Sawmill Business Podcast

“The reason for the appointment is to book another appointment. Never walk out of the appointment without booking another point. It could be if you sold the job, it could be an installation. It could be a remeasure.” Steve Larosiliere Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. In this episode I’m going to help you with unlocking 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 your woodworking business's growth and prosperity. 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! Abundance Mentality: The Key to Success What truly struck me about Steve's approach is his unwavering commit

"I am still not afraid of change, because everybody tells me once you just go get another job like, well, I really like what I do. Working in closets is different from everything else; we work with different people. People who want to organize themselves are of a different caliber than those who are messy." -Eric Marshall "Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Eric Marshall. Eric's love for woodworking ignited during his high school days in Hawaii, where he honed his skills in the art of crafting. Little did he know that this passion would lead him into a lifelong career in the closet industry. His journey began when he transitioned from Hawaii to California, where he found himself immersed in the world of closets. Fast forward twenty years, Eric's expertise grew as he ventured from one company to another, eventually establishing his own business. What sets Eric's approach apart is his deep understanding of his clientele. He highl

"I would build a specialty website and potentially, you know, either through it or just have it, like, just build a community around parents that, and parents of special needs, and custom furniture just for them." Steve Larosiliere Embracing Authenticity in Marketing The conversation begins with a refreshing honesty about discomfort with traditional marketing approaches. Jeff, despite his expertise, prefers to keep things real, admitting to his own uncertainties and mistakes. This raw authenticity serves as the cornerstone of his business philosophy, resonating deeply with his audience. In a world dominated by social media and constant innovation, staying true to oneself can be a challenge. Yet, this individual's commitment to honesty and transparency has cultivated a loyal following, driven not by flashy ads but by genuine connection. Nurturing a Niche Market The focus then shifts to a unique business venture: creating custom furniture to make homes more accessible for those with special need

“It wasn't even about the money. It was just like, my brain was so screwed up, and it was always sick. I needed to pick a spot where I needed to be, so I had a drop dead date. And that helped a lot. But those people who just make the jump, they don't have to, like, that's pretty good stuff." Jeff Himstedt Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jeff Himstedt from JHimWoodworking. Jeff's journey into woodworking began in a humble setting. Growing up on a farm near Springfield, Illinois, and later enlisting in the US military, Jeff's path eventually led him to woodworking. He recalls the pivotal moment when he decided to leave farming behind and pursue his passion for woodworking full-time. It all started with a few projects here and there, building furniture pieces for himself and sharing them on social media. What began as a hobby soon evolved into a thriving business. Jeff's transition from farming to woodworking wasn't without chall

"If you don't show up, if you don't show up on time, you're out. If you don't do this, you're out. Like, you're like, 'Yeah, this is how we feed our family.' Like, this isn't a game, right?" -Steve Larosiliere Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. In this episode I’m going to help you with the secret of attracting more clients for your wood business. Hartman Cabinetry grapples with a common rural dilemma – a scarcity of skilled labor. Despite a bustling business driven by word-of-mouth referrals, the need for more hands on deck is undeniable. Recognizing this bottleneck, the owner sought guidance on how to attract talent to their doorstep. Steve Larosiliere's insights provide a roadmap for your woodworking business's growth and prosperity. 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! “I would put together a PowerPoint, and do an over

“I came on full time in May. Working for my dad. He started making cabinets when he was in high school. Basically went to college and said, that isn't for him. He got into it full time in 1993. And it's been doing really good, and that's where we are right now. I’m working with my dad everyday and love it.” -Issac Hartman Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Issac Hartman from Hartman Cabinetry. Isaac's introduction to woodworking diverged from the conventional path of apprenticeship, instead evolving naturally from his upbringing. Growing up surrounded by sawdust and craftsmanship, he joined his father's cabinetry business at the age of 16, gradually honing his skills in the workshop. However, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Isaac's passion for the trade truly ignited. With schools closed, he found himself fully immersed in the family business, realizing his aptitude for woodworking and the potential for growth in this field

“So for folks like for businesses like yours, it's about the same amount of exposure that you have, right? So this is a good way to look at is like, how many people are seeing your name and your brand?” -Steve Larosiliere Unveiling the Struggles of Entrepreneurship The conversation opens with a candid revelation of the struggles faced by many entrepreneurs, particularly in marketing and business investment. The guest reflects on past experiences, admitting to investing significant time, money, and effort into various avenues without tangible returns. However, a strategic shift in focus towards website development, SEO optimization, and a diversified approach to marketing brought about a new perspective. Embracing the Power of Community and Mentorship Amidst the challenges lies a beacon of hope: the Woodpreneur Network. This comprehensive community hub, designed for woodworkers, furniture makers, contractors, and millworkers, offers a sanctuary for growth and collaboration. Recognizing the nee

