The Woodpreneur Podcast

Today’s guest is Patrick Spike of Spike’s Wood Co. a woodworking shop based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Patrick began his Woodpreneur journey six years ago. As the years went by, he improved his skills to the point where he was commissioned by the local high school for a massive project. It was this project that truly launched his business into overdrive.

Joining us for our 100th episode we have an extra special guest and the VERY FIRST person that we ever interviewed on the Woodpreneur Podcast, Treg Sherman of Urbn Timber! The Woodpreneur Podcast (Formerly the Sawmill Business Podcast) started three years ago and we’re curious, what difference have these past three years made for Urbn Timber? Treg says they’ve, Gone from a 1200 sqft. space to a 12,000 sqft. ShopOpened a showroom Opened a metal shopBought a kiln and are now able to dry about 6,000 to 8,000 board feet at a time. Treg credits their increased drying time, various equipment updates, a high level of attentive and passionate customer service, and the company’s unique ownership setup for the boom that the business has gone through. Their unique partnership is set up like this - Urbn Timber is run by three different owners, all with different strengths. This partnership not only gives them the ability to step back and focus solely on what they’re individually good at, but it also provides a built-in support group where they’re able to bounce ideas off of each other. Treg Sherman runs marketing and client managementTyler Hillyard designs and creates fine furniture Tyler Sirak handles the financials

We met our guest today at the Urban Lumber Summit last year and were so inspired by his hustle, we had to have him on the show! Meet Tony Pomo, owner of Metro Millworks; a sawmill owner, finished product supply, and lumberyard out in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Originally an arborist, Tony was moved one day when his client pointed out to him that the diseased tree he was about to take down was planted when she was only a little girl. Tony was struck with the idea of how wonderful it would be to be able to give her this tree back in some way. Running after his newfound inspiration, Tony immediately took the next step by purchasing a sawmill and breathing life into Metro Millworks. In addition to giving back, his customer’s a piece of their story, Metro Millworks is also a proud sponsor of Urban Salvaged Woods. Tony notes that as people are becoming more environmentally conscious, they’re quite receptive to the knowledge that Metro Millworks gives them in regards to the state of their tree’s health, its hazard potential, and the cause-effect of its removal from the ground. In cases where a tree must come down, Tony loves that Metro Millworks is able to “prolong the life of trees by giving them back to their original owners in an original way. Even without its leaves, they’re able to see their tree as a bench in their front yard or a table in their dining room.”

Andy Johnson was a hobbyist woodworker that set out to make a cutting board simply because it sounded like an enjoyable project to do. However, he ended up enjoying it so much that he didn’t stop at just one and in 2018, Two Acre Woodworks was born. With what started as a hobby, Two Acres Woodworks is now a wood business that specializes mostly in custom cutting boards. With a little over 11.5 followers on Instagram, the IG platform brings in the majority of Andy’s clients and he ships to them all across the United States. Most recently he shipped a board all the way to Alaska! Show Highlights: With a niche that’s not unknown and many other makers in the cutting board sphere, Andy says that initially, one of his biggest struggles was product sales. However, between his Instagram marketing technique and his unique and beautiful designs, he was still able to go full-time and establish himself as a leader in the space.Andy is currently working on an artisan series of design boards that will soon be released on his website. Instagram Marketing Tips: Andy credits the quality of the images on his feed to the quick rise in his follower count. He noticed early on that professional looking images captured the attention of people in a way that blurry and unfocused images didn’t and he’s taken advantage of that fact.While shooting one day, Andy noticed that certain lighting would blend the colors of the boards together and the beauty of the design would be lost in the finished photo. Looking to correct this, he now pays special attention to the space, time of day, and lighting when he takes his social media photos. Get In Touch With Two Acre Woodworks: www.twoacrewoodworks.com@twoacrewoodworks Follow Acres of Timber on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes of the Woodpreneur Podcast at www.acresoftimber.com Are you ready to scale your wood industry business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Click Here To Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group And Never Miss A Woodportunity!! Website :: Facebook :: Instagram Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

On today’s episode, we have 3rd generation logger and 1st generation sawmill owner, Matthew Collins. About 15 years ago, he invested in a sawmill for his family’s logging business and soon discovered that he had a passion for the work. This passion turned into what Matthew affectionately calls “a hobby that spun out of control.” A true Woodpreneur, he absolutely loves working in the wood industry. On the logging side of things, Matthew and his family run a completely eco-friendly company that lets nothing go to waste. A great example of how they do this is shown in their wood chip recycling process. While the company chips about 2,000 yards of wood per day, the District Energy Center in St. Paul uses all of these wood chips to create biomass energy. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, Matthew’s out in his woodshop using his Lucas Mill and kiln. As far as a business plan, Matthew says the only plan he has is to continue doing what he loves and see what happens. Show Highlights: “If you’re passionate about what you’re doing in your business and you surround yourself with that passion, you will succeed.” Business Growth Tips: When first starting out, Matthew would create batch items that brought in a reasonable enough profit to pay for all of his equipment. Once his equipment was paid for, he stopped and started only taking on projects that excited him.Whether you’re looking to grow your business exponentially or would prefer to stay a one-man shop, move forward in a way that will help you achieve your end goals. Get in touch with Matthew! www.matthewcollinsdesigns.com@matthewcollinsdesigns Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

For most people, when they think of drying wood they think of the process as starting from the outside in. With the iDry System, a continuous vacuum kiln drying process is used that dries wood evenly and up to 10 times faster than traditional drying methods. Not only that, but iDry is a family-owned business based out of Vermont and is currently led by Jim Parker. Initially, the iDry System’s clientele consisted of Fender, Gibson, Major League Baseball teams, and high-end designers. However, with a ton of hard work and 40 years of practice in the business, Jim and the iDry System team were able to bring the kiln price point down to a rate that’s affordable for all levels of businesses and hobbyists in the wood industry. Show Highlights: For most people, wood is dried from the outside in. As moisture evaporates off, the wood continues to dry from the outside in. However, with thicker lumber, the moisture content difference between the shell of the wood and the core of the wood causes drying degrade. With the iDry System, a vacuum process is used that dries wood evenly (avoiding drying degrade) and up to 10 times faster.When it comes to clientele, The iDry Systems Vacuum Kiln has been used in the creation process of Fender and Gibson guitars, major league baseball bats, and high-end design. In fact, one of their first sales was to Barry Bonds, who used their vacuum kiln to dry the maple that was used in the baseball bats he used to break home run records!Jim Parker and the team have worked hard to bring the price point of their kiln down so that it’s affordable for everyone. Working with brands such as Woodmizer, they’re now able to see kiln sales in the sawmill sector. Business Words Of Wisdom: “To succeed and continue growing your business, hire people that are smarter than you.” - Jim Parker Contact iDry Systems: Instagram: @idrywoodfastidrywood.com Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the Alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the Alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today’s guest is Joe Nuttbrock, owner and founder of Nexterra. Nexterra is a wood waste processing company based out of Keizer, OR. With a father and step-father who were both business owners in the excavation industry, Joe grew up around heavy machinery and land clearing processes. Joe knew that he wanted to stay within the wood excavation sphere when it came to starting his own business, but with an environmentally conscious mindset. It was out of this mindset that Nexterra was born, a wood waste processing company that believes leftover wood products should be destined for more than just a trip to a landfill. Nexterra: Turning waste into a usable product: Nexterra works with local nurseries and recycles their used compost into renewed compost that can be used again.The company also works with demolition, logging, and development businesses to turn wood that has been destined for the burn pile or landfill into usable, recycled products such as compost and Biomass Fuels. Instagram and raising awareness around the recycled wood niche: Joe credits Instagram as part of this generation’s higher awareness levels when it comes to the importance of salvaging and recycling wood waste.Nexterra’s Instagram, @nexterrainc is full of great imagery and examples of what any successful business should aim for in their marketing aesthetic. All of the images are pictures that Joe has taken himself with his phone. Take a look at his page if you think that you’re not capable of creating an engaging and successful social page while working full-time on your business! Future goals: Joe’s future goals include partnering with like-minded individuals and growing the compost side of his business. Contact Nexterra https://nexterrainc.com/ @nexterrainc Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the Alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the Alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today we’re talking with entrepreneur and speaker, Tad Jacobs. Tad started Tree Masters over 30 years ago with a crew that consisted of himself, his dog, and his truck. Before starting the business, Tad sat down and thought about what it was that he truly felt his career calling was. An avid adrenaline sport lover, the opportunity that tree work gave for him to take his active lifestyle to the “office” appealed to him. Tad started Tree Masters and has never looked back. A thirst for adventure, Tad races mountain bikes and dirt bikes in his spare time. Loving the similar feeling that he gets when climbing trees, Tad will admit he may not be the best tree climber, but he loves the athleticism of what he does. The Early Years Of The Business: In the early years, Tad has (like any business owner) equal times of excitement and frustration. During his most frustrating moments and hardest growing pains, it was the sense of accomplishment that came from a completed job that helped him press on.While the company started in 1987, it wasn’t until 1993 that Tad decided to solely focus on the business and dedicate himself to the industry. WIthin a year, he acquired a second company and grew his staff from 6 to 12 employees. Now, in 2019, the company has 40 employees.Early on, Tad learned that not all employees are the same. Hiring passionate workers who are willing to work hard, perform a job well, and help grow the company are the backbone of any successful business. Show Highlights: Coming up with innovative and efficient processes for Tree Masters has been a large contributor to the success of the business. Because of his many years of experience creating these processes, Tad now speaks at conferences across the country as an authority on business efficiency operations. Closing Thoughts “If I’m ever too big to take on smaller tasks within the company, then I need to re-evaluate who I am because that’s not the sort of leader that I want to be.” - Tad Jacobs Get in touch with Tree Masters Instagram: @treemasters3175 Treemasters.com Youtube [email protected] Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Visiting us on the show today is Dylan Thomas from Black Forest Wood Company. Black Forest Wood Co. is based in Calgary, Alberta and is going on their 26th year in business. Founded by Dylan’s father, Brad Thomas, the company has used hard work, ingenuity, and social media to explode their business and stay on top. (Even through hard economic times!) In the early days of the business, Brad started to notice and grow tired of the waste he was seeing leftover from the wooden door projects. Being a passionate lover of everything wood-related, he thought of a simple way to address this problem- by opening a retail store where he sold these leftover off-cuts. Shortly after the store opened, customers who purchased these off-cuts started asking where they could find the tools that they needed for their wood projects. This led the company to expand once more and start selling tools out of the store. In addition to the retail store, Brad Thomas always knew that he wanted to start a woodworking school for hobby woodworkers. He started the school with a courses on wood-turning and woodworking and now offers 12-15 courses covering various aspects of the woodworking world. After the recession of 2008 hit, the Black Forest crew went from 6 employees to 1, and things looked bleak. However, with a retail store and the woodworking school bringing in alternate streams of revenue, they were able to stay afloat. The wisdom of Dylan’s father to not put all of his eggs in one basket paid off in dividends!

