Sawmill Business Podcast

Building a cabin from real wood isn't just about construction—it's about craftsmanship, storytelling, and creating spaces that connect people to nature. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Shandel of Mendo Cabins to explore the art and business of building custom redwood cabins. Paul shares what sets Mendo Cabins apart, from their commitment to using locally sourced redwood to their unique business model that offers everything from fully built custom cabins to DIY cabin kits for the hands-on builder. You'll hear about the surprising realities of insulation in small wood structures, why storytelling has become a powerful marketing tool for connecting with customers, and how using authentic local materials adds both value and character to every project. Paul also discusses exciting new ventures, including expanding into sauna production, and the importance of organization and inventory management in scaling a woodworking business. This conversation dives into t