We cover the business and marketing side of the woodworking, sawmill, tree service, furniture making, Urban Wood, and woodworking industry. If you're a woodworker, sawmill owner, or any other entrepreneur and/or business owner in the wood industry, you need to check out this podcast.
Each week, we interview business owners, large-scale companies, entrepreneurs, makers, and designers while also offering marketing and business advice that will help you grow your business and increase your profits. Tune in every week!
EBP011: Thinking Bigger & Taking Vacations Ft. Ol Loggin Epoxy
Season 5 · Episode 12
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 • Duration 29:44
Hey everyone, this week it's just family, Steve, and Jake from @ollogginepoxy on the podcast. Let's talk networking! Make sure you follow The Woodpreneur Podcast anywhere you get podcasts, so you don't miss an episode!
EBP 010: Collaboration For An Ever-Evolving Product Ft. Ryan Cochrane
Season 4 · Episode 11
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 • Duration 31:37
Collaboration For An Ever-Evolving Product FT. Ryan Cochrane | Cochrane Kayak
"I wasn't a good athlete because I was a talented athlete. I was a good athlete because I put everything into that. Exactly that. And I focused on it."
Ryan Cochrane
Welcome back to a brand new episode of the Epoxy Business Podcast. Today your hosts, Steve Larosiliere and Jake Latvala, sit down with Ryan Cochrane. Ryan is a former Olympian, a Woodpreneur Podcast alumni, a good friend of Jake and Steve's, and this past year has become an essential partner with Ol Loggin Epoxy.
"Epoxy is something that I used before but in a different way, because I was using it more in kayaks because I was as a kayaker as an athlete. So it was more for boat-building processes and things like that. But I watched many people make these river tables and do stuff like that, which made me want to see if I could do that.
Alan, a friend of ours, reached out to me on Instagram and said, 'Hey, do you want some product?' I said, 'Yeah, I'd love to give it a go.' I worked with epoxy a little bit when I started working for the company I'm currently working for, which I ended up buying into with some partners. It all just snowballed from there.
My style is that if I do something, I do it. There's no halfway; I'm going to go all into it. I'm going to figure everything out, and I'm going to learn everything about that product and everything I can do with that product. So it became an obsession, and from there, it kept rolling. I mean, it's been years now, and it feels like it was yesterday."
EBP001: A Grassroots Epoxy Business Ft. Brad Williams
Season 4 · Episode 2
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 • Duration 29:44
A Grassroots Epoxy Business Ft. Brad Williams
“Hamilton Lee Supply started from Hamilton Lee Designs, one led to another. Hamilton is my youngest son’s first name, and Lee is my eldest son’s middle name. So I wanted to keep it in the family.”
Brad Williams
Welcome to a brand new episode of the Epoxy Business Podcast. Today, your hosts, Steve Larosiliere and Jake Latvala, sit down with Brad Williams from Hamilton Lee Supply. Brad got started on his woodworking journey when a tree fell in his backyard, and he wanted to do some work with it.
“This was back in 2017. The network wasn’t as prominent as it is now, with social media and sawmill operations everywhere. So I got a sawmill, and as a custom home builder, I was taking four to six trees off of every demo lot we’re doing. Before long, I had 30 to 40 trees. So started with a sawmill, moved on to epoxy, and just dovetailed from making into supply and working with customers.”
“When it came time to high school, and woodshop was available, I took that. And so it really came very organically, for me. And yeah, so that's the real start to things.”
-Jason Saari
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jason Saari,a skilled carpenter hailing from the picturesque town of Ucluelet in British Columbia. Join us as we delve into Jason's incredible journey, from his early inspiration to his recent adventures in Japanese carpentry.
Jason's journey into carpentry began with a childhood fascination sparked by his father, a dedicated do-it-yourselfer. Watching his father rebuild and create ignited Jason's belief in his ability to craft. High school woodshop further fueled his passion, setting the stage for a career that would span nearly three decades.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“ I have done projects for people where there were more explicit details that are Japanese. And it's again, it's come rather organically the the enthusiasm that I have for my share with the client, and so far, it's always been met with with a lot of enthusiasm and appreciation.”