Today’s guest is Mitch Resnik from Manor Floors. In the business since childhood, flooring is in Mitch’s blood. From carpet to wood, his father, a flooring expert and mason by trade, taught Mitch everything he knows. Originally in Brooklyn, the company has been based in New Jersey for the past 25 years. How They Stay On Top In Their Market: Manor Flooring’s business is 90% referrals. Their high standards and quality of work have gained them a solid reputation with all of their customers. By building this trust and authority in the flooring field, Manor is able to maintain a constant flow of business from these referrals.Mitch’s advice with customers? Be transparent and tell your customers exactly why things need to be done a certain way, what they cost, and why they are priced as such.Manor Flooring stays ahead of the curve by working with designers in the area. Business Wisdom: Mitch prides himself on quality control and using products that are high-quality because they’re a high-quality product, not just because they might be a design style that’s popular.Stay on point with who you buy from, sell to, and hire. This is crucial in any business. How Manor Sources Their Wood Products: Trying to stay within America for his product purchases, Mitch notes how years ago, you knew where your product was coming from, down to the city and state. However, American companies now bring in large amounts of their product from overseas. Staying within the US in regards to his product purchases has been a bit of a challenge for Mitch because of this.To help combat the outsourcing of bigger companies, Mitch tries to purchase mainly from small businesses and local companies. Not only does this help keep business within the US, but he’s also found that when working with smaller mills, the customer service level is exponentially better! Contact Manor Floors Instagram @manorfloors Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today, we’re talking to Kenny Finley from Saw Haul about his product and how it’s going to change the Woodpreneur world! It all started when Kenny was out working in the field one day and accidentally ran over his brand new chainsaw with his tractor. Vowing to never let that happen again, Kenny started looking for any way to mount his chainsaw to his tractor. Initially, the thought to create his own solution wasn’t something that had occurred to Kenny. However, after two years of searching for an answer, he decided he was going to be the one to create the solution himself. Saw Haul is a much-needed product in the Woodpreneur sphere- so much so that it’s sold in all 50 states, as well as internationally after only being in business for about 16 months. With a garage company no longer being a feasible way to manage things, Saw Haul has partnered with BMW Truck Hitches and a plastics company in the USA to help with the manufacturing side of things. Show Highlights: As a company, Saw Haul stands for three things - customer service, a great product, and USA made.Saw Haul has only been in business for 16 months, and business is booming. They’ve already sold their product in all 50 states, as well as internationally. Kenny’s thoughts on the business so far: He loves learning new things every day that help him grow his business and increase his profitability.Saw Haul is the ONLY product of its kind. Want More? Follow @sawhaul on Instagram and Facebook! www.sawhaul.com Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

We’re stoked to have Roy Scott of Vintage Axe Works on the show today! After watching a survivalist show where a fifty year old man built an entire cabin with his bare hands, Roy couldn’t get the idea out of his head. So much so that it inspired him to start learning how to work and create with his hands. This led to him to collecting, restoring, and selling axes... something that came in handy when he was unexpectedly fired from his full-time job. After a suggestion from his wife that he should start making his own axe handles, Roy invested in a band-saw, a buffer, a table saw, and then dove in and learned how to make high-quality axe handles and heads. Now a full-time business, Roy has been at it for the past three years and now has a waiting list for his one-of-a-kind creations. Not only are most of his axes individually unique, but Roy also sets himself apart from the competition by putting together entire axes. This is key since most of the competition only specializes in certain aspects of the axe. From custom work for use in labor to art that hangs over a client’s fireplace, Vintage Axe Works truly makes unique and beautiful axes that you need to check out! Show Highlights: Instagram has been the main source of traffic for Vintage Axe Works. He’s never paid for a follower or created an ad and implores other business owners to do their research on the Instagram algorithm and invest their time into learning how to utilize the Instagram platform.He builds a lifestyle around his brand using the interests of his customers as a way to attract business. Show Highlights: A one-man show, Roy’s challenge is keeping up with all of the different aspects of the business.For the most part, every axe Roy makes is completely custom. Follow Roy on Instagram!! @vintageaxeworks Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Often, we talk about the wood, but how often do we talk about the equipment that makes the #woodpreneur life possible? Connor Crook from Diamondback ToolBelts is here to talk about just that! Majority owner and president since 2016, Connor runs the marketing, sales, dealer, and product development for the company. However, the company itself was started in 1994 by Jim Skelton and it just so happens that Connor was able to track down his family just a few months ago to get the company’s origin story. It turns out that Jim was a true adventurer and spent his days windsurfing, mountain climbing, cross country skiing, and working as a master carpenter. It was after an injury set him back physically that he set about designing a tool belt that would help him with his back pain. After developing his prototypes based off of equipment he had used while windsurfing, he created the belt using cutting edge materials and then put an ad in the paper. Shortly thereafter, Jim, his wife, and children started off making each belt by hand and selling them out of their garage. After Jim passed away in 2004, the company switched hands several times until 2016 when Connor purchased the business. Knowing the product was an incredible item, Connor started working with factories in Wisconsin and North Carolina and expanded the company exponentially. While still hand-made in the USA, Diamondback Toolbelts are now manufactured in bulk and no longer require a 9 month wait for completion! The growth of Diamondback Toolbelts: Continuing to make a high quality and consistent product is the company’s current goal.Diamondback Toolbelts now has over 30 dealers internationally.Not only do they still make toolbelts, they also make accessories and related items.Helping woodworkers and laborers step up to the next step in their passion is what Diamondback Toolbelts does best. Marketing Strategy: Instagram has been a huge source of growth for the company.Quite a few of their product development ideas come from working-class guys sending ideas through their DMs!Most of Diamondback’s customer’s come through the IG community. Workers, that are looking to take their craft to the next level Contact Diamond Toolbelts https://toolbelts.com/Instagram @diamondback.toolbelts Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Our guest today is Joshua Crossman, owner of PTL Hardwood Floors. After a client of his former employer put the idea in his head that he should go out on his own, he decided to take the leap in 2004. Now well established, the business has been a success! In his 15th year, Joshua loves what he does and is excited to continue in this line of work. His pride in what he does shines through in the words he speaks and the projects he completes. With 8 kids ranging from 4 months to 17 years old, Joshua stays extremely busy. Within his company, it’s just him, an employee, and his office manager. With extremely high standards when it comes to hiring, Joshua takes on a large workload during his work days. Growing Into The Role Of “Business Owner”: Looking at old invoices and the projects he underbid on, he’s grown as a businessman throughout the years and finds those old bids pretty hilarious.In the past few years, he’s focused on how to run a business and become more of a businessman - not just a laborer. Keeping Up With The Market: Starting the business during the housing boom of 2004 made finding work easy, but as the years have gone on, the market has changed a bit, which makes finding work more of a tactical pursuit.Standing out on Instagram, Facebook, and holding down an effective email campaign is key to keeping consistent work. How He Markets And Increases His Skills: Google Ads, his website, and InstagramWord of MouthHe joins flooring and contracting groups on FacebookListens to podcasts Contact PTL Hardwood and Joshua Crossman IG: @ptlhardwoodfloorsWebsite: www.ptlhardwoodfloors.com Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the Alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the Alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Our guest today comes to us all the way from Canada. Paula Goulding, the brain and brawn behind Live Edge Lumber Girl & Company is a slab consultant and woodpreneur. Her knowledge of this space is so extensive, she’s able to give her makers and distributors quotes based on their specific project needs. Getting her start by selling plywood, she soon began working with a sawmill, and the rest is history. Four years later, she’s running her own company and dealing live edge slabs. Show Highlights: Paula spends time each day on marketing by engaging with her followers on IG and FBShe loves working with her clients and seeing the things that woodworkers create.When she’s not in the office, she’s flipping slabs and visiting customers. Challenges and Opportunities: Bringing a new client on that isn’t familiar with live edge can be a bit of a challenge. Paula takes pride in educating clients in this position on the proper use of the wood.Caring about her clients' needs, the crew at Live Edge Lumber Girl & Company holds themselves to a high standard when it comes to giving their customers exactly what they expect.Paula is also part of the community of Ontario Wood, an organization that raises awareness about locally grown and made wood products.Business is booming in the Ontario area. Currently, there is a high demand for high-quality wood products such as art pieces, charcuterie boards, and furniture. Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the Alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the Alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Joining us this week on the Woodpreneur Podcast is Woodpreneur and furniture designer, Sawyer Kerr of Sawyers Got Wood. Sawyer got his official start when he bought a home and converted the entire basement into a workshop. Moving from a 900 sq ft apartment to a spacious home, he had plenty of empty space to fill and fill it he did! Designing and creating his own furniture, he soon decorated his home with styles and creations that he loved. Shortly thereafter, he began using Instagram as his main marketing platform. Modeling his marketing after profiles of woodworkers he admired and looked up to, he’s been able to bring in the majority of his clients from this space. Show Highlights: Sawyer used Instagram as a form of mentoring by following woodworkers he admired and respected. He then modeled his marketing after them.Currently, he’s working on samples to help complete the commission page on his website.With his time being limited since Sawyers Got Wood is a side hustle, Sawyer only takes on commission projects that intrigue him and he wants to spend his time on. Goals and Advice: Currently, he sources his wood largely from Craigslist.Future goals include going full-time and opening up a stand-alone shop.Pay attention to the little details before going full-time. Make sure your books are straight and you follow the correct government paths to setting up your business. Contact Sawyers Got Wood Instagram: @sawyersgotwood Website: www.sawyersgotwood.com Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Joining us today is Michael Hansen of Hansen Tree Service. Located in Southern Rochester, Minnesota, Hansen Tree Service specializes in the care of those tough and hard to reach trees. When it comes to the business, Michael’s favorite aspect of the job is the thrill of the climb. He stresses how vital it is to not grow complacent or cocky in this line of work. After a brush with what could have been a tragic fall, Michael no longer takes shortcuts when it comes to his rigging. The accident left him with a severed thumb, tendons, and knuckle. There are no grey areas when it comes to safety in the tree business. Aside from safety, Michael knows that the only way to grow as a company is to invest time into marketing. Using several different social media platforms, he posts material specific to what the users of that specific platform prefer. Whether it’s written content on Linkedin, captivating pictures on Instagram, or videos on Facebook, Michael creates content that produces several different streams of revenue and doesn’t cost him more than time. Show Highlights: Michael takes on government contracts help grow the businessConnecting with people is the #1 way to growFacebook, Linkedin, and Instagram are the main avenues he takes to find new clients. However, he uses a different approach on each platform.If you want to grow big, make your audience big. Contact Hansen’s Tree Service Facebook - Hansen Tree Servicehttp://hansentreeservicellc.com/https://www.instagram.com/hansentreeservicellc/ Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Joining the Woodpreneur Podcast today is Craig Geddis of the Boston Based Franchise, Monster Tree Company. Starting in the business at 16, Craig instantly fell in love and worked for years up in trees. As time passed and he grew older, thoughts about what 65 would look like up in a tree started passing through his mind. While he was passionate about the work, he knew that he needed to divert his career path in order to prepare for the future. It was at this point in his life that Craig decided to attend college for Forestry. While attending, he worked with Bartlett Tree Service in Arborist sales and continued to foster his passion for trees. In time, he knew he had the know-how and education to step out on his own, and he now works as the “tree guy” for one of the 26 Monster Tree Company franchise locations within the U.S. Show Highlights: Passionate about trees and what they do, Craig says that he finds “nothing as awe-inspiring or as beautiful as that first green in the spring when the trees are pushing out their new leaves.”Craig grew his Arborist expertise by working with Bartlett Tree Service and attending college for forestry.Monster Tree was started in the last decade and is already in 26 states Educating The Public: To many, the concept of an Arborist is a new idea and they are unaware of the difference between a true tree surgeon and a lumberjack. While there is a time and place for the lumberjack, there is also a need for the Arborist and the “life-saving” services that they offer trees. Craig’s Advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or call someone when you don’t know the answer.”If you’re looking to network and get your business name heard, consider sponsoring a little league team or donating trees to a local park. Contact Craig Geddis www.whymonster.com/[email protected] Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

