Sawmill Business Podcast

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 0

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 be

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

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 sto

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

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 Construc

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

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 bu

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 ab

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 highl

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

"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 Janes Welcome 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 exciti

“Once you get into that design kind of mind frame, it just stays with you 100% You become a magpie of, you know, choosing things, and storing things away for free. “ Dan Bullen Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Dan Bullen from Iluka London. Dan's journey began with a desire for change, a longing to shift from the digital realm to the tactile world of creating physical products. As a graphic designer and with his wife, Sarah, an interior designer, they embarked on a quest to blend their talents with their passion for woodworking. Iluka derives its name from an Australian Aboriginal word meaning "by the sea," paying homage to Dan's roots and his connection to a little fishing village near his hometown on the east coast of Australia. The company specializes in crafting exquisite pieces predominantly from wood, complemented by acrylic, resin, and metals. Their signature creations include table lamps, furniture, lighting, and accesso

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Cam Anderson from Blacktail Studio. Cam reflects on the changes and challenges he faced over the past few years, especially during the global pandemic. He made the daring decision to quit his full-time job as a life flight pilot to pursue woodworking and content creation. Cam shares the challenges and uncertainties he faced during this transition, especially considering his wife's business and the state of the world at the time. Despite the initial uncertainty, Cam's decision paid off as he witnessed a significant surge in his YouTube channel's popularity during the pandemic. With dedication and hard work, Cam managed to replace his income and even surpass it through his woodworking projects and YouTube content. Listen now and get the whole story! “I need to find this voice because I want to be like this person. And for me, this is the only one I know how to do. You know, if you had me in charge of a

“I probably am exaggerating, all the clients we've gotten thus far have been primarily word of mouth and recommendation.” Tony Mcklem Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host, Steve Larosiliere, is joined by Tony Mcklem from Hollywood Decks, a leading outdoor living company based out of Northeast Florida. In this blog, we delve into the insightful conversation from The Woodburner Podcast featuring Tony Mcklem, the founder of Hollywood Decks, as he shares his remarkable journey and the keys to their success. Tony Mcklem, along with his wife, embarked on a journey to establish Hollywood Decks, an outdoor living company, after moving from Los Angeles to Northeast Florida. With a background in finance and a passion for hands-on construction, Tony found himself seeking a change from the office world to the outdoors. Inspired by his volunteer experiences and driven by a desire for a new beginning, Tony took the leap into the construction industry. Listen now and get th

“If we can really put heirloom pieces into people's homes, so that should anything happen—whether they need to move, sell, or pass things down to family—those cabinetry pieces could arguably be uninstalled, moved to new locations, and reinstalled, allowing people to carry them with them for decades.” -Kattie Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Kattie & Jesse from JKath Design + Build. We delve into the fascinating journey of Kattie and Jesse from Jay Kath Design Build. From the origins of their business to their approach to craftsmanship and client relationships, there's much to uncover. Kattie and Jesse's journey began nearly 15 years ago with a passion for cabinetry. What started as a custom cabinetry shop evolved into a full-fledged design-build firm, fueled by a blend of craftsmanship and a keen eye for design. Their foray into Instagram marked a turning point, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding their reach. Liste

"The best way for you to do that is to tell more stories. Optimize your bio and post more frequently. You could even revisit your old posts and turn them into videos. Essentially, you just need to post more videos." Steve Larosiliere Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. In this episode, I’m going to help you unlock growth for your wood business. In the fast-paced world of marketing and business, finding the right advice can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But what if I told you that sometimes, the most invaluable insights come from unexpected places? Steve Larosiliere's insights provide a roadmap for the growth and prosperity of your woodworking business. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to attracting and serving the right clientele, ensuring the long-term success of your business. It's time to hear the complete story now! Embracing Imperfection: The Power of Unveiling the Process David from Amelia Cabinet Company deals with a dilemma that many

“When you start spending, you know, an infinite amount of time doing so, you might as well build it yourself in the first place. “ -David Vincenzi Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by David Vincenzi from Amelia Cabinet Company. David's journey begins with his father, an architect with a passion for cabinetry. Over 30 years ago, his father made a pivotal decision to specialize in cabinetry, laying the foundation for what would become Amelia Cabinet Company. Growing up immersed in the business, David learned the ropes, from installation to manufacturing, paving the way for his future role.  The 2007 financial crisis brought about significant changes for Amelia Cabinet Company. Forced to adapt, they shifted focus to in-house manufacturing to maintain control over quality and margins. David's resilience and determination led him to take the reins fully in 2012, driving the company forward amidst adversity. Listen now and get the who

"Imagine a thank you note with a poem or quote, to the client, or the GC. Right? Imagine your brand, with your, like, most famous quote, or like one of your quotes, or sayings or what have you." -Steve Larosiliere Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. In this episode, I’m going to help you learn how to carve your niche in carpentry. In the bustling world of carpentry and construction, standing out can feel like an uphill battle. But what if I told you that your true brand lies not just in your craftsmanship, but in the essence of who you are? Let's delve into a transformative conversation between Cod from Plate and Nail on the cusp of discovery, and his mentor, unraveling the art of building a brand that resonates. Steve Larosiliere's insights provide a roadmap for the growth and prosperity of your woodworking business. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to attracting and serving the right clientele, ensuring the long-term success of your business. Now, let's delve

“Instead of being in a classroom, I could be out in the field on-site doing stuff. And so I spent three years doing that. And from there, it just kept going.” Cody Hansen Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Cody Hansen from Plate and Nail. Cody's journey into carpentry didn't just start with swinging hammers and cutting wood. It began with a family legacy of craftsmanship and a deep-rooted passion for creating with his hands. His father, a seasoned handyman for over four decades, instilled in him the value of hard work and the satisfaction of building something from scratch. Cody's story is one of blending tradition with innovation, of finding purpose in passion, and of crafting dreams one nail at a time. Listen now and get the whole story! “You've got to know your numbers, especially for me, like you, you have to understand that it is a business. No matter how good you are at the trade or whatever you're delivering, if you can't