“Instead of sitting home and not doing anything, I kind of just got the ball rolling. And there seemed to be a real big need at that time. And I was just kind of like, right place at the right time and kind of haven't looked back since”
-Louis Vignapiano
Welcome to the Woodpreneur podcast, the ultimate show for the business and marketing side of the lumber, woodworking, hardwood flooring, and sawmill industry. With your host Steve Larosiliere today is Louis Vignapiano the talented craftsman and founder of LSV Carpentry. In this episode, Louis shares his inspiring journey from a craftsman working for others to the owner of his own thriving carpentry business. Louis delves into the origins of LSV Carpentry, explaining that he ventured into entrepreneurship right before the pandemic. After being let go from his job, he identified a unique opportunity in the market. LSV Carpentry was born out of the right timing and a genuine need for custom, boutique-style carpentry work.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“The biggest thing that I found of at least getting to this point in my business now is like, if you don't ask questions, no one's gonna answer them for you, or no one's just gonna come out of the blue and just say, Hey, this is what you're looking for.”
“I can say so many things about mentality, you know, going through challenging times as an entrepreneur, the value of a community that has similar goals, and it was it's awesome that the program is kind of just given provided that all to me”
-John Bonema
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by John Bonema from Cut Twice Woodworks.
John shares the origins of Cut Twice Woodworks, a venture that began in Northern California in March 2020. His relocation to the Nashville area marked a pivotal point for the business, specializing in custom furniture and gifts. The success story includes surpassing revenue goals by 210% for 2023, a testament to the power of the mentorship program.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“ I jumped in probably the first month, and I dragged my feet for months, two, and three. And I would say that, when it started to click for me was that I realized that I was being provided with kind of coaching on a mindset. “
“ It was basically just sitting in front of computers doing some concepts for Chinese companies, which usually we're going just to the bean, and you just do it do it. “
-Filip Winiewicz
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Filip Winiewicz from Romero Hardwood HK Ltd.
Living in various countries, including islands, Beijing, and Malaysia, Filip eventually landed in Hong Kong, where he got married to his Korean wife. Dissatisfied with the architectural work in Hong Kong, which he found lacking in the creative and hands-on aspects, Filip sought an alternative. Intrigued by woodworking as a smaller scale of architecture, he saw it as an opportunity to have more control over his ideas and faster results. Without any formal training, he relied on YouTube to acquire woodworking skills.
Starting a woodworking venture in Hong Kong presented challenges, considering the exorbitant rent and tough market competition from China, the world's largest furniture manufacturing country, located just across the border.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“ My knowledge was like, mainly YouTube. And, and probably Hong Kong is the worst place to start woodworking but yeah, and it's hard to Okay, now we can call it business, but I just decided to do something I want to do.”
“I got lucky that that kept me busy for a while. But for the most part, it's been you know, you know, I'm like, thumbtack yeah jobs through there. I don't I don't love it. Yeah, and I it's kind of the I think I've probably lost money being on that one. “
-Zachary Austin
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Zachary Austin from Ausitn Builds. In this episode, we delve into the story of Zach's venture into the world of cabinetry, furniture, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Let's unravel the tale of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of craftsmanship.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“I mean, to be honest, it's been a rough last couple of months only getting like small jobs, which is been really tricky. But um, I've been now working with a couple of different other like, contractors. So it looks like it's starting to pick up. Yes, which I'm excited for.”
-Zachary Austin
Finding the Passion:
Zach Austin, the man behind Austin Builds, began his journey into woodworking more than a decade ago as a cabinet maker. However, his roots in the craft can be traced back to his childhood, where the influence of his builder father quietly planted the seeds of a passion he would come to discover later in life. Although woodworking wasn't an immediate calling, Zach's exposure to it during his formative years left an indelible mark on him.
