Sawmill Business Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We've had what, three three major transitions in the business now. It's almost like I've had three separate businesses because, you know, we're doing woodworking. I tried to transition to concrete, almost specifically, I pushed on that pretty hard for a little bit.” -Chris Roth Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Chris Roth from Areté Wood & Concrete. Chris shares the origins of his business, which started as a furniture company around 2015. He talks about the transition from a hobbyist pursuing woodworking to a professional craftsman, emphasizing the initial focus on furniture. In the last three years, Chris explains, Areté Wood & Concrete has shifted its primary focus to cabinetry. He reveals the reason behind the inclusion of "concrete" in the name, highlighting the experimentation with concrete in furniture but ultimately steering away due to practical challenges. Chris reflects on the heaviness and difficulty of wo

“All these coatings that are out there in the marketplace have been bought,most finishers don't understand what they're playing with. Yeah. If they did, they would be able to make it mostly by themselves.” -Robert Chickey Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by  Robert Chickey from Bespoke Finish. Bespoke Furniture Finishes, as the name suggests, provides bespoke, or custom, finishing solutions for our customers. We excel in two main areas: creating formulas and processes for vendors struggling with specific colors and offering on-site finishing services for clients seeking an extraordinary touch. Additionally, we've introduced a revolutionary product called Liquid Metal Spray, which adds a unique flair to our offerings. I was in the painting industry for two decades, primarily working on historical woodwork. The challenge arose when working on older woodwork and seamlessly blending new additions. Conventional products didn't cut it

“We want to do your kitchen and pantry and mudroom and all that. We want to be your one stop shop. And I feel like that's a great need for people who don't want to deal with 1012 contractors in their home at once. “ -Ty Hardy Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Ty Hardy from AG Designs, Ty is the shop manager at AG Designs, a custom woodworking shop that has been crafting stunning pieces for over five years. We delve into the world of AG Designs, a company that stands by the philosophy: if it involves wood, they can create it for you. From bespoke furniture pieces to full millwork, kitchen cabinetry, closets, vanities, and everything in between, AG Designs has mastered the art of custom woodworking. As Ty shares the company's origin story, we learn that it all began with the owner, a former firefighter, who stumbled upon the beauty of reclaimed materials while taking down barns. This passion for repurposing wood evolved into a bus

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “I worked in high end cabinetry for a really long time. And like, so I was very much in that niche, though, like, I enjoy it. And the other side of it, I also enjoy design. So that kind of made sense for me to pivot in that direction.” -Kevin Fassnacht Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Kevin Fassnacht from Fine Point Cabinetry. From the hands-on creation of high-end custom cabinetry to the strategic shift towards kitchen design, Kevin shares the trials, triumphs, and the unique path that has shaped Fine Point into the success it is today. In the heart of the conversation, Kevin reflects on Fine Point's humble beginnings, spanning seven years of hard work and dedication. The early years were marked by long hours, minimal rewards, and the sheer love for the craft. Kevin's commitment to his woodworking roots led him

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “We've had quite a few of those project, you'd be surprised. Yeah, we develop client relations through that. So that's probably one of the big ones another big one would be quality so you can be making drawer boxes, you can be making shelves just make the best ones you can” -Bob Gild Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Bob Guild from Craftworks USA, a commercial architectural woodworking outfit based in the Pittsburgh area. We provide nationwide services, specializing in crafting custom pieces for various projects, including reception desks and more. I initially studied product design, but I found my way into custom furniture design and high-end built-ins after graduation. From there, I ventured into commercial drafting and estimating. Craft Works USA became the perfect fit for me, allowing me to explore both the des

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “ I loved seeing the end product. Everything was always every job was new, every challenge was new. It just keeps you going, you know, and one day I get to that spot where we can be so good. “ -Nick Peragine Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Nick Peragine from PeragineMillwork, a high-end millwork company based in the Hamptons of New York. Join us as we explore Nick's story, his business strategies, and the challenges he faced in the woodworking industry. Nick shares his journey into the woodworking industry, starting from working in a tool store to eventually founding Paragenie Millwork. The challenges of breaking into the high-end millwork market and the company's focus on custom veneer work, inset cabinetry, and high-end finishes. Listen now and get the whole story! “I must have been 17 or 16 years old. An

