The Laser Lounge Podcast at Pate Ranch

Welcome back to the show, everybody! Today, we are pulling back the curtain on a technology that completely bridges the gap between standard customization and ultra-premium, high-dollar craftsmanship. We are hanging out live in the shop today with Brandon from IKONICS Imaging. We're breaking down the actual business of sandcarving. Who's buying it, how shops are making real money with it, and what...

In this episode of The Laser Lounge, we’re talking about friction — the hidden inefficiencies, waste, confusion, and unnecessary steps that quietly cost your small business time, money, energy, and customers. I’ll share a quick update on what’s new with Pate Ranch, lessons learned from running a growing maker business, and best practices that can help add value to your own shop. Then we’ll dig int...

Sales are not dead, but the customer is changing. In this episode, James and I are talking about the K-shaped economy and what it means for makers, small shops, and creative business owners trying to sell right now. Some buyers are still spending. Some buyers are tightening up hard. And that means the “mushy middle” is getting harder to survive in. If your products are not clearly positioned as pr...

James is back from Houston to kick off 2026 with some "real talk." We start by pulling back the curtain on our own 2025. What worked, what broke, and the numbers behind our business. Then, we dive into the "K-Shaped Economy." The middle class "impulse buy" is disappearing, and the gap between survival and luxury is getting wider. If you sell handmade goods, this isn't just theory, it's your new op...

In this episode, I sit down with Alison Todd from GS2 Awards for an inside look at their award-making business, the story behind it, and how they bring recognition to life through custom designs. We also discuss their role as a wholesale blanks supplier, the educational classes they offer for makers, and their position as official distributors for Trotec Laser USA and IkonicsImaging. https://gs2aw...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Maker/Laser Business Plan Template—section by section—and showing you how to actually use it to shape your business, not just fill in the blanks. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure about your next move, this is your roadmap. No expensive course. Just a clear, tactical breakdown of the plan every maker needs—especially if you want to stop spinni...

Today we’re digging into a conversation that every maker, laser owner, and creative entrepreneur needs to hear — the difference between a scrappy side hustle and a real-deal small business. I’m your host, Alisha Pate, and James is here with me at the ranch as we break down the mindsets, the money, the misconceptions, and the messy middle of it all. Is personalizing a blank really worth what we cha...

Thinking about leveling up your shop with a big-ticket item like a UV printer? In this episode, I break down how I decided to pull the trigger on a major equipment upgrade—and what you need to consider before you do the same. From crunching the numbers to sizing up demand, we’ll explore the must-knows for making smart, regret-free investments in your business. Tune in for real talk from the shop f...

Welcome back to The Laser Lounge at Pate Ranch, the podcast where we talk all things laser engraving, making, and running a successful business in the maker world. I’m your host, Alisha Pate, and today we’re diving into a topic that can make or break your business—opportunity cost. Every decision you make in your shop—whether it’s taking on a new custom order, buying a new machine, or spending tim...

"Welcome to today's episode of The Laser Lounge Podcast! I'm thrilled to have a special guest joining us — Jeff Stockton, an expert in the art of firearm engraving. With years of experience, Jeff has mastered the craft of transforming firearms into true works of art, blending precision, creativity, and tradition in every piece he engraves. Today, we'll dive deep into the world of firearm engraving...

Welcome to "Targeting Success: Strategies to Win Over Your Next Client" with James Pate! In this session, we'll dive deep into the art of client acquisition. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this livestream is designed to equip you with proven techniques and fresh insights to help you identify, attract, and secure your ideal clients. Together, we’ll explore targeted str...

We're excited to have a special guest from the woodworking and laser community. Amanda Schwarz, recently added a UV galvo laser to her workshop, and we're here to dive into her journey with it. We'll explore how this addition has impacted her workflow, efficiency, and ultimately, her bottom line. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, you won't want to miss her insights and experien...

Mae Armstrong and I will be interviewing Erik Engström from FlowPaper. If you are not familiar with this tool it is excellent. Mae and I are both using this feature with our B2B clients. This is something you will want to see and a new great way to communicate with your client your shop offerings. You are going to want to watch this one lizards. https://flowpaper.com/ https://flowpaper.com/demo/#b...

Excited to announce a live working session with Mae Armstrong tomorrow! She's a total rocktstar and whipped up a FREE Adobe Express template specifically for us laser enthusiasts (no need to reinvent the wheel!). We'll be diving deep into creating a killer catalog from scratch, then taking it to the next level with a special Flowpaper add-on. This is a hands-on project, so get ready to learn and c...

Welcome to 'Glowing Creativity: Crafting Neon Laser Signs' Join us as we delve into the craft of making laser engraved neon signs. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Jenna Musgrave, a seasoned artisan in neon sign making, sharing her expertise with us. From design concepts to the delicate balance of art and technology, Jenna will guide us through the intricate process of bringing visions to l...

We will have as special guests two hat guru's and talk about the do's and don'ts for making a perfect hat. We will also talk about the upcoming trends in materials and hat selection. This is a great opportunity to listen in and hear some useful tips from two successful hat companies. You don't want to miss this one.

Come listen to Mae Armstrong and I chat about what material and uses we like for each different laser. We will cover the 2D UV, 3D UV, Fiber and both CO2's (Galvo and Gantry). We will dive into some of the differences and what we both like or dislike about each for certain materials. Leather, wood, glass, metal, acrylic etc.. Neither one of us are affiliates for these companies and we will not be...

James and I talk about our learnings of adding a new tool to our shop. We currently run 8 lasers and we recently added a CNC. We talk about some of the learning and buying process. Come take a listen. https://www.phantomcncsystems.com/pate-ranch

Howdy Lizards. We will have Michelle Mortman on a livestream on Friday to talk about working with influencers to highlight your products. She will highlight how to engage them, package your products for them to unbox and much more. Michelle has over 24 years of professional experience in strategic change management and also as a thought leader who helps clients achieve their goals and vision. She...

Do you want to hear how to make better social media posts - Insta & TikTok. Posts that resonates more with the younger gen? We will have Reagan in the house to show some things that grabs the viewers. She has also been explaining some new apps and tools to make your posts easier. She stays more on trend with what is happening in this space so while she is home for the holidays we are going to...

James and I talk about how we have transitioned our business from a sales based model to more of a business development based model with other companies.  We talk about the definitions of each, what we have done and the pros and cons for us.  Take a listen and I hope it gives you more insight to another option for other clients in your laser business. 

The laser engraving industry offers a dazzling array of possibilities, from personalized gifts to industrial applications. As a laser engraving professional, you possess a unique skill set that deserves to be showcased to potential clients. A well-designed digital portfolio can be your beacon in the vast sea of creative artisans, allowing you to highlight your expertise, creativity, and the stunni...

Please Join Mae and I as we speak with James about finding your target market or you "Who". Finding your target market can be critical to your business taking off and keeping continual clients. Lets spend the lunch house with James and learn more about how YOU can determine your target market or your WHO. A target market is a group of potential customers that you identify to sell products or servi...

Come join us as we start our "Company Spotlights" with two companies in the laser industry. We will chat with the team from Hydbond - your new adhesive for leather, embroidered, and PVC patches. Trust us, this stuff sticks. They have a GREAT product that is catching fire with many hat makers. https://hydbond.com/  

"Why" are you running your business?  Have you ever asked yourself?  Well you should.  Also, sometimes you need to slow down to speed up.  Slow down and identify your "Wastes" in your shop.  Fix them and be more productive.   James Pate talks with us today on how and why we should find our "Why" and also what "Wastes" exist in business and how can you take those and start looking in your own shop...