This week, we’re sitting down with a one-man woodworking company based out of Portland, Oregon, Blacktail Studios. Blacktail Studios is the business of woodworker and influencer, Cam Anderson. In the first year, business was fun but slow… it wasn’t until Cam took his wife’s advice and set up an Instagram account that things truly started to take off. With the account now at 93.4k followers and his services on a waiting list, Cam credits social media to his explosive growth. In addition to Instagram, Cam also credits Etsy for his commissioned sales and recommends that anyone in the woodworking space start an account, if they haven’t already. As far as what the future holds, Cam plans on expanding his social media reach to Youtube as well as becoming a sponsored influencer. Show Highlights: With the opinion that you don’t necessarily have to quit your day job to become successful, Cam also works as an emergency services flight pilot and loves it. With a flexible work schedule that gives him plenty of time off, he’s able to work at Blacktail as well as hold down his pilot job without feeling the pressure of work balance.Cam is moving towards becoming a sponsored influencer and content creator on various social media platforms.Cam’s hosting an epoxy resin table workshop on April 6th with Goby Walnut - check it out here - https://www.blacktailstudiopdx.com/shop/resinworkshop2 Cam’s Advice: In the beginning, he faced a tremendous amount of stress when it came to the project timelines that he gave to clients. His biggest piece of advice is to over-bid on the time you think it will take to complete a piece, deliver it early, and don’t bite off more than you can chew. Contact Blacktail Studios: Instagram - @blacktailstudioWebsite - https://www.blacktailstudiopdx.com/Email- [email protected] Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the Alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the Alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today, we’re talking with Anthony and Alex from “Trees Are My Business.” T.A.M.B is a company that provides the rare find of a mill and tree service combination. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Anthony is a certified Arborist that has been in the tree business for over 15 years. Alex is a metalworker with a passion for woodworking and a knack for strategic business planning. Together, they make an unstoppable team. With their dual-purposed business model, T.A.M.B. is able to use a majority of the trees that they remove as free materials for the woodworking side of their business. With their naturally supplied stock levels, they’re able to proudly boast a wide selection of species in their shop as well as current inventory levels reaching over 4,000 slabs. Not only that, but their unique business position allows them the opportunity to turn felled trees that once held a place in the heart of property owners into a piece of art that they can hold onto for generations. Show Highlights In a unique and lucrative position as a woodworker and Arborist, Anthony and Alex run a dual tree service/milling business.With over 4,000 slabs in the shop, their stock is enough that they can find the perfect slab for any client’s projects within their own inventory.Alex credits Instagram and word of mouth as KEY proponents of their rising sales. Want to Contact Trees Are My Business? Instagram: @trees_are_my_business Facebook: @treesaremybusinessohio Website: treesaremybusiness.com Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today, we’re talking to owner and “Benevolent Dictator” of Heartwood Tree Service, Patrick George. With a passion for changing perspectives on the value of trees, their company tagline “helping trees outlive humans” backs up this passion. Based in the urban areas of Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina, they strive to educate people on the value of trees and their place in this world. With a hope to preserve and not destroy, they focus their efforts on protecting the beauty of the world we all live in. In the business for 40 years and with a revenue of a little over 5 million last year, Patrick loves the opportunities that his success has brought him. In addition, the ability that he has to go out on the daily and provide excellent tree work, something that’s more of a passion than a job to him, is something that keeps him excited and motivated. When it comes to his team, a great example of the company culture comes from the office in Asheville he opened up 4 years ago. Patrick’s key employee at the Asheville location is a person who he not only watched grow up, but whom he has also been able to watch evolve as a leader in the business. It’s relationships like this that lend to the tight-knit culture of the company. Aside from his tree skills and business success, there are, of course, always obstacles to overcome. Patrick’s personal life has been no exception. After 3 marriages, the death of his son nine years ago, and run-ins with the IRS, Patrick has truly had to lift himself up and persevere to see success happen. Now, with these lessons and moments behind him, he’s able to look forward to the future and see his daughter gearing up to take over the business, a current marriage well into its 26th year, and a pride and passion for what he does in the tree industry. Show Highlights: Heartwood Tree Service prides themselves on being able to tell you if the tree in question is preservable or a danger to the surrounding area.Heartwood's part in the process of tree preservation is what motivates them to continue doing the dangerous work that they do. Advice: Put yourself into the perspective of your client and know that you must meet their priorities, whether or not their priority is the same as yours.If you want to succeed and hit 6 figures in your business, you need to stay persistent, live in the moment, and stay aware. It’s a dangerous business, and if you don’t protect yourself, there won’t be a business to grow. Contact Heartwood Tree Care: Website: https://www.heartwoodtree.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartwoodCLT/ Instagram: @heartwoodclt Follow us on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today we’re talking to Paul Ostlund from Lacrosse Flooring. Lacrosse Flooring manufacturers red oak, white oak, walnut, and hickory hardwood flooring and produces about 55,000 sq ft of flooring per day. Originally, they were considered a “boutique” manufacturer, up until 3 years ago when they installed robotic packaging machines and a 2 million dollar scanning system. Since then, they’ve become a major flooring plant that services the midwest area, and they’ve taken foreign producers by surprise. Show Highlights: Lacrosse Flooring is heralded as one of the top flooring plants in the United States.They were considered a “boutique” manufacturer, up until 3 years ago when they installed robotic packaging machines and a 2 million dollar scanning system.Lacrosse produces 55,000 sq ft of flooring per day.They create from multiple species and are a “one-stop shop” for high quality flooring. Who They Target: Typically, they sell to distributors across the country and tend to sell heavily into the 2-step distribution model.Lacrosse markets themselves as a high-quality mill that produces high-end products for contractors. Biggest Struggles Finding employees who are dedicated and are committed to staying on for the long-term in an industry that isn’t extremely high-payingRealizing that the top 10 things that were working six months ago may not be the same 10 things that are still working Words To Grow Your Biz By... “You’re not a leader until you can produce other leaders” - Paul Ostlund Contact Lacrosse Flooring: Instagram: @lacrosseflooringWebsite: www.lacrosseflooring.comFloor Source - A hardwood flooring app. Follow Acres of Timber and our #woodpreneur network on Instagram!! @acresoftimber Want more?? Join our private Facebook Group and get access to our FREE marketing hacks course for Woodpreneurs! - CLICK HERE TO JOIN Listen to more episodes at www.acresoftimber.com @acresoftimber Read our Free Instagram Report:" Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content." Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Click HERE to schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @acresoftimber Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Originally from England and now based in Australia, Matt Lee of the Tree Fairy Arborist brings excitement and solid growth advice to this episode! Matt has spent the past two years running his own tree business and loves it. He knew he wanted to branch out on his own when he was in Australia and the opportunity presented itself. After chatting with the wife, he embarked on his own venture. Show Highlights: Matt saved over several years and also went to the bank and convinced them to help him start his business.The first year was a challenge - mainly with staffing. How do you convince someone to come work for you when you can’t guarantee a solid income? Advice: Don’t get “flashy” buy spending $$ on brand new equipment or shiny trucks when you’re first starting out - stay smart!Don’t listen to other people tell you how hard it is to run a business. They will only slow you down. Marketing: He started his IG as a way to gain staff and get them excited. It wasn’t initially for marketing reasons.Word of mouth has been huge in growing the business.Plans to scale soon - but wants it to be an organic and natural development. Check out Matt Lee on Instagram at… @thetreefairy_arborist Contact Us www.acresoftimber.com @sawmillbusiness Want more?? Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