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “ First was obviously very intimidating, the whole idea of just jumping into something, knowing exactly how to do it. Kind of just really taught him to stretch himself, abilities, and really, ultimately, take risks and critically think through problems. So that's how it really began. “ -Jacob Reinbold Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jacob Reinbold from Reinbold inc, In this episode, we dive deep into Jacob's journey, discussing how he started his business, the challenges he faced, and the principles that guided him to success. Join us as Jacob shares insights into his company's approach to woodwork, his team's growth, and the legacy he envisions for Reinbold, Inc. Reinbold, Inc. Specializes in renovation and tailored woodwork. The core of our work revolves around woodcraft, emphasizing customer satisfaction and

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “There's so many parts of the puzzle. But now we got the it's kind of two different aspects of this business at this point with the milling the mill and the shop work. “ -Evan Haxo Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Evan Haxo from Hexo Design & Fabrication, a small millwork custom shop in Northwest Connecticut. Join us as we delve into Evan's journey, the intricacies of his craft, and the unique challenges of running a woodworking business. Evan takes us on a journey from his childhood, growing up around his father's millwork business, to his involvement in installs from a young age. He shares how his passion for working with his hands and the influence of his father led him to establish Haxo LLC in 2017. Listen now and get the whole story! “ it's so much easier to make something when there's not a spec

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “I started with a local Door Company. And that's where I started learning the trade. Worked in the shop at that company for five years, worked in sales for five years, got to learn all sides of the business. “ -Jesse Schmitt Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jesse Schmitt from Premier Custom Millwork, a prominent hardwood custom door manufacturer catering to the luxury market. In this episode, Jesse shares the remarkable journey of his business, offering insights into its origins, challenges, and triumphs. The story begins in high school, where Jesse participated in a BOCES program, gaining hands-on experience in building trades. His journey continued with an internship at a local door company, marking the start of his immersion in the world of custom millwork. Having worked in both the shop and sales for a tota

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “ I've always been drawn to mid century and then, you know, as people have contacted me, you know, it's I try to skew my designs towards a more mid more minimalist or more mid century style. “ -Aaron Matheson Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Aaron Matheson from Matheson Woodwork. Aaron's journey into woodworking started with a personal touch. Having bought a house, he decided to create custom furniture instead of purchasing ready-made pieces. This initial spark led to the establishment of Matheson Woodwork. Aaron's background in art and photography, coupled with his hands-on experience working with his father, a stonemason, contributed to his inclination towards craftsmanship. The decision to transition from a full-time job to full-time woodworking is often a significant step. Aaron shares his story of taking the p

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “I was nine and Isaac was seven, I think, around when our dad started the company. Yeah, I feel like so we would kind of help doing pretty much anything, you know, being a small shop, his projects would spike and didn't go to nothing. So we did marketing campaigns. So we drove around in a minivan and they would say, "Go put these little cards in people's mailboxes.” -Issac & Asher Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Issac & Asher from Hardwood Creations, a custom cabinet manufacturer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Isaac and Asher share the inspiring story of Hardwood Creations' inception, tracing back to their father's modest one-man shop in the shed of their backyard. The brothers recount their unconventional introduction to the business, with childhood experiences that involved marketing campaigns, fin

Access our training - $200K and 300 Leads in 15 Days for Woodpreneurs here: https://go.buildergrowth.io/optin-wms “A continuous growing pain is that you're always evolving your approach. I mean, as you gain yours and age and gain years and experience, you constantly have a new perspective on how to properly manage the process” -Yossi Woodworx Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Yossi and Jesse from Yossi Woodworx. Their focus at Yossi Woodworks is on high-end specialty work. They run a substantial operation with 35 to 40 workers, emphasizing custom projects such as kitchens, closets, libraries, tables, and various millwork. They work with an array of materials, including wood, metal, glass, laminates, and more. Our specialty lies in building close relationships with designers and clients, ensuring our projects are not just functional but also aesthetically remarkable. By the age of nine, I was already delving into millwork, f