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/

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