On this week’s podcast, we’re talking with special guest, Bill Challenger - president of Cannon Bar Works. In business since 1955, the company was founded by Ernie Cannon. Mr. Cannon originally started his work by making sawchain guide bars for Brunette Machine Works. They manufactured a two-man chainsaw called a TimberHawk just after the first world war. Bill became involved with the company in 1974 as a salesman for a homelife brand of chainsaws. In 1981 he struck out on his own, providing chainsaws to the logging industry. Soon, he became Cannon’s largest customer. In the late 80’s, Ernie retired and Cannon Bar was taken over by new owners, who unfortunately struggled. However, Bill was able to buy the business. He then re-branded the line and re-established their dealer connections, growing the company exponentially. Show Highlights: Cannon Bar prides themselves on the quality of their products and it rings clear through their motto -“The best bar, bar-none”. If it’s not the best, it doesn’t leave the factory.Cannon Bar’s products lasts 3x longer than mass produced milling bars. Cannon Bar And Granberg International: Cannon Bar is the creator of double ended milling bars for use on Alaskan mills.These bars have a cult following among Granberg Alaskan Mill users. Contact Cannon Bar Instagram: @cannonbarworks www.cannonbar.com Contact Us www.acresoftimber.com @sawmillbusiness Want more?? Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today, we’re talking with Anthony from Real Antique Wood, a sawmill focused on finding reclaimed wood and telling its story. At RAW, the team focuses on salvaging reclaimed wood from old barns and buildings. Based in Irvington, North Jersey, Real Antique Wood serves varying types of clients. From homeowners looking for a reclaimed shelf to put their coffee cups on to contractors carrying out large scale renovations, Real Antique Wood doesn’t shy away from anyone and strives to provide reclaimed wood for any person or any project that needs it. Challenges At RAW: Dependable manpower - There’s simply not enough people in this day and age that are willing or capable of working with their hands in a skilled trade.Finding crews willing to travel to dismantle buildings and barns can be a feat.However, knowing how big a challenge finding a good crew is, Anthony is extremely grateful for his core team. A group of dedicated and hard-working employees are on staff at Real Antique Wood! Educating The Masses : RAW focuses on educating their customers on the labor intensive process that is involved in bringing reclaimed wood from the barn phase to becoming finished products displayed in their home.They document each piece’s journey so that their clients know the story of their specific project’s backstory. Marketing: They employ someone full-time that is constantly on “ground zero”, whether that’s in the showroom, at the barn takedowns, or on the road with the crew. This employee has a passion for the business and focuses on documenting every step of the journey so that they can upload it to social media. Contact Real Antique Wood www.realantiquewood.com Instagram @realantiquewoodmill Facebook: @realantiquewoodmill Contact Us www.acresoftimber.com @sawmillbusiness Want more?? Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today, we’re excited to be talking with Anne of All Trades! A woodworker, blacksmith, and organic farmer- Anne started creating online content centering on these topics about three years ago with the intent to go full-time as a content creator. This year, she was able to hang up her part-time hat and start working in content creation full-time! Acquiring the skills and getting started in this field began when Anne moved to Seattle seven years ago. Once settled, she set up a woodworking shop and started creating. With only $300 to spend on tools, she started buying tools on Craigslist to fill up her toolbox and within three months she had a fully functioning shop. In addition, she would frequent her local library and read anything she could get her hands on that would help her become as skilled as possible. Show Highlights: Anne would read or watch anything she could get her hands on to help educate herself on woodworking and content creation.Instead of focusing on making large quantities of product, Anne focuses on making fewer things extremely well.Ann honed her skills while working for a woodworking magazine and teaching a woodworking class at a fine arts school. Content Creation Anne started about three years ago after meeting a content creator at a woodworking convention.Skeptical at first, once Anne shifted her mindset and focused on the types of content she was creating, she was able to quit her job within 6 months.Going from the fine furniture world to the content creation realm was a huge change and adjustment. The biggest switch for Anne was mentally. By focusing on the educational side of her interests and not just herself, she was able to show the lifestyle of the brand and offer value to her followers.Anne always tries to make sure that she’s sharing the reality of the woodshop as well as tips and tricks along the way. Final Advice “Try to diversify your revenue streams and use social media platforms to do it. As a furniture builder and woodworker, you are constantly creating content. Use this content as a way to develop digital revenue streams. If you’re not on social media, get on it!” Contact “Anne of All Trades” youtu.be/[email protected] Contact Acres of Timber www.acresoftimber.com @sawmillbusiness Want more?? Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today, we’re ending 2018 with a recap of the guests we’ve spoken with over the past year as well as the changes we’ve seen within our own “Woodpreneur” community. Join us on this episode as we highlight the biggest news from the Woodpreneur community in 2018! Show Highlights: We’ve changed our podcast name from the Sawmill Business Podcast to the Woodpreneur Podcast. - A podcast focused on giving you the tools and mentorship that you need to grow your business.This year we partnered with Jennifer Alger of Urban Salvaged And Reclaimed Wood for the Urban Lumber SummitRiver tables and epoxy pours have dominated 2018The Woodpreneur Facebook Group is growing and full of great information. Contact Us www.acresoftimber.com @sawmillbusiness Want more?? Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today we’re talking with Ashley Harwood of Ashley Hardwood Woodturning. Our first ever woodturner on the podcast, Ashley started about 9 years ago shortly after going to art school for sculpture and installation art. Knowing that she wanted to create things for a living, she originally thought she would start with glass blowing. However, after taking a woodturning class with her father, she decided to dive into the wood community. She now travels all over teaching woodturning classes and creating wood-turned art! When first starting out, Ashley displayed her work at the Charleston Farmers Market. Soon, she realized that there was also quite a bit of interest from people in woodturning as a hobby. So she wisely added teaching to her repertoire of income generation and began traveling and teaching wood-turning classes throughout the U.S. Loving the ability to be her own boss, work with her hands, and being able to take something from a hunk of wood and create something unique and amazing are all of Ashley’s biggest motivators. We loved her comment that “She’s so happy with the freedom of being her own boss, she’s not even sure if she’d be able to be someone’s employee anymore!” Show Highlights: In every city, there is a local chapter for the American Organization of Wood Turners.These are non-profit clubs that ask 1-3 people to visit and teach in their city.Ashley holds classes in her own shop as well as travels all over the U.S. Marketing Efforts Ashley has 66,000 Followers on InstagramShe posts almost every day and showcases current projects that she’s working on as well as items she personally thinks are interestingIn 2012 the Charleston City Paper did a mini video documentary on Ashley and posted it to Youtube. Not thinking it would be a big deal at the time, this video now has over 2 million views. Contact Ashley Instagram: @ashleyharwoodturning Websites: http://ashleyharwood.net http://ashleyharwood.com http://turningnative.com Want more?? Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today we’re talking with Dustin and Caleb from Iron Timbers. In business for a little under two years, the idea came about when Dustin decided to start making furniture for his home. Soon, he noticed that there was a market for such handmade products and that people on Instagram were selling similar items. Approaching Caleb, who was a metal worker by trade, he asked him to start making metal bases for his pieces. Agreeing, they went into business together and things grew from there. Soon, they had 19,000 followers on Instagram, orders coming in, and long nights of work, all while still working full-time jobs. Now, with both guys working Iron Timbers full-time in less than three years, I asked them, “how did they foster this growth??” “Well,” Dustin said, “with all of the time and effort we were putting in, we just decided to go full throttle and full time.” Starting at an art show where they took home best in show, they then took their products on Instagram and Facebook, started taking custom orders, and bought an alaskan mill. With a constant flow of custom orders, they are loving what they do. It’s important to note that their decision to go full-time was not only brought on by the above avenues, but also from hard work, long hours, and the below conversation. Having had an order come in that was on more of a strict timeline, they sat down and decided they were ready to go full time and take the risk. They jumped in, the business continues to grow, and they’re not looking back. Show Highlights: Currently their initial slabs from last year are drying and they hope to offer tree to table service shortly.They post their products to Instagram at least once a day - this brings in custom orders and helped they go full-timeAt 70 years old and a woodworker, Dustin’s father runs the Alaskan Mill and helps out around the shop. Not letting his age get him down, he’s as much a part of the business as Caleb and Dustin! Contact Info Website: www.irontimbers.comInsta: @irontimbers Read our Free Instagram Report: Tools for how to turn leads into sales, grow your following, and easily create engaging content. Are you ready to scale your woodworking, flooring, or tree service business? Schedule your Free strategy session with Steve, founder of Acres of Timber DID YOU LIKE THE SHOW? iTunes SUBSCRIBE HERE! Join The Wood Entrepreneurs Networking & Mentoring Facebook Group Like us on Instagram: @sawmillbusiness Website :: Facebook :: Insta SHOW SPONSORS: Granberg International Granberg International is a US-Based, family owned and operated business, with a 60-year commitment to providing its customers worldwide with the highest quality chainsaw mill and accessories in the industry.Granberg’s completely mobile and compact Alaskan Mill makes it possible to mill your logs ANYWHERE.Creators of the alaskan mill. You can learn and read more about what other users are saying about the alaskan mill @ www.alaskanmill.com Copyright © 2018 Acres of Timber

