagram.com/sandiegocustomcabinets/

https://sdcustomcabinets.com

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Mac Sheldon and John Henry from the Pantorouter. They discuss the origin story of the Pantorouter and how it evolved into a highly valued woodworking joinery machine. The Pantorouter solves the problem of joinery by providing a dedicated joinery machine that is safe and easy to use. It is accessible to a wide range of customers, including hobbyists, boutique furniture makers, and schools. The Pantorouter allows woodworkers to create high-quality furniture at an affordable price. The challenge lies in marketing and educating potential customers about the capabilities and benefits of the Pantorouter. In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere discusses how to get the most talented people to use the Pantorouter and replace their existing systems. They also explore the power of sharing the Pantorouter videos and building a community around the product.

Takeaways

• The Pantorouter is a highly valued woodworking joinery machine that solves the problem of joinery by providing a dedicated and safe tool.
• The Pantorouter is accessible to a wide range of customers, including hobbyists, boutique furniture makers, and schools.
• The Pantorouter allows woodworkers to create high-quality furniture at an affordable price, making custom furniture more accessible.
• Marketing and educating potential customers about the capabilities and benefits of the Pantorouter is a challenge that can be addressed through branding, customer testimonials, and community building. Focus on getting the most talented people to use your product and showcase their work.
• Highlight the advantages of your product over existing systems to encourage adoption.
• Encourage customers to share their experiences and videos to create a sense of pride and community.
• Create a user gallery or platform where customers can upload and showcase their projects.

Chapters

00:00 - Origin Story of Pantorouter

03:00 - Development and Improvement of the Pantorouter

04:44 - Background of the Founders

06:01 - Introduction of John Henry

07:43 - Problem Solved by the Pantorouter

08:48 - Benefits and Safety of Using the Pantorouter

11:28 - Affordability and Value of the Pantorouter

14:42 - Challenges in Marketing the Pantorouter

17:11 - Accessibility and Democratization of Custom Furniture

19:40 - Customer Demographics

21:00 - Applications of the Pantorouter

23:25 - Expanding the Market and Supporting Customers

29:04 - Features and Capabilities of the Pantorouter

31:28 - Making Custom Furniture More Accessible

35:55 - Marketing and Business Advice

44:47 - Getting the Most Talented People to Use Pantorouter

46:03 - Replacing Existing Systems with Pantorouter

47:14 - The Power of Sharing Pantorouter Videos

49:15 - Building a Community Around Pantorouter

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

Connect with Mac & John at: 

https://www.instagram.com/pantorouter.usa/

https://www.pantorouter.com 

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Mike McCormack from McCormack Builders. Mike shares how he started his custom home-building company and the challenges and successes he has experienced over the years. He discusses the importance of self-education and continuous improvement in the construction industry. Mike also talks about the plans for his company, including moving to a new headquarters and implementing more efficient building practices. Steve provides feedback on marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and building relationships with clients.

Takeaways:

• Continuous self-education is crucial in the construction industry.
• Building strong relationships with clients is essential for success.
• Telling stories and showcasing the process behind builds can attract potential clients.
• Optimizing marketing strategies can lead to increased visibility and growth.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

01:20 - Getting Started in the Construction Industry

03:11 - Taking a Chance and Starting McCormack Builders

06:22 - Building a Dream Headquarters

08:46 - Growth and Scaling the Business

09:59 - The First Critical Hire

13:09 - Realizing the Potential of the Business

15:42 - No Imposter Syndrome

17:23 - The Importance of Self-Education

19:05 - Attracting the Right Clients

21:08 - Future Plans and Growth

23:48 - Marketing and Business Advice

26:28 - Telling More Stories and Building Relationships

28:00 - Feedback on Marketing Strategy

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

Connect with Mike at: 