“I couldn't charge what I knew my stuff was worth, because otherwise, like, I'm unknown, so I would just be sitting, not doing any work. So yeah, that helped me to maximize the revenue I can make from each physical project.”
-Mike
Welcome to the Woodpreneur podcast, the ultimate show for the business and marketing side of the lumber, woodworking, hardwood flooring, and sawmill industry. With your host Steve Larosiliere today is Mike from Woodshop Mike. In the world of woodworking, where craftsmanship meets creativity, Woodshop Mike has emerged as a prominent figure. In a recent episode of the Woods Printer Podcast, hosted by Steve, Woodshop Mike shared insights into his journey, challenges, and strategies for success. Let's delve into the conversation and extract valuable lessons from Mike's experiences.
Listen now and get the whole story!
The Genesis of Woodshop Mike:
Mike's woodworking journey began in high school when he apprenticed with a guitar builder as a class credit. The initial goal was to transition into woodworking full-time after achieving financial stability. However, life took an unexpected turn when Mike lost his 3D design job in Atlanta a few years ago. Faced with a crossroads, he made the bold decision to go full-time into woodworking, leveraging support from his church and strategic planning.
“I really want to challenge my skills around joinery and hand tools, which is kind of funny because it's like going backwards, because I started to call power tools, but I've been getting really into it over the last six to nine months. “
-Alyssa Timmer
Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Alyssa Timmer from at timberworks. In this episode, we delve into her journey from starting as a novice woodworker in 2020 to building a thriving business while working as a CPA and accounts payable manager. Alyssa’s venture into woodworking started innocently enough – with a need for furniture in her own home. What began as a personal project unfolded into AT TimberWorks, a woodworking business specialising in custom furniture, from charcuterie boards to larger pieces like desks and tables.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“I want to do bigger, as much as the cutting board or charcuterie board is fun. I really, like don't want to do that all the time.”
-Alyssa Timmer
Navigating the Business Landscape
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Despite his extensive experience in construction, Jason faced challenges in finding fulfillment and fair compensation for his skills. A turning point came with the passing of his father in 2018, prompting deep reflection on life's purpose. Inspired by a long-standing admiration for Japanese craftsmanship, Jason embarked on a transformative journey influenced by the magic of the internet, Instagram, and YouTube.
Embracing Japanese Carpentry:
Jason immersed himself in the artistry of Japanese carpentry, drawing inspiration from masters like Meow Die Coo. His dedication to mastering authentic Japanese techniques over the past four years has resulted in a unique blend of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.
Challenges of Becoming a Brand:
The transition from being an employee to an independent subcontractor brought its own set of challenges. Jason shares the struggles of becoming his own brand, facing periods of unemployment that took a toll on his mental health. However, an upward trend in the last four years has seen him overcome these challenges and find renewed purpose in his craft.
The Intersection of Passion and Profit:
As Jason aligns his passion for Japanese carpentry with his business, he reflects on the most rewarding projects. While profit remains a nebulous term for him, he emphasizes the joy derived from the projects he finds most fulfilling, such as a recent greenhouse build.
The conversation shifts to the heart of LSV Carpentry's expertise—cabinetry and millwork. Luis elaborates on the diverse range of projects he takes on, emphasizing the custom and unique nature of each endeavor. From full cabinet and millwork projects to constructing custom stairs and loft areas, LSV Carpentry thrives on delivering passion-driven, high-quality craftsmanship.
Passion-Driven Journey:
Luis reflects on his 10-year journey in carpentry, starting with restoration work and gradually transitioning into finish work. His passion and eagerness to learn drove him to excel in the field. He emphasizes that the joy he derives from his work is a key factor in the success of LSV Carpentry.
Marketing and Growth:
With a focus on word of mouth and social media, Luis discusses how he has attracted clients through platforms like Instagram. He acknowledges the role of a designer who played a crucial part in boosting his portfolio and securing larger projects. Luis reveals his excitement about the steady growth of LSV Carpentry and the positive trajectory it's on.
