Afleveringen
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In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Steve Yi, founder of SpeTools. Steve shares his journey of starting the company and creating woodworking tools to meet customer demands. The company started on Amazon in 2006 and quickly gained popularity. Steve discusses the challenges they faced in developing new products and the importance of customer feedback. He also mentions their focus on CNC tools for woodworking and their plans to expand their product range. Steve highlights the satisfaction he gets from solving problems for woodworkers and the excitement of identifying new opportunities in the market.
Takeaways
SpeTools started on Amazon in 2006 and quickly gained popularity by offering affordable woodworking tools that met customer demands.The company focuses on developing CNC tools for woodworking and plans to expand its product range to include jigs and gauges.Customer feedback plays a crucial role in product development, and SpeTools actively listens to customer needs and preferences.Steve Yi finds satisfaction in solving problems for woodworkers and is excited about identifying new market opportunities.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Starting SpeTools on Amazon
06:42 - Listening to Customers: The Key to Product Development
Join our Paid Community at http://WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with STEVE at:
https://www.instagram.com/spetool_cnc/?hl=en
https://spetools.com
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In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Jake Frampton. Jake shares his journey from corporate HR to starting his own remodelling business. Discovering his passion for project management and hands-on work, he was inspired to leap the COVID-19 pandemic. Jake emphasizes the role of social media, especially Instagram, in growing his business and connecting with designers and architects. He highlights the importance of showcasing the people behind the business and building a personal brand.
Jake discusses the challenges of managing a growing team and large projects, and how therapy has helped him find balance and fulfillment. The conversation touches on empathy, intentionality, and conveying value in business. Steve advises on increasing perceived value through storytelling, clear processes, and testimonials, and suggests creating content to educate and engage customers.
Takeaways
The COVID-19 pandemic can inspire starting your own business and pursuing your passion.Instagram is a powerful tool for growing your business and connecting with clients and industry professionals.Showcasing the people behind your business and building a personal brand can attract clients.Effective project management and team empowerment can help manage growth and large projects.Prioritizing mental health and seeking therapy can improve work-life balance and personal growth.Empathy leads to better decision-making and intentional actions.Conveying value to clients is crucial for business success.Storytelling, clear processes, and testimonials increase perceived value.Creating videos and photos can educate and engage customers.Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Jake Frampton's Origin Story
07:58 - Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Business Growth
15:04 - Challenges and Rewards of Managing a Growing Business
Join our Paid Community at http://WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with JAKE at:
https://www.instagram.com/frampton.remodeling/
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews JT Belknap from DFM Toolworks. JT shares his journey of starting a woodworking tool business. He discusses the challenges of entering a market dominated by overseas sellers and the importance of making their products in the US. JT talks about the initial funding and the use of credit cards and partnerships to bootstrap the business. He also highlights the benefits of selling on Amazon and the scalability it offers. JT shares his experience with automation and the use of robots in manufacturing. He also mentions the challenges of expanding into other product lines and the importance of focusing on woodworking to pay the bills. JT discusses the challenges of selling on Amazon and the importance of data analysis. He considers the benefits of starting a podcast for brand building and lead generation.
Takeaways:
Selling on Amazon provides scalability and the ability to experiment with new products.Automation, including robots, has helped improve efficiency in manufacturing.Expanding into other product lines can be challenging, and it's important to focus on the core business to generate revenue.Selling on Amazon has become more competitive, with increased competition and carbon copies of products.Analyzing data on Amazon can provide valuable insights into market size and market share.Podcasting can be a powerful tool for brand building and lead generation.Building a community around a brand and providing value upfront can help attract and retain customers.Utilizing data and databases can provide valuable insights for business growth.Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
07:21 Managing a Team of Part-Time Employees
11:41 Scalability and Automation with Amazon
16:23 Challenges of Expanding into Other Product Lines
30:24 Building a Community and Providing Value
Join our Paid Community at http://WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with JT at:
https://www.instagram.com/dfmtoolworks/
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Ken DeCost from Materia Millwork shares his journey of starting the company and the challenges of finding skilled cabinet makers. He emphasizes the importance of branding and creating a luxury image for the company. Ken also discusses upcoming projects and the value of attention to detail in their work. Steve provides advice on talent acquisition, suggesting networking events, Facebook groups, and hosting a paid apprentice program.
Takeaways
- Materia Millwork was born from NS Builders and has since opened its doors to other builders and direct-to-homeowners.
- Ken emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and grain matching in their work, even though it may not always be the most profitable.