Today we’re talking with Austin Roberts from LogOx, a company built on a highly innovative and unique product useful in all facets of the wood industry. With the slogan, “American tools for woodsmen”, the LogOx is completely manufactured in the USA and was created by Austin’s father. An engineer by trade, he spent every fall and spring in the Vermont wilderness working with wood. Looking for a way to load logs from the ground to the log splitter without hurting his back, he came up with the idea for the LogOx. Once he had a rough prototype, he took it to a local metal shop for further development. From there, he patented the product and began looking for companies that would be interested in purchasing or licensing it. Shortly thereafter, Swisher Inc. decided to work with him as a manufacturing partner. It was during this time that Austin came home from his service in the Army. Looking for the next career step to take, he started to get more fully involved in the family business. Soon, he had stopped thinking about which career path to take and was instead working 7 days a week at LogOx, where he was happily putting all of his efforts into the success and growth of the business. Soon, Austin started taking the LogOx to various product shows in several different niches. From tree service to homesteading, people were fascinated at the compact and unique nature of the product. From its log hauler component that helps grab log rounds off the ground without bending over, to the most compact and portable 38in long Cant Hook on the market, the LogOx can be disassembled and carried the same way as you would backpack. In addition, it also hosts a timberjack, something that many woodworkers and tree guys still haven’t heard about, but when they see it... get excited. Show Highlights Austin says that launching a physical product in the wood space is the same as launching a product in any market. The fundamental thing to realize is this - if you want to launch a physical product, it HAS to have massive value added.If you’re trying to break into an established industry, you’ve got to bring something to the table that truly provides value. Otherwise, it won't be successful. Granberg and the LogOx Finding himself next to Granberg International at the Bailey’s Show, Austin gave them a LogOx to take home and try out. They loved the product so much that they’ve decided to partner some of their Alaskan Mill line tools with LogOx for upcoming joint promotions. Austin’s Advice - “The key thing when it comes to building a sound business is to figure out how to separate yourself from the competition.” Check Out Their Newest Product The WoodOX Sling makes getting your wood from the woodpile easier, less backbreaking, and more efficient.The WoodOX Sling - Click Here to Check It OutYou can also check out the video below to get the full Ox Sling Experience!WoodOX Sling Demo Where you can find the LogOx? Bailey’sViking Mountain ToolsAmerican Arbor suppliesLowesAmazonTractor Supply Co.thelogox.com Contact Info @bigbluelogoxwww.thelogox.com

Today, we’re talking with Martin Goebel of Goebel and Company Furniture. First established in 2011 while the economy was just starting to turn around, it seemed like an unwise time to start a business. However, Martin and his partners were tired of working for other people, building awful products, and making little money. He decided that if he was going to make little money, he might as well make it while working for himself. Goebel and Company Furniture started with an 8 piece line consisting of items such as a dining table, coffee table, and king/queen size bed, etc.- the types of items a young couple could start their life with and have for generations. Offering quality products with a beautiful aesthetic, the reputation of the business started to grow, and in turn, so did sales. As a maker of luxury goods, Martin felt the aftershocks of the downturn in the economy as early as 2005, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he started seeing a true return on the work he had put in throughout the years. From the onset, Martin had not envisioned Goebel and Company Furniture as being a luxury brand. When he and his partners started, they were in their late 20’s, middle class, and with families. They saw themselves selling to others such as themselves. However, the clientele that gravitates to them tends to be affluent and the wealthy. It’s no wonder why, as Goebel and Company Furniture produces nothing but long-lasting, beautiful, and high-quality pieces. In addition, they also provide pieces for breweries, restaurants, hotels, etc., “Classic Small Business” as Martin calls it. Show Highlights: Goebel and Company Furniture started in 2011.At 19, Martin studied under James Krenov at the Krenov School (Originally the College of the Redwoods).Martin’s current role is that of the president and creative director.Martin also handles all of the design work and occasionally hires freelance designers when they have the need for extra hands.Martin is equally comfortable with a mouse as he is with a chainsaw, creating digital designs and turning them into luxury items.Of course, it takes a team, and the company couldn’t run without them! Contact Info @goebel_co_furniture@goebelfurniturehttps://www.goebelfurniture.com/

Today, we’re talking with Sam Finco from Big Iron Tree Works. Getting started recently, most of Sam’s business is preservation and contract work based. Starting off as a rock climber and in school for forestry education, once Sam saw an arborist in action, he knew it was the perfect career for him. So far, Sam has had great success with every client he’s worked with. He’s continuously asked back and brought on for long-term maintenance contracts. Of course, there have been bumps in the road with no-show employees and competitors who are less knowledgeable and offer lower rates. At the end of the day though, Sam knows that tree service is a luxury service and clients get what they pay for. There’s a marked difference in his quality of work and that’s what brings these clients to him. Of course, Sam also loves getting “paid to play”. The rigging and climbing aspect of tree work is his favorite part. The Certification Process Getting certified as an arborist was a bit time consuming, but not incredibly difficult. In lieu of school, Sam spent 3 years in the field, studied for a year, and then was able to take the test. While he doesn’t think the test is the best gauge on someone skill or talent, it’s a step in the right direction. Instagram and Marketing Sam's IG account links to his website and enables Sam to show potential clients exactly what it is he does. It also enables him to showcase his skills in a visual way that attracts customers. Show Highlights: Big Iron Tree Works motto? “Helping people and their trees THRIVE in Madison.”Tree Service is a “luxury expense”. Unless a tree has fallen on your house it’s not a necessity.Learning the industry from his mentors helped give him the knowledge to go the direction he wanted to in his business.Sam wants his business to focus on the preservation side of tree service, build a great team, hone in on this one thing, and be the best there is at it. Sam Finco - Contact Info @samfincohttps://www.bigirontree.com/

Today, we’re talking with Jack Maendel, the CEO of EcoPoxy. Epoxies were originally created by the military in the 50’s and 60’s by using petroleum from the oil industry. However, EcoPoxy has entirely different origins when it comes to the creation of their epoxies. As soybean farmers in Manitoba, Canada, they operate on the strong belief that anything made from petroleum can also be made from soybeans. Solid proof of this belief is in the 100% green, eco-friendly, and soybean-based EcoPoxy that they produce. Jack initially came across the EcoPoxy brand while he was looking for an eco-friendly epoxy to use on flooring that he was installing. He was surprised to find a company that claimed their epoxies came from peanut and soybean oil. After using the product and seeing how well it worked, he became a retailer and distributor for the company. As his sales began to grow, he was able to buy out the company and make it his own. During this time, he had been on the hunt for the original creator of this eco-friendly epoxy. However, after many dead ends and false leads, he decided to hire a chemist that could tell him the exact ratios of the oils. Meeting with the chemist after the samples had been taken, he was shocked to find out that the percentage of soybean oil in the epoxy was a startling 0.00%. Having been misinformed on the “recipe” was a potentially devasting blow to the business, as they had built their clientele solely on this fact. Ready to close up shop and the business, Jack met with his consultant. However, instead of agreeing with him, his consultant suggested that he hire his own chemist who could actually make a soybean-based, eco-friendly epoxy. Jack did just that and shortly thereafter, the new (and improved) line of true EcoPoxies were born. Research continues in search of the right equation to make epoxy made entirely from soybeans. In the meantime, EcoPoxy continues to use 100% sustainable and eco-friendly products in all of their EcoPoxies. Show Highlights: The true start of EcoPoxy began when Jack Maendel discovered that the epoxy he had been selling was not made with soybeans as he had been originally told.He soon hired a chemist who was able to develop the first-ever soybean-based epoxy.All of EcoPoxy’s products are 100% green and sustainable. Contact Info @ecopoxy www.exopoxy.com

Based out of Southern Alberta and going strong since 2015, Dusty Lumber Co. specializes in reclaimed wood. Doing a majority of barn demolitions themselves, they set up shop to mill, clean, and create furniture out of the reclaimed barn wood. In late 2015, they doubled their equipment and production hoping that the economy would turn around and items would start selling. As they ventured more into e-commerce, Facebook, and Instagram, their furniture sales started going through the roof. Not taking a break and pushing through, Dusty Lumber continued to grow, and the hard work and efforts paid off. Switching from his prior career to taking on Dusty Lumber full-time - Dusty considers himself a serial entrepreneur. As his kids started growing older, he knew it was time to focus on one thing entirely. Previously, he had started a scrap business, but as the price of scrap went down, he knew it was time to invest all of his drive into the wood business. His advice to go full time? “Take the jump, have faith in yourself, and put your best foot forward.” “Swallow your fear and go for it because there’s no easy, perfect way to go full-time. It’s NOT easy, and there will be sleepless nights, but you just have to go for it.” Show Highlights: Face your fear to go full-time.Circulate your product in trade shows - Do this to “Beta Test” your product. Not selling to family, but strangers that will show their honest opinion through their desire to purchase.A well-run and effective marketing campaign is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper and more effective at growing your wood business than trade and home and garden shows.Social media marketing and Facebook ad creation is the KEY to income generation. Contact Info Website: www.dustylumberco.comFacebook: facebook.com/dustylumbercoInsta: @dustylumberco