https://www.instagram.com/mccormackbuilders/

https://mccormackbuilders.com

Ben Uyeda, a designer and content creator, shares his journey from architecture to building a successful media company. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from client-based work to pursuing personal projects and monetizing through online platforms. Ben emphasizes the importance of aligning personal interests with financial opportunities and the value of authenticity in creative work. He also talks about his current project of building a hotel and the balance between work and personal life. Ben's approach to growth is driven by curiosity, interest, and the desire for continual escalation in his projects. The conversation explores interesting ways to source raw materials, such as logs for woodworking and fabrication. It discusses overlooked species with heavy uses, unique sources of logs, logs with a story, and the value in unconventional wood. The conversation also highlights the importance of creativity in finding extraordinary margins and mentions specific woods like eucalyptus.

Takeaways

• Align personal interests with financial opportunities to create fulfilling work.
• Demonstrate value and curiosity in your projects to attract opportunities.
• Focus on authenticity and genuine interests rather than seeking external validation.
• Continually challenge yourself and escalate projects to foster growth and motivation.
• Maintain balance by evaluating and adjusting priorities regularly. Consider exploring overlooked wood species with heavy uses, such as Sycamore, Hemlock, Cedar, Doug Fir, and Osage Orange.
• Look for unique sources of logs, such as salvaging bog logs or partnering with tree services that have contracts with state and local governments.
• Seek out logs with a story or historical significance to add character and value to your woodworking projects.
• Embrace the potential of unconventional wood materials, as they can offer unique aesthetics and high margins.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Background

03:00Transition from Design to Content Creation

06:17Challenges in Pursuing Personal Projects

09:13Demonstrating Value and Attracting Opportunities

11:14Authenticity and Genuine Interests

14:21Choosing Brand Partnerships

18:20Escalating Projects and Continual Growth

22:26Building a Hotel Project

25:34Maintaining Balance and Self-Care

29:59Completion and Launch of the Hotel

35:18Evaluating Personal and Professional Growth

37:14Advice and Struggles

38:29Sourcing Raw Materials: Types of Logs

39:45Overlooked Species with Heavy Uses

41:15Unique Sources of Logs

42:24Logs with a Story

44:06Value in Unconventional Wood

45:07Creativity and Extraordinary Margins

46:36Eucalyptus and Other Interesting Woods

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

Connect with Ben at: 

https://www.instagram.com/benjaminuyeda/

https://www.benuyeda.com

Rohan Ward, a furniture maker and designer, shares his journey of starting and growing his business in Chicago. He discusses his background in woodworking and furniture design and the influence of his childhood and education on his craft. Rohan emphasizes the importance of personal branding and standing behind the quality of his work. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of running a small business, including managing a team and maintaining a high level of craftsmanship. Rohan shares his approach to marketing and finding clients and his interest in exploring AI in furniture design.

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere and Rohan Ward discuss strategies for scaling up and making more money in the furniture-making business. They explore the importance of recognizing expertise, increasing prices, and nurturing and optimizing the brand. They also discuss the potential for expanding the product line and branding, and the idea of creating a line of furniture. Finally, they explore the concept of building a product that pays without requiring physical labour.

Takeaways

• Personal branding and standing behind the quality of your work can be powerful marketing tools.
• Craftsmanship and attention to detail are essential in the furniture-making industry.
• Word-of-mouth referrals and building relationships with designers can lead to new clients.
• Exploring AI in furniture design can offer new possibilities for creativity and efficiency. Scaling up and making more money in a business often involves finding the right recipe for growth and expanding labor.
• Recognizing expertise and increasing prices can help position a brand as elite and attract higher-paying clients.
• Nurturing and optimizing a brand is essential for long-term success and increased recognition.
• Expanding the product line and branding can help reach a wider audience and increase revenue.
• Creating a line of furniture based on years of knowledge and experience can be a lucrative venture.
• Building a product that pays without physical labor can provide a sustainable income stream.

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

Connect with Rohan at: 

https://www.instagram.com/rohanwarddesigns/

https://rohanwarddesigns.com