- Finding skilled cabinet makers has been a challenge for Materia Millwork. They have tried posting on social media and job platforms.
- Building a strong brand image and creating a luxury feel has been a priority for Materia Millwork.
Chapters
- 00:00 - Introduction and Background of Materia Millwork
- 03:03 - Challenges in Finding Skilled Cabinet Makers
- 06:26 - Attention to Detail and Grain Matching in Cabinetry
- 08:13 - Creative Talent Acquisition Strategies
- 11:06 - The Value of Networking and Building a Community
- 14:03 - Creating a Strong Brand Image for Materia Millwork
Join our Paid Community at http://WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Ken at:
https://www.instagram.com/kendecost/
https://www.materiamillwork.com
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In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Chris Huguet, founder of The Lumber Lab. Chris shares his journey from studying microbiology and neuroscience to starting his own woodworking business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including switching career paths and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris highlights the importance of finding a niche market, focusing on high-end products, and maintaining safety precautions and financial stability. He recounts the fire that destroyed his shop and the support from the woodworking community. Despite setbacks, Chris has built a thriving business through word-of-mouth marketing and exceptional customer service. He emphasizes communication and attention to detail to stand out from competitors. Steve advises him to hire a part-time employee and explore expansion opportunities like offering accent walls and partnering with other professionals. Chris’s story is a testament to perseverance and innovation in a competitive market.
Takeaways
Don’t be afraid to switch career paths and pursue your passion.Focus on high-end, custom products for sustainability.Build a strong support network within the woodworking community.Prioritize safety precautions and have a financial safety net.Resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming setbacks.Exceptional customer service and attention to detail set a business apart.Word-of-mouth marketing can significantly grow a business.Hiring help can free up time for business expansion.Explore complementary services and partnerships for growth.Chapters
00:0 - Introduction and Background
02:59 - Switching Career Paths and Starting The Lumber Lab
09:06 - Finding a Niche Market and Focusing on High-End Products
12:14 - Overcoming Adversity: The Fire Incident
27:19 - Resilience and Success
30:30 - Word-of-Mouth Marketing
32:26 - Business Growth and Hiring Help
39:32 - Buying Back Time
48:09 - Exploring New Opportunities
Join our Paid Community at http://WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Chris at:
https://www.instagram.com/lumberlabinc/
https://www.lumberlabinc.com
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In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Derek Wyman from Cali Hardwoods. Derek shares his background in the lumber industry and the evolution of his family business. He discusses the unique wood species found in Northern California and the challenges of transitioning from custom furniture to lumber sales. Derek also talks about starting a retail lumber store and the partnerships he has formed. He highlights the underutilized wood resources in California and seeks advice on e-commerce and marketing strategies. The conversation concludes with a discussion on building a community and offering exclusive deals to customers.
Takeaways
Transitioning from custom furniture to lumber sales can be challenging due to the complexities of custom projects and tight profit margins.Starting a retail lumber store requires careful planning and considering location, marketing, and e-commerce strategies.There are underutilized wood resources in California, and partnerships with other sawmills can help scale up operations.Building a community around a brand and offering exclusive deals can create a sense of urgency and customer loyalty.Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:01 California Hardwoods and Unique Wood Species
06:30 Transition from Furniture to Lumber Sales
09:29 Challenges of Custom Furniture
10:28 Starting a Lumber Store Retail
19:26 Underutilized Wood Resources
21:22 Marketing and Business Advice
26:15 Building a Community and Exclusive Offers
28:12 Conclusion
Join our Paid Community at http://WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Derick at:
https://www.instagram.com/calihardwoods/
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Cam at:
https://www.instagram.com/cread.wood/
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Jack at:
https://www.instagram.com/jackenglishmachines/
https://jforsberg.ca
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Laura at:
https://www.instagram.com/brazilian_lumber/
https://www.instagram.com/realdeckdiva/
https://brazilianlumber.com
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Eric at:
https://www.instagram.com/shorelinecustomcabinetry/
https://shorelinecustomcabinetry.ca
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with David at:
https://www.instagram.com/timberdustwoodworking/
https://www.timberdustwoodworking.com
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Nick at:
https://www.instagram.com/sandiegocustomcabinets/
https://sdcustomcabinets.com
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Mac & John at:
https://www.instagram.com/pantorouter.usa/
https://www.pantorouter.com
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Mike at:
https://www.instagram.com/mccormackbuilders/
https://mccormackbuilders.com
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Ben at:
https://www.instagram.com/benjaminuyeda/
https://www.benuyeda.com
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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 our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Rohan at:
https://www.instagram.com/rohanwarddesigns/
https://rohanwarddesigns.com
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In this episode, Steve LaRosiliere interviews Zach Shrum from Centurion Wood Coatings. Zach shares his journey into the wood coatings industry and how he transitioned from owning a painting business to working for Centurion. He discusses the company's focus on industrial wood coatings and their target market of professional cabinet makers and painters. Zach also talks about the importance of creating opportunities for others and the satisfaction of growing a business. He provides insights into Centurion's product line and their approach to finding and working with distributors. Lastly, he seeks advice on how to break past 10,000 followers on Instagram and improve their marketing efforts. In this conversation, Zach Shrum and Steve Larosiliere discuss the use of hashtags to build community and increase brand visibility. They explore the power of hashtags in reaching a targeted audience and share examples of how hashtags have helped businesses grow. They also discuss the importance of focusing on one's unique ability and delegating tasks to others. The conversation emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with smart people and leveraging their expertise.