This week we’re talking with Mel Hordyk of Exotic Woods. HISTORY Exotic Woods has been a fixture in the woodworking industry since 1978. The company was started by Mel’s father when he realized the public’s desire for better quality wood. At the time there were plenty of generic designs in stores, but not really any fine wood shops. Through the years, Exotic Woods has turned their focus less on cabinet and furniture making, and more towards wood sales. Starting with a smaller 1200 ft store, they’ve grown their space to a 20,000 sq ft building with an additional 30,000 sq ft of warehouse space. Here they sell all types of fine wood, flooring materials, European finishes, hard wax finishes, reactive stains, and of course, live edge lumber. CUSTOMER SERVICE AND KNOWLEDGE Mel credits the business’s growth and longevity to Exotic Wood’s knowledge-based customer service approach. Many people can sell lumber, but a lot of the time typical sales departments don’t know exactly what they’re selling when it comes to wood types and the best way to use them. Mel also says, having extensive knowledge of the products that are being sold while continuing to learn and read up on new techniques is key. HOW THEY HANDLE THE WOOD Exotic Wood’s cuts wood to meet their client’s specific requests. At the shop they handle basic cutting, sanding, adding in cuts, or anything else that the client requests. Milling a fair amount of logs, Exotic Woods also acquires raw materials and then outsources the rest to local woodworkers in the area. OWNING SPACE Mel and his team used to dream about taking over the space that they currently occupy. Interestingly enough, It so happened that when they were on the way to put an offer in on another building, they noticed this dream property had just gone up for sale! The purchase of this building, setting it up, and getting their flow going is definitely one of the company’s biggest accomplishments. MARKETING Currently, they outsource their marketing, sales generation, event promotion, and website updates to a company. Mel credits the marketing company as a huge proponent to what brought them to where they are now. CHARITY WORK For the past twenty years, Exotic Woods has partnered with Campfire, a program that helps children in the Northern Ontario area. In addition to this, they participate in other local charity events. One such recent event that they helped put on is called “Guitar Days”. Seven years running, the idea came about from Mel’s staff and it stuck. Here they invite woodworkers to rent tables where they can set up and display their handmade guitars. In addition, they host speakers that educate the crowd on new techniques and provide all sorts of networking opportunities. With lunch served and tables going at $50 a piece, it’s a great event! Beyond the event, Exotic Woods stays involved in this niche by offering a temperature controlled room that houses guitar parts and hosts products essential to these unique makers. Hoping to apply this same model in their participation with other organizations, they’ll see what the future holds as far as other events. LINKS MENTIONED Website: exotic-woods.com/ Instagram: @exoticwoodsinc

You may have noticed that we’ve recently started using Acres of Timber as the logo on our website and in our hashtags... Well... we are officially changing the name of our podcast and Instagram account! Going forward, you can listen to our podcast titled - The Woodpreneur podcast, and check out our blog and other resources on our new website - www.acresoftimber.com! WHY CHANGE THE NAME? When he first started Sawmill Business, our host, Steve Larosiliere, ran it with the vision of serving the portable sawmill community and helping to grow awareness of that field to potential clients. Along the way, he started working with entrepreneurs (just like yourselves) and other woodworkers and business owners that didn’t actually own sawmills, but were still woodworkers, manufacturers, and people selling slabs and all types of different creations to the public. THE EXPANDING GOAL The ultimate goal is to empower the entrepreneur. However, Sawmill Business infers that we only want to help a limited audience. This is not the case, and we want to extend our reach to more types of people within the woodworking industry- not just sawmill owners, but tree service workers, hardwood flooring experts, and the like. With a strong desire to connect more people with the Urban Lumber Network, we hope to unite woodworkers with salvaged and reclaimed wood products. Branching both of these aspects together, The Urban Lumber Network and People who make money in the wood industry, we see a future full of sustainability and impact. SO, WHAT’S NEXT? As things progress at Acres of Timber, we plan on bringing you relevant resources and pertinent information that can help grow your business. By providing you with the tools and training that you need to scale, we hope to help you grow your business to six figures and beyond. If you haven’t joined our mailing list, you should! Go to www.acresoftimber.com to sign up!

On this podcast - we’re back with more Q&A! This week - we’re answering these questions... How important is a website? I have no idea how to create a website. Where do I start and what’s the most affordable? A few years ago, it seemed that having a website was the be all - end all and the only thing that anyone ever talked about. Then, over the past few years, people have started opting out of a website and instead relying solely on Instagram, Facebook, and email. So, is a website really necessary? Total honesty... YES. You absolutely need a website! Really, what you need is a way to collect leads. Websites are important for blogs, galleries, and sales - and you can still link it to your Instagram and Facebook as well. Google, the current alpha of the web, tracks and ranks websites. You can draw in a ton of traffic and leads JUST from search engines directing people to your site. This is something that you simply can’t do with social media alone. Another thing to remember, if you put all your eggs in the Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter basket - you are setting yourself up for failure. Algorithms change, platforms change, and audiences change. What’s popular today in the social media world, may be completely irrelevant by this time next year. Grow that email list! One of the most important keys to business growth is building your email list and connecting it with your website. These leads are people you do business with, people you want to do business with, and people that want to do business with you. I can’t stress this enough - COLLECT EMAILS!! You can do this by creating opt-ins, using Click Funnels, and putting a sign-up form on your website. Additionally, make sure that you are asking all of your clients or potential clients for their email addresses as well. So, I know it sounds scary, but building a website is NOT as complicated as it seems. There are easy to use and intuitive programs that can help you get your site up and running (for about $20.00 a month) within 48 hours. To sum everything up- Collect Emails Build a website (Or have us build one for you) Create “lead magnets” to gain more emails You got this!

As i’m in the middle of a transition and re-brand of the Sawmill Business, I’ve been asking our audience a lot of questions. Why? Because I want to know what you’re thinking, feeling, and doing in your businesses so that I can identify your problems and challenges and in turn, help you grow your business. As you may recall, the Sawmill Business Podcast started because of my involvement with my father-in-law’s wood biz, Crosscut Lumber. Over the years that I’ve been a part of his family, I’ve helped him grow his business, and he’s let me pick his brain. I’ve seen what it takes to grow a wood business, and I want to help you. Today’s question comes from a member of our audience, and it’s a good one... Q. I’ve started my wood related business, and I have a few clients. However, I want to continue growing my client base while increasing my social media following. How do I do this? A. Here’s the thing, you shouldn’t do these two things separately. They go hand in hand and should be done at the same time for optimal results. When it comes to social media, documenting all of your work is king- the work you create, the business conversations you have, the wood you cut, all of it! Remember - The way to grow your social media following is by showcasing your work and your brand. For example, if you’re a sawyer and you’re in the middle of a milling job, set up a tripod and record yourself working! Or, if your customer is there, ask them to take a picture! Did you cut some massive slabs recently? Take a picture and post it! Again and again, you’ll hear me say this - “You HAVE to get in front of the camera sometimes!” In order to build your brand and your client base, people need to see who you are and what you do. The more often you put value, content, and goodwill into the marketplace, the more people will tend to think of you the next time they need your services. It’s unfortunate, but in this day and age, good work is simply not enough to grow a business. To truly gain traction and a constant stream of inbound leads, you have to focus on networking and growing your social media following. How else can I grow my client base? When you’re thinking about how to grow your client base, think to yourself - Who are the types of people that you would consider your ideal customers? Ask yourself - Who are your past customers?Who did you like working for?Who else have you done work with? Once you’ve answered these questions, make a profile of the answers. What age do your clients tend to be?Gender?What type of car do they drive?What type of lifestyle mindset do they have? If you’re not happy with the answers, remember this - “The types of customers that you're attracting are being attracted to the type of business brand that you personify.” Another Key Is To Utilize Past Clients. If you’ve done good work and your client was satisfied, ask them these questions - How was it working with me?Would you mind giving me a testimonial?When you ask for a testimonial, ideally you want it on video. One of the smartest and simplest things that you can do for your wood business is to build a community around your current client base. Add value to their life by becoming a part of it! Summer BBQ’s, fall bonfires, restaurant dinners, and sports-related gatherings are just some of the ways in which you can network, while becoming a community pillar at the same time. The idea is, if they're thinking about you, they're more likely to talk about you!

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED Today, we're talking to Steve Timmermans from EverWoods Designs. Starting part-time in early 2000, Steve decided to acquire his own logs for lumber at the same time that live edge was making a comeback. As a former biologist, with a background in ecology, he transitioned from this profession into the woodworking career by gradually building his business over the past 13 years. Steve started sawing slabs back in 2002, and in 2014 he decided to go full-time with his business, EverWoods. Starting with a staff of two additional employees to help build the business, they were off to a great start. In the beginning, they were milling mainly for their own supplies. It came naturally for them to source their own logs and this kept them pretty busy. Staying primarily on site, they were able to saw enough logs to sustain their own sales and furniture division. ESSENTIAL TOOLS The first piece of equipment that Steve bought was a Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill. Using a double ended bar with a Makita 70cc on each end, he then synchronized the throttle on those by using a hand throttle and was able to get even rpms that way. Using the Granberg, a Woodmizer, and their Nile kilns, storage to protect these valuable tools became essential. In the beginning, they were fortunate enough to have a large pole barn that they used as their warehouse. As the business grew, they added to their space by erecting buildings known as "hoop houses" for further storage. They now have about 200 linear ft of hoop houses covering some of their inventory and increasing their expansion ability. TRANSITIONING TO FULL TIME Since the business has been developing gradually, the transition to a full-time focus on the business happened very organically and without much of a conscious decision. Keeping an eye on the markets and following the business trends in the industry, Steve kept at his work until it became a financially sustainable business. He also found it helpful that he continued to hold onto side-jobs that provided partial income while the business grew, in addition to his wife working full-time in her career. THE SHOWROOM Depending on the time of year, EverWoods Design has between 3-8 employees. Recently, in March of this year, they added a showroom to their business. The 7500 sqft showroom is located in St. Thomas and it's a sight to behold! This expansion has brought in quite a bit of exposure and interested clients, as well as beautiful Instagram posts! Located about 15-20 minutes from their milling site, it's not too bad of a drive either. FUTURE PLANS AND CURRENT CHALLENGES Steve hopes to develop things further so that they have a smoother business flow that enables them to better serve the furniture and slab industry. As far as personal desires, EverWoods is hoping for increasing autonomy to use their own creativity with products and create one of a kind items. The kind of items that help "drive the ship" and define a business. Of course, they are still always interested in taking on their client's custom requests! CURRENT CHALLENGES The number one challenge at EverWoods Design right now is making choices about the future. Steve says that It really comes down to deciding where one wants the business to go. With this thought, he notes that sticking to a business plan, deciding if you want to go bigger or stay small, and looking at the future while planning for the day is sometimes tough. However, the company is looking forward to what the future has in store! Links Mentioned Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EverWoods_designs/ Website:http://www.EverWoods.ca/