Challenges in the Carpentry Business:
Luis addresses the challenges in the highly competitive carpentry industry, particularly the struggle to establish a name and connect with the right clientele. He emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box to stand out in the market and navigate the initial difficulties in building a reputation.
One-Man Show and Future Aspirations:
As a solo entrepreneur, Luis talks about the hands-on approach he takes in every aspect of his business. He recently brought his girlfriend on board to handle administrative tasks, allowing him to focus more on design and production. Looking to the future, Luis envisions a larger facility, potentially hiring employees, and expanding the reach of LSV Carpentry.
Before joining the program, John faced challenges in reaching the right audience for his custom woodworking. He recounts his early days, participating in various events and fairs, assuming business card distribution would convey the full scope of his offerings. The primary challenge was connecting with the right clientele in his rural setting, individuals who valued and could afford custom furniture.
Enter the Mentorship Program:
John delves into what drew him to the mentorship program. Referred by a friend's wife, he found a program that aligned with his goals after experiencing frustration with larger, less personalized referral-based platforms. Steve's genuine interest in John's goals and the program's focus on woodworking industry intricacies motivated him to take the plunge.
Overcoming Mindset Challenges:
John candidly shares his initial resistance to fully embracing the program's teachings. It wasn't until he recognized the value of mindset coaching that things started clicking. The program guided him in breaking free from self-imposed limitations and embracing a mindset of abundance.
Building a Supportive Community:
A key highlight of the program for John is the supportive community it provides. With around 20 like-minded individuals in a rolling admissions setup, the group became a valuable resource for sharing ideas, troubleshooting challenges, and celebrating each other's successes.
“ My dreams are validated. Oh, because why? Because there are other people that are doing the things that I want to do like, and sometimes you can get a little piece of acknowledgement, like, Oh, if I do good enough, where people will recognize me no, like, you actually have to let people know that you exist. “
Starting with live-edge slab tables, Filip's business evolved from competing with China on slab tables to specializing in custom, high-end furniture for residential projects. He emphasizes the challenging nature of these projects, often involving intricate details and solid wood. Clients opt for Filip's craftsmanship, trusting his expertise over mass-produced alternatives from China.
Steve: "Your work is truly remarkable, Filip. How did you navigate the initial stages of your business and establish your presence in such a competitive market?"
Building Presence and Overcoming Challenges:
Filip shares his early strategy of leveraging Instagram for marketing. Recognizing the rarity and appeal of wood products in Hong Kong, he strategically built a significant Instagram following by targeting potential customers interested in unique, high-quality furniture. This, coupled with a smart pricing approach, allowed him to gain a foothold in the market.
Filip also emphasizes the challenges he faces, particularly in sourcing wood from China, where quality control is limited. The discrepancies in wood quality and the constraints of Hong Kong's small workshop spaces pose ongoing challenges.
Steve: "It's fascinating to hear about your journey, Filip. As you've grown, what are the key tools and investments that have played a crucial role in your woodworking business?"
Key Tools and Investments:
While Filip's workshop may seem basic compared to American standards, he highlights essential tools like the Felder combination jointer and planer thicknesser as his significant investments. Acquiring a secondhand CNC machine at a bargain further expanded the business's capabilities, allowing for more intricate projects.
After honing his skills in various shops over the years, Zach found himself at a crossroads when the last company he worked for unexpectedly closed its doors. Despite the initial shock and heartbreak, this unexpected turn of events served as a catalyst for Zach to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. Recognizing the desire to forge his path and build something of his own, Austin Builds was born.