“My first couple of years as I was doing that, Steve, I was running so hard that I had no idea what the hell made me money. What didn't make me money.” -Sinan Music Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Sinan Music from SMC Construction. Sinan shares insights into his journey, starting from a painting company that transitioned into construction amidst the economic downturn of 2008-2009. As new construction projects waned, remodeling opportunities emerged, prompting Sinan to diversify his services. Through adaptability and perseverance, SMC Construction was born. Listen now and get the whole story! “We did a couple of local stores that we converted, like one of their entire departments into a makeup department, you know, or rebranding on restaurants, and stuff like that, as they are kind of out there.” -Sinan Music Adversity and Growth: Lessons Learned Sinan's personal journey took an unexpected turn when he faced a life-al

“You need to stay in touch with every single one of your customers on a regular basis. Like friend him on Facebook, friend him on Twitter, on Instagram, just like, literally stay, stay on top of them.“ -Steve Larosiliere Exploring New Horizons: In today's segment, we had the privilege of conversing with Carrie, a seasoned artisan who shared her journey navigating the evolving landscape of marketing and business in the woodworking industry. Carrie shed light on the challenges she faced, particularly amidst economic shifts, and sought advice on how to adapt her strategies effectively. Embracing Authentic Connections: One aspect that resonated throughout our discussion was Carrie's commitment to cultivating meaningful relationships, both in business and personal life. Recognizing the significance of authenticity and genuine connections, she emphasized the value of staying in touch with customers and fostering a sense of community around her brand. Crafting a Personal Brand: As we delved de

“I could figure out how to make something out of, and kind of just one thing led to another, and a friend of mine suggested that maybe I start doing this for other people.” -Carrie Nelson Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Carrie Nelson from 4 Chicks Furniture & Wood Art. Carrie  shares her inspiring journey from woodworking enthusiast to successful business owner. We delve into Carrie's origin story, her entrepreneurial spirit, and the lessons learned along the way. Carrie's journey into woodworking and entrepreneurship began with humble roots, nurtured by her upbringing in a farmhouse south of Chicago. Learning the ropes from her father, she developed a knack for woodworking, which blossomed further after she found herself as the primary furniture maker following a divorce. With determination and creativity, Carrie began crafting furniture pieces from reclaimed materials, igniting the spark for what would become 4Chicks Fur

“You want to shift from social into marketing, your personal Facebook page is more than a social space. It's a marketing asset, this mindset shift is going to be crucial for you. “ -Steve Larosiliere Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today's guest is none other than Steve Larosiliere himself! Today's workshop is all about personal branding, a topic close to my heart. I've dubbed it "Organic Lead Mastery," and trust me, the strategies I'll be sharing have helped my clients generate millions of dollars. So buckle up; we're in for a ride! Personal branding isn't just about promoting your business; it's about amplifying your growth, nurturing client relations, and maximizing cost efficiency. Your personal brand is your beacon, guiding opportunities not only within your industry but beyond. It's time to hear the complete story now! “Once you start putting limits to life, or conditions in which you operate in this world, it makes it really hard to just just exist. Okay, big t

“ We got to let people know who we are, and started talking to folks and we had some success doing, you know, like, we had some, we started talking to people and we just started to make connections. “ -Mathew Roth Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Mathew Roth from Hawthorn Builders. Mathew Roth's journey into the world of real estate began soon after college. With a background in investment development from NYU, he initially ventured into the realm of real estate analysis in New York City. However, it was his move to Boston that paved the way for something truly remarkable. Teaming up with his neighbor and business partner, Mathew embarked on a journey fueled by ambition and a desire to carve their path in the industry. Their initial foray into flipping properties was met with challenges, yet they persisted, honing their focus on the suburban landscape outside Boston. Listen now and get the whole story! “We've had a pretty

“I knew all the neighborhoods and what people were doing and I still do that like that is market knowledge is almost free. and you just have to spend the time on it. And it's invaluable. “ -Michael Barrett Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Michael Barrett from Barrett Homes, Michael's journey from a college student to spearheading a company that boasts approximately $200 million in sales is not just inspiring but also a masterclass in perseverance, market savvy, and the art of building not just homes, but trust. Barrett Homes was conceived in the dorm rooms of college, an idea that took physical form with the help of Michael's father. He supported Michael and his brother in forming an LLC and building their first spec homes. This early venture into the world of homebuilding, despite Michael and his brother taking different career paths initially, laid the groundwork for what Barrett Homes would become. Listen now and get the wh