On this episode, we’re talking to James Vann of Summerhill Woodwork. Based in the south east of England, James diversifies his business by utilizing his wood skills in several areas. When he’s not running his sawmill, he also does tree and forestry work. HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED When he was fourteen, James started selling firewood as a side job. With a carpenter for a father, James was also brought up around woodworking and using the tools in his dad’s workshop. While selling the firewood, James kept coming across pretty pieces of wood that he started picking out for projects. This is where his passion was cultivated. As he grew up, James knew that he wanted to be an entrepreneur and run his own business, free from working for other people. At first, he would underbid and take on projects that he wasn’t sure if he could do. However, the work he did was so well-done that the customers asked him back for more. Things took off from there! GROWING HIS SKILLSET Since learning new techniques and evolving in his style, James has had a website created where he showcases his handmade furniture. Included in this online portfolio are some of his favorite pieces to work with, large dining room tables! LOVING HIS CHAINSAW MILL In the beginning, James started with a smaller sized Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill, as he started growing his client base he upgraded to a larger version. Even still, whenever slabbing, he prefers to continue using his Granberg. LOVING THE WORK One of his favorite aspects of his business is the variety of work that he does. Combining woodworking projects, sawmilling, and other forestry work keeps him busy and not bored. GROWING A FULL-TIME SAWMILL BUSINESS Looking through Instagram to stay inspired and up to date with what other people in the industry are doing, James keeps himself well taught and current by networking with other woodworkers on the platform and getting their opinions on equipment and materials. What's his advice to others hoping to grow their business into a full-time gig? Be Patient, do good work to the best of your ability, build a reputable reputation, and grow your portfolio by being flexible with your rates and taking on jobs that showcase your talents! LINKS Instagram: @james.270 Website: www.summerhill-woodwork.com

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED. Today, we’re talking with Bryce Mann of Wolfbear Wood Designs. About two years ago, Bryce started as a woodworking hobbyist. As he started piecing small projects together and began to learn more about the work, he soon felt confident enough to start selling. DEVELOPING AND MARKETING THE BUSINESS. The main marketing mediums that Bryce uses are social media and word of mouth. So far, Wolf Bear has gained enough traction to start started selling in a local store! FAVORITE ASPECTS OF THE BUSINESS Bryce loves the learning aspect of the work. Looking at what he’s learned and how far he’s come, inspires him to keep creating and growing. Without a business background, Bryce is working on expanding his marketing skills and business skills. CURRENT PROJECTS Recently, Bryce has been working with live-edge products. Specifically, a computer desk that was originally supposed to be a coffee table! Excited to make things that he never has before, his excitement about this challenge is high! SOURCING THE WOOD Bryce worked in the Forestry Department for over ten years. Having a good relationship with the local forest management company, they gave him a letter of permission to mill any non-merch logs. With this, he’s able to source all of his wood locally. Using his Granberg Alaskan Chainsaw Mill, Bryce goes out, cuts the wood, and brings it home. Loving his mill, Bryce says the portability of it is very helpful in his work. FUTURE PLANS Before the end of the year, Bryce hopes to have a website up and running and to make this business his full-time job. Looking to push his boundaries and testing himself, Bryce hopes to move on to some more challenging projects and continue getting his name out there. LINKS MENTIONED Instagram: @wolfbearwooddesigns Email: [email protected]

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED Located in North Central, New Jersey, Scott started Nature’s Fell with his stepbrother, Bob Snyder. With a background as a professional chef, Scott spent years in the foodservice industry. After Hurricane Sandy hit and wiped out the restaurant where he worked, Scott bought a sawmill, learned how to use it, and grew his hobby into a business. Back in 2012, with the hurricane destruction providing plenty of lumber, there was a huge learning curve on Scott’s end when it came to using the sawmill. Over the span of 6 months, they milled enough lumber that they needed a place to store it. After acquiring a storage space, equipment such as a kiln and other milling materials started filling out the shop. GROWING THE BUSINESS For the last four years, Nature’s Fell has been working on tapping into the demand for slabs and unique pieces. Using word of mouth, Instagram, and other forms of social media they’ve grown the business quite a bit. Along with being a sawmill business, Nature’s Fell also creates custom furniture such as wooden barn-style doors and other interesting items. When asked if he felt like his handle on the profession was solid, he responded with “ Woodwork is two parts knowledge and skill, and one part fixing your mistakes!” CUSTOMER BASE The company sees a wide range of customer personalities such as residential, corporate locations, bulk sales, and individual furniture designs. Nature’s Fell prides themselves on the sustainability and uniqueness of their products. FUTURE PLANS Currently, they’re focusing on growing the business through social media, their webpage, and Google Adwords. Since starting the campaign the phone has started to ring even more, which is a good thing during the slower summer months. Also, they are currently fine-tuning their focus into live edge products and flooring. CURRENT CHALLENGES With the current challenge being that Scott is the only operations employee, he struggles to find the right labor workers to help him with the loading and distribution of the logs. Hopefully, this will work itself out and he can stop pulling his marketing guru out of the office to help! LINKS MENTIONED Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturesfell/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturesfell/ Website: https://naturesfell.com

How He Got His Start Today, we’re talking to Justin Pruitt of Knock on Wood Custom. Justin came into the ownership of Knock on Wood by happenstance. It was four years ago that he met with an older gentleman to help him with some sawing work. It was at this moment that he fell in love with the work. Seeing the light in his eyes, the older man (and original owner) invited him back and started training him on the milling process. After some serious health issues came up for the man, he gave Justin the reins and lead in the business. Passion For The Business Justin started his career in construction, but running Knock on Wood is his true passion. From the customers to the work itself, he loves everything about it, especially the “organically unique” projects that they do. These are projects that can’t be reproduced because each and every slab is unique. Knowing this, Justin doesn’t look at other woodworkers and think of them as competition. He sees them as fellow craftsmen making their own unique projects. Initially located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Justin got the business name out there by piggybacking off of his mentor’s great reputation and large client base. The business continued to grow when he branded Knock on Wood, and he started grinding even harder to produce beautiful materials. The Customer Base With a client base consisting largely of people who have been introduced to live edge wood through Pinterest and other media outlets, Justin tries to showcase their failures and their successes. He wants people to understand how the products actually develop. Continuing to educate their clients that places like Lowes and Home Depot won’t carry the same array of products that they do has been essential in getting the word out about the business. Future Plans Currently, they’re in the process of opening an online market for the purchasing of slabs. He’s hoping to put himself out there as the business that offers reasonably priced slabs that people can afford. Links Mentioned Instagram: @knockonwoodcustom Facebook: www.facebook.com/knockonwoodcustom

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED Today we’re talking with Michael Veneziano from Ponderosa Millworks! They are located in Oakland, right across the bay from San Francisco. At seventeen, Michael was busy landscaping when a tree service worker came up to him and asked for his help “wrangling” some trees. The worker turned out to be from Ponderosa Tree Service, and in 1991, Michael bought the company. After 35 years in the tree service, Michael retired last year. PONDEROSA MILLWORKS When he sold his tree service last year, he left a clause in the contract that he would continue to receive all of the logs. With an endless supply of slabs, Michael finds his niche in this area. Coming in faster than he can mill and sell, he mostly sells slabs in his showroom, showcasing hundreds of slabs all on display. Architects and designers bring in their client to peruse and purchase the wood. PARK COMMISSIONER EXPERIENCE For many years, Michael also worked a volunteer position as a park commissioner. In this position, he was able to involve himself in community projects like gardening, tree service, and mentoring youth. As part of his work as the park commissioner, he was able to help create policies that changed the way that trees are maintained, not just clearing them in ways that lead to problems in the long-run. FINDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TREE SERVICE AND MILLING Michael sees tree service and sawmilling as industries that go hand in hand. Throughout most of his tree service years, he didn’t see much of a connection aside from saving money until the person that he was selling the logs to retired and asked him if he wanted to run his sawmill. After working the mill, Michael wished he had been doing it for much longer. This is where and when he finally realized the connection. His tree service experience helped him to know exactly how he should cut and handle trees in a way that would preserve them and allow them to be milled. CUSTOMERS In the beginning it was mostly weekend warriors coming in- people with varying levels of experience. Now though, it’s evolving into architects and designers bringing in their clients to select their own wood. With six full-time employees at the sawmill, they stay busy. CHALLENGES Going from the tree service to running a sawmill, Michael finds the ebb and flow of the business sometimes hard to grapple with. Keeping the right amount of employees on staff during the right season can be difficult. Mostly though, he finds the questions from customers to be the most challenging! Maintaining his customer service positivity and not growing tired of explaining the cost of slabs and how they are measured can be a test! ADVICE If you’re looking to make the switch from Tree Service to Milling, it’s an amazing career transition. However, you need to have the ability to bridge the financial gap. There is a sizable investment to drying slabs, so it takes time and money to get started. Also, make sure that you do your homework and that there’s not another business in your area already taking up the oxygen. Additionally, look inwardly. Is customer service something that you’re interested in? Many sawyers love working with the wood but hate selling it. Make sure sales is something that you’re ready to be heavily involved in. LINKS MENTIONED Instagram: @ponderosamillworks Website: ponderosamillworks.com