From Kitchen Cabinets to Custom Creations:
Zach's focus with Austin Builds centers around cabinetry and furniture, with a specialization in crafting unique pieces that breathe life into spaces. His expertise spans a myriad of projects, from kitchens and vanities to bespoke furniture and intricate wall paneling. The diversity in his creations reflects not just his skill but also his eagerness to take on new challenges and push the boundaries of his craft.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship:
The transition from being an employee to an entrepreneur isn't always a planned endeavor. In Zach's case, the decision was thrust upon him when the company he worked for abruptly closed its doors. This unexpected turn, while initially daunting, fueled his determination to build something meaningful and lasting. Austin Builds became more than a business; it became a testament to Zach's resilience and commitment to his craft.
Navigating Challenges:
The path of entrepreneurship is laden with challenges, and Zach candidly shares the struggles he faced in the early stages of Austin Builds. Financial uncertainties, the struggle to find the right clients, and the constant juggling act of work and family life – these challenges have been both testing and transformative. Yet, Zach's passion for woodworking and the freedom of being his own boss have been the driving forces that keep him moving forward.
“I would narrow down your, your services to two things, okay? And these two things that you really, you do vanities and you do builtins, right, like, and those I mean, it kind of sounds like it's a mix of both like built ins you're not completely in love with but you got the skills to completely do it. “
One key aspect of Mike's success was strategic decision-making. He recognized the importance of aligning his passion for woodworking with content creation and custom work. Mike's approach involved overlapping projects, creating content for brands, and building a portfolio for potential collaborations. This strategy not only maximized his revenue but also laid the foundation for future opportunities.
The Role of Networking:
Mike emphasized the value of networking with successful entrepreneurs during his transition. Having mentors and a sounding board outside the woodworking niche provided him with valuable insights. Leveraging these connections allowed him to refine his business model and make informed decisions.
The Challenges of Content Creation:
As a content creator, Mike highlighted the challenges of balancing woodworking projects with the demands of recording and editing. He candidly shared the time-consuming nature of filming and editing, emphasizing the need for authenticity in his videos. Acknowledging the longer timelines for content creation, he recently started outsourcing some projects to an editor to streamline the process.
Identifying the Core Audience:
A pivotal moment in Mike's journey was identifying his core audience, personified as "Larry." By understanding Larry's characteristics, preferences, and skill level, Mike tailored his content to resonate with this target audience. This approach ensures authenticity and meaningful engagement, fostering a dedicated community.
“The kind of mindset that you have as it relates to attracting an audience and building an audience around your content? Like, have you what have you, what have you learned through the process of putting out regular content and understanding what they need? “
Explore the transition from woodworking as a hobby to establishing AT TimberWorks as a business. Alyssa shares insights into her business's financial aspects, including when she started making a profit and the products that became her bread and butter.
Alyssa dives into her marketing approach, emphasizing the power of word-of-mouth within her local community. Learn how she leverages social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, along with personal connections, to effectively market AT TimberWorks.
Balancing a Dual Life: CPA by Day, Woodworker by Night
Uncover the unique dynamic of Alyssa's dual life – working as a CPA and pursuing her passion for woodworking. She shares the challenges of balancing these two worlds and the unexpected ways her woodworking skills benefit her corporate career.
Alyssa reflects on the uncertainty of her future path, considering the possibilities within both her corporate career and woodworking. She discusses the challenges of time management and her commitment to continuous skill enhancement.
Crafting a Unique Brand: AT TimberWorks Eco-Friendly Approach
Learn about Alyssa's partnership with the National Forest Foundation's Sapling Program. She shares how @TimberWorks contributes to environmental sustainability by planting trees with each purchase and involving customers in the process.
Alyssa discusses the challenges of maintaining an eco-friendly brand and how it adds value to her products. Discover the impact of incorporating sustainability into the marketing strategy and fostering a sense of shared responsibility with customers.
“ I think there's in corporate America, there's this belief that like, oh, people can't do it all like, hell yeah, you can do Yeah, like you can. You can maintain a passion and a hobby like the executives are playing golf. I'm all the time, like, all the time, and you're gonna say, "Oh, you're not doing work because you're playing golf.”