Takeaways
Zach Shrum's journey into the wood coatings industry started with owning a painting business and eventually led him to Centurion Wood Coatings.Centurion Wood Coatings focuses on industrial wood coatings for professional cabinet makers and painters.Creating opportunities for others and growing a business can be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling.Centurion Wood Coatings offers a range of products, including 2K water-based polyurethane and self-cross-linking acrylic.Finding and working with distributors is a combination of organic growth through customer referrals and targeted marketing efforts.To improve their Instagram marketing, Centurion Wood Coatings can create a branded hashtag, encourage user-generated content, and engage with their community through a private Facebook group. Hashtags are a powerful tool for building community and increasing brand visibility.By using relevant hashtags, businesses can reach a targeted audience and stand out among competitors.Tapping into local communities with hashtags can lead to new opportunities and connections.Focusing on one's unique ability and delegating tasks to others can increase productivity and success.Surrounding oneself with smart people and leveraging their expertise can lead to greater achievements.Chapters
00:00Introduction to Centurion Wood Coatings
01:15Zach Shrum's Journey into the Industry
03:05Taking Over and Growing a Business
04:24Transition to Centurion Wood Coatings
06:47The Responsibility of Creating Opportunities for Others
11:46The Role of Director of Sales and Marketing
18:35Centurion Wood Coatings Product Line
22:55Finding and Working with Distributors
26:26Advice on Instagram Marketing
35:57Using Hashtags to Build Community
39:00The Power of Hashtags
40:20Tapping into Local Communities with Hashtags
44:45Focusing on Your Unique Ability
47:36Surrounding Yourself with Smart People
Join our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Zach at:
https://www.instagram.com/thebeardedfinisher/
www.thebeardedfinisher.com
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In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Brent from BYOT. Brent shares his journey of starting a YouTube channel focused on DIY home improvement and woodworking. He discusses how he transitioned from a full-time contractor to a content creator and the impact of COVID-19 on his business. Brent emphasizes the importance of audience-first content and the value of networking with other creators. He also shares insights on staying motivated, continuously learning, and finding success in the content creation industry. In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere speaks with Brent about time management and the importance of delegating tasks. They discuss the amount of time spent on various activities, such as emails and scheduling, and explore ways to streamline these processes. Brent expresses the need to prioritize self-care and physical well-being. Steve suggests hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks and shares tips on finding the right person for the job. They highlight the benefits of outsourcing certain tasks and the potential for increased productivity and growth.