Background Starting off as a hobby, Jake Latvala started making coffee tables. As his products started to sell, he would invest the profits into new tools or equipment he needed. Jake liked what he was doing so much that he invested in a sawmill as well. Realizing that he wanted to make a career out of his passion, he started taking all of the bonuses that he would get from his full-time job (of 20 years!), paid everything off, and started working full time for his company, Ol’ Loggin Sawmill, with barely any overhead. Getting his name out there After putting his first ad on Craigslist, Jake sold out of everything he had made in less than 15 minutes. On the wave of this momentum, one thing led to another and soon, out of necessity, he was buying a forklift, truck, and a pole barn! Once Jake posted an ad on Facebook and started utilizing social media, everything really exploded. Besides social media, Jake explains that word of mouth is huge for him, as well as business cards! Initially, he assumed business cards were a thing of the past, but having a significant amount of older clientele who don’t use social media, the cards come in handy, and he uses them often. Sourcing the wood Jake gets logs from a few different sources. He has a small business logger that will clear land and then bring the logs to Jake. He also works with Tree Service Companies who would have otherwise taken the logs to a landfill. Instead, they now take them to Jake. Future of Old Logging Saw Mill Growing quickly, his company now has two mills and a lumberyard. Currently, Jake is getting ready to build a 60x60 shop. Additionally, the company now has onsite Maple, Oak, Cherry, and Walnut with the plan to keep expanding their selection so that they will have something for everyone. Links Mentioned Instagram: @ol_loggin_sawmill Facebook: @fatherssonsawmill

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED Now a family business, Big Beaver Co. started out as a hobby. Owner, Jay Butler was tired of paying big money for the same items that he was passionate about creating himself. Jay started this business with his family. His brother is his Arborist and co-worker and while leaning on family and friends, Jay hasn’t been let down. INCOME GENERATION From a hobby to a business about a year ago, Jay is 100% self-taught. Specializing in live edge milling, He takes Urban Lumber destined for the chipper and turns it into something beautiful. From start to finish, he’s involved. He knows the wood, cuts it, and puts it in the kiln. Jay started out milling for other people and soon realized that it was much more profitable to mill for himself. Jay figured this out by breaking metal on other people’s logs and losing a day’s profit on logs for other people. Realizing that it made more sense to keep the profits, he began mill for himself. Currently, Big Beaver Co. is linked up to sawmills on the West Coast, a place where hardwoods are hard to come by. Doing 30 to 40 slab orders once a month pays the bills and enables him and his family to sustain their current lifestyle. On the other side of the coin, they also coach mom and pop stores on selling their wood products. Jay says that taking the time to get a feel for the customer's specific needs and directing them down the right avenue helps everyone to leave the sale happy. WHY HE DOES IT Explaining that he’s not destroying trees, but instead removing ones that are about to die and turning them into pieces that can be handed down generation to generation. Jay says, “You let the wood do what it wants to do, don’t rush the work, and work with the wood. It’s a beautiful thing.” Loving what he does, Jay’s decision to pursue milling is a choice that he doesn't regret. At the end of the day, It’s what he truly loves and is passionate about. BUSINESS ADVICE If you do good by one person, they’ll tell people and then those people will come to see you. Be a person that people like and trust and your business will grow. A month ago, an order for 55,000 boards was placed (that’s about 150 dump trucks worth of lumber a year!) A million dollar order in their first year of business... However, Jay and his family aren’t in this for the money, it’s for the enjoyment that comes from doing work that they’re passionate about. Knowing that this order would take over their schedule and lives, they passed on it for the opportunity to maintain their current lifestyle. One in which they spend time with their family and continue living a quiet and content life. Influencers In his area, all of the people in the sawmill industry meet after work for beers and to hang out together. His relationship with his other competitors is more of a brotherhood and he loves it. It’s a tight-knit community and he’s humbled to be a part of it. LINKS MENTIONED Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/big_beaver_milling_co/ Facebook - www.facebook.com/bigbeavermilling

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED. Today we’re talking with Stephen Beaulac of SB Design Co. Stephen has always been interested in building things with wood and loves spending hours in his shop creating. Planning to retire from his day job in November, he plans on pursuing his woodworking business full time. Stephen says that the look on someone’s face when they see something that he’s created is one of the things that truly inspires him to continue doing what he does. DEVELOPING AND MARKETING THE BUSINESS. So far, all of SB Design Co. clients have come by word of mouth. Even without a website, he’s still been able to sustain his business by selling direct and having a stand at large craft shows. Stephen uses chainsaws and sanding when he sources his wood. Stephen finds the reclaimed wood that he uses through ads and by following leads. FUTURE PLANS. SB Designs is going to grow! Beaulac says he plans on setting up his website, developing his sales team, and using good old-fashioned cold calling. Stephen can’t wait to see what he can do in his future clients’ homes with reclaimed wood and the pieces he’s made. His plans are to continue growing his business to the point where he can hire several employees and move into a larger shop. ADVICE. Stephen says not to let yourself be intimidated by other people’s work. Instead, enjoy it. There’s so much out there, and it’s all beautiful and inspiring. LINKS MENTIONED Instagram Facebook [email protected]

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED. Today, we have Dan Pottage of Pottage Sawmill. Dan started out as a landscaper, but being based in Alberta, Canada the cold wouldn’t allow him to do landscaping as much as he wanted. Instead, he took classes and started working in tree removal. Starting with the Grandberg mill, he began milling and drying the slabs in less than a month’s time. DEVELOPING AND MARKETING THE BUSINESS. Currently, he’s milling, drying, and selling slabs. Still keeping the Grasberg mill, Dan also set up a dehumidification kiln to dry his slabs faster as compared to air drying. Even though the business still young, Dan’s use of Instagram and Facebook has helped to grow his business and connect him with other people in the industry. FUTURE PLANS. Through social media, Dan has found amazing people that he plans to connect and work with. He also will continue doing more slab work as well as making tables. ADVICE. He advises people interested in the business to set up a dehumidification kiln because of its major benefits. LINKS MENTIONED Facebook: Pottage Sawmill Website: Pottagesawmill.com Instagram: @pottagesawmill Email: [email protected]

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED Today, we have Danielle of Sail Cargo. She started out as a tall ship sailor, then later came up with an idea to build a full wood cargo-only sailing vessel. This was an inspiration from another vessel she experienced in which she loved their concept and mission. She went ahead and started the project. The vessel is one of its kind, coming in at 150 ft. Danielle's vision is to nurture traditional woodwork skills in the timber industry, while at the same time conserving the forest. CHALLENGES OF RUNNING THE PROJECT The project has been pretty smooth sailing for Danielle and her team. Her only issue is getting people to understand the concept of the project since it’s a people funded project. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUSINESS One of Danielle’s exciting moments was when she got large amounts of a Del Monte hardwood. This was perfect for building the core part of the ship, but most importantly, it was a great way to help Hurricane Otto victims by purchasing the wood from that area. She also has people who ask her to clear trees in large pieces of land for them, and in turn keep the wood she gets from them, which she appreciates. IMPORTANCE OF THE BUSINESS Danielle, who is passionate about keeping traditional skills alive in the timber industry, also wants to create awareness of the damage the shipping industry is doing. In an effort to do this she shows the value of practicing sustainable forestry as well as offering emission-free shipping services, in which 10% of the profit goes to support ecological practices, namely deforestation. LINKS MENTIONED Website: sailcargo.org Email:[email protected]

HOW THE BUSINESS STARTED Still working a day job, Jarrod Rodgers considers himself an “extreme hobbyist”. Completely self-taught, Jarrod deals in woodworking, commision work, and also chainsaw milling. Chainsaw milling was something that Jarrod stumbled into almost by accident. When asked by a client for a “live edge” coffee table, Jarrod made his way to the local slab supplier. When they couldn’t meet the slab needs for the project, Jarrod decided to start producing his own. A miller was born. INCOME GENERATION & WOOD SOURCING With a day job, Jarrod has to manage his time extremely well and limit the side projects that he takes on. Aside from this constant balancing act, living in a “tree desert” also creates more hurdles for Jarrod. It’s only through time spent on scouting areas, working with local tree services and wood shops, social media, and continuous networking with other millers, that he is able to source the wood that he needs to continue producing. THE VIRAL VIDEO Jarrod also has one of the highest viewed chainsaw milling clips online. Turns out, it was a video he almost didn’t make. After debating to himself, he decided to go ahead and film it. As the video posted to Youtube, he thought about what great exposure it would be if he could at least get 10,000 or so views. However, after his 30-second video went viral (15,000,000 views), Jarrod was left speechless. Not only did this video open business avenues for Jarrod, it’s also been key in creating awareness and interest in the chainsaw milling world. People now come to Jarrod on his Youtube channel to ask different questions about milling products and techniques, to which Jarrod happily responds, sometimes even telling the stories behind the products he’s created. FUTURE PLANS Future plans include growing his Youtube channel and Instagram while expanding his business. He also hopes to expand his storage space as he’s currently running out of room! Jarrod also plans to continue using Youtube as a means to answer questions people have about the work he does and the products he uses. Using social media as a way to connect with people, while also giving them a glimpse into the milling world, is something that he enjoys and hopes to continue. LINKS MENTIONED Instagram- @secondlifedesign https://www.youtube.com/user/renchbender83