“The misconception is, you can't do it. And then there's others that believe they can't, and they're the ones that believe they can, or they're usually the ones that succeed. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.” -Matt Outlaw Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Matt Outlaw from 731woodworks. In the world of woodworking and content creation, few stories are as compelling as that of our latest guest on The Woodpecker Podcast. A former sergeant with the State Police, our guest has transitioned into a full-time content creator, making significant waves in the woodworking community. His journey, marked by faith, determination, and a keen sense for business, offers invaluable insights into the power of pursuing one's passion. Three years ago, on our very podcast, he announced his decision to leave the comfort and security of his job with the State Police. A leap of faith that, by his own admission, filled him wit

“I started to see quite early on a real huge opportunity in this industry. Because there were a lot of makers, you know, small guys, maybe one or two man operations, maybe even grads type builders, that just finishing was not part of their MO and they needed to have somebody a good finishing partner, so that they could provide a finished product. “ -Jim Carrigan Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jim Carrigan from JECO Wood Finishing. A visionary who has carved a niche for himself in the wood finishing industry. Jim's journey from painting equipment in his early years to establishing a thriving finishing shop highlights not just his personal growth but also the evolving landscape of wood finishing. Listen now and get the whole story! “I started slow growing in my first shop, I think there were at most four of us working in it. Today, the shop that I have now has 15 staff, and two shifts.” -Jim Carrigan From Humble Beginn

“started out of our desire to build our home, and trying to come to terms with with a style that both my wife and I liked and agreed on. So once she found the look of timber framing, and just, we both agreed that that was something that we could get into and that we wanted to go after it. “ -John Page Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by John Page from Page Timber Works. John's journey into the world of timber works began in his childhood, woodworking alongside his father. As the oldest of four boys in a large family, contributing was a way of life. After a decade in remodeling post-high school, John's path took a pivotal turn when he and his wife decided to build their home. Their shared love for timber framing style became the foundation of Page Timber Works. In 2011, John attended a workshop to learn traditional methods of timber framing, marking the official start of his venture. What followed was five years of marketing, intro

“Carpentry was the name of the game. And that's what I wanted to do. So that's what I did. I took it full time and and it's been a blast ever since.” -Kyle Hammill Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Kyle Hammill from Trails End Custom Construction. Kyle's story is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity, and a willingness to seize opportunities. His early years were spent on farms, gaining practical skills and learning to navigate challenges. While in college and working in a bar kitchen, Kyle realized that his knack for handywork could be more lucrative than his current job. This realization led him down a path of various odd jobs, from painting doors to fixing railings, ultimately steering him toward carpentry - a field he deeply enjoyed. The turning point came with the decision to form an LLC with his brother. What started as a part-time endeavor soon became a full-time commitment after college. Unlike many of his pe

“I was probably incredibly competitive on price, based on, what legitimate, established contractors were charging for some of the work right, like small kitchens, bathrooms, some basement stuff, things like that.” -Jimmy Moore Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jimmy Moore from Petra Custom Builders. His journey from a budding carpenter to a visionary business leader offers a wealth of insights and inspiration for anyone aspiring to make their mark in the wood industry.  Jimmy’s foray into the world of construction began post-school, when he joined a commercial general contracting company. His early experiences ranged from miscellaneous construction jobs to more traditional carpentry roles, gradually leading him to a fascination with the management side of the business. This curiosity and drive to explore beyond the known boundaries led him to Petra Custom Builders, marking the start of an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.

“ I went to college on the jazz guitar scholarship and I'm all right brain and ended up doing construction on the side to kind of help pay the bills you know, music is a really hard way to make a living. And remembering things led to another and I started stumbling into the really artistic aspects of woodworking. And so that kicked it off.” -Chad Beall Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Chad Beall from Tree Frog Woodworking, Chad’s story begins with his love for music. Attending college on a jazz guitar scholarship, he envisioned a life filled with melodies and chords. However, life had a different rhythm in store for him. To support his musical aspirations, Chad started working in construction, which inadvertently introduced him to the world of woodworking. His entry into the woodworking industry wasn't planned; it was a serendipitous encounter with the artistic side of this craft. As life progressed, Chad's priorities shifted

“I watched other contractors and they never really showed what work they actually did. You know, this, this constant thing on social media is so new. Nobody knew that before. And when I started, I was like, we got to show people how this is done.” -Drew Prince Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Drew Prince from Oak Hearth Homes. Drew's story begins with a simple yet powerful dream: flipping houses with his wife. Back in 2016, Drew and his partner embarked on this venture, little knowing it would evolve into a full-fledged remodeling business and ultimately lead them into home building. This progression from flipping to remodeling wasn't a planned one. After a substantial financial loss on a big house flip, Drew found himself pivoting towards remodeling, thanks to recommendations from friends and family. This twist in their business trajectory opened a new world of possibilities. Oak Hearth Homes' growth can largely be attribute