Takeaways
Transitioning from a full-time job to content creation requires dedication and perseverance.Listening to your audience and adapting your content to their needs is crucial for success.Building a supportive network of fellow creators can help combat the loneliness of entrepreneurship.Continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends are essential for growth and success. Efficient time management and delegation of tasks can free up valuable time for other activities.Prioritizing self-care and physical well-being is essential for overall productivity and well-being.Hiring a virtual assistant can help streamline administrative tasks and allow for more focus on core responsibilities.Outsourcing low-wage tasks can save time and enable the pursuit of higher-value activities.Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
03:00Creating the BYOT Brand
06:54Navigating Challenges and Unexpected Success
10:45Finding the Right Audience
13:42Balancing Personal and Professional Life
18:34The Loneliness of Content Creation
23:08Motivation and Overcoming Challenges
28:59Staying Ahead and Continuous Learning
30:45Plans for the Future
37:09Advice on Hiring
41:21Managing Time and Tasks
43:04Taking Care of Yourself
45:11Delegating Tasks to Assistants
47:38Benefits of Hiring Assistants
48:50Maximizing Time and Productivity
Join our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Brent at:
https://byotools.me/
https://www.instagram.com/byotools/
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Dagan Koffler, owner of Dagan Design Construction, shares his journey in the design and construction industry. He discusses how he got into the business, the challenges he faced, and the growth of his company. Dagan emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and creating a positive company culture. He also talks about the benefits of being a design-build firm and the value of social media in marketing his business. Overall, Dagan's story highlights the rewards and challenges of running a successful design and construction company. The conversation covers various strategies for showcasing and promoting design projects. It emphasizes the importance of creating articles and case studies based on each project in the portfolio. The discussion also highlights the value of featuring customers in videos and social media to provide relatable content. Additionally, the conversation explores the idea of deepening storytelling and expanding into furniture design. However, challenges with client participation in terms of privacy concerns are acknowledged.
Takeaways
Building a strong team and creating a positive company culture are essential for business growth.Being a design-build firm can provide a competitive advantage and streamline the construction process.Social media is a valuable tool for marketing and connecting with potential clients.Continual learning and self-improvement are key to success in the design and construction industry. Create articles and case studies based on each project in the portfolio.Feature customers in videos and social media to provide relatable content.Deepen storytelling by showcasing the people behind the projects.Consider expanding into furniture design to offer a broader range of services.Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
01:13Getting into Design and Construction
04:06Growing the Business and Hiring Staff
07:10Taking the Business Seriously and Making Investments
09:05Building a Team and Delegating Responsibilities
11:51Learning and Growing as a Leader
15:14Focus on Remodeling and Design-Build
17:12The Reward of Creating and Building
18:23Differentiating from Competitors
21:12Maximizing Social Media and Marketing
25:05Building a Strong Company Culture
26:59Expanding into Other Business Ventures
27:41Advice on Social Media and Marketing
33:12Creating Articles and Case Studies
33:57Featuring Customers in Videos and Social Media
35:25Deepening the Storytelling
36:23Expanding into Furniture Design
37:34Challenges with Client Participation
Connect with Steve:
BuilderGrowth.io
Instagram.com/thelarosiliere
Instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our Paid Community at WoodpreneurNetwork.com
Connect with Dagen at:
dagandesignconstruction.com
https://www.instagram.com/dagandesign/
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"I read a fair amount, like pretty much everybody. What I have is a great ability to see what other people are doing, to observe what people are working on, and to understand techniques or things that can work for us."
Miles JanesWelcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Miles Janes from Vermont Heavy Timber. Miles grew up surrounded by the aroma of sawdust and the intricate beauty of woodwork, thanks to his father, a skilled cabinet maker and woodworker. Despite initially considering a career in kitchens.
Miles found his true passion in the realm of timber frame restoration. His journey began when he joined a timber frame restoration company in his hometown, Building Heritage, owned by his now good friend, La Lothrop. Little did he know, this would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey in the world of heavy timber.
Listen now and get the whole story!
“I love challenges. And so that's really exciting. And also, what's exciting is that we're finally like, we're doing well. It's been a grind for like, three years, I'd say, you know, we're always growing.”
Miles JanesLessons Carved in Wood
Reflecting on his decade-long journey in the business, Miles shares some invaluable lessons. One of the core principles guiding his business is a commitment to integrity and quality. Refusing to compromise on the type of work they undertake and the standard of craftsmanship they deliver has been key to their success. Additionally, Miles emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and seeking wisdom from those who have walked the path before.
Facing Challenges with Grit and Determination
While the road hasn't always been smooth, Miles navigated through uncertain times with resilience and determination. From tight financial spots to daunting projects, he faced each challenge head-on, always maintaining his commitment to excellence and integrity.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As Vermont Heavy Timber celebrates its 10th year, Miles is excited about the future. With a stellar crew and a solid reputation, the business is poised for growth. Miles envisions expanding into new territories, potentially transitioning into an ESOP model, and taking on even more challenging projects.
Crafting Success Through Storytelling
In the ever-evolving world of business, Miles understands the power of storytelling as a tool for growth. By documenting their projects, sharing their journey, and showcasing their expertise, Vermont Heavy Timber aims to solidify its position as a leader in the industry. From captivating website narratives to engaging social media content, Miles is determined to let their work speak for itself.
Want to get in touch with Miles Janes?
Contact him through:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vtheavytimber/
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