The Woodpreneur Podcast

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Taylor Rachko from Distinctive Design Storage Solutions. Taylor shares her company's origin, which began with her father's epoxy flooring business and evolved into a full-service design and storage solution provider. The conversation explores the growth of the closet industry, the importance of networking and professiona...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Jeff Perry from Angel City Lumber about the devastating impact of the recent Los Angeles fires and how his company is navigating this challenging landscape. They discuss Angel City Lumber's growth, its mission to reconnect the community with local trees, and the opportunities within urban lumber. Jeff shares insights on...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Eric Gummer from Thomas Philips Woodworking. Eric shares his journey from being a high school woodworking enthusiast to becoming a successful business owner. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he encountered while building his company, the importance of branding, and the critical hires that helped his business...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Karen McWilliams, founder of Closets by Karen. Karen shares her journey from studying fashion merchandising to starting her own closet design business. She highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing, defines her ideal client profile, and explores evolving trends in closet design. The conversation touches on the emot...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Bucky and Melissa Miller of Miller's Rustic Sawmill. They share their journey from tree work to establishing a successful sawmill business, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, innovative marketing strategies, and balancing roles within their partnership. The Millers discuss their product offerings, inclu...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Clark Cottongim, owner of Woodstock Cabinets, about his journey in transforming a family business. They explore the company's history, founded in the 1960s, and discuss the challenges Clark faced after inheriting the business following his father’s passing in 2021. The conversation highlights the emotional and strategic...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Travis DeVine, a custom woodworker based in New York City. Travis shares his journey from California to New York, detailing his diverse background in art, carpentry, and the film industry. He discusses the challenges of starting a business in a competitive market, the role of gratitude in his personal and professional li...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Rick and Jacob from Dendro Technology, exploring their journey from a successful architectural woodworking business to a new venture focused on live edge slabs and sustainable practices. They discuss the origins of their business, the current operations, and their goals for sustainability and community engagement. The co...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Eric Capolino, a general contractor from Structure NYC. Eric shares his journey in the construction industry, detailing the evolution of his business, the challenges of operating in New York City, and the importance of building strong client relationships. He discusses the significance of quality assurance, the role of t...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews George Peña, who shares his journey as an urban logger and woodworker. George explains how his passions for woodworking and falconry intersect, offering a unique perspective on craftsmanship. He discusses the complexities of running a sawmill, the challenges of marketing his business, and his goals for future growth. George highlights the value of coll...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Brad and Hannah from Rise Up Label, a company dedicated to providing innovative labelling solutions for the woodworking industry. They discuss the challenges of residue left by standard labels, the importance of quality equipment, and their marketing strategies to reach potential clients. The conversation also explores...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Dan Sullivan, the founder of Navillus Woodworks. Dan shares his journey from starting a remodelling business to transitioning into custom fabrication and woodworking. He discusses the importance of building a strong team, the challenges of marketing in a competitive landscape, and the artistry involved in creating custom...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Garrett Magnuson from Raw Heartwood, a log-to-table woodworking company. Garrett shares his journey into woodworking, the challenges he faced in the early years of his business, and how he found his passion for creating beautiful wood products. The conversation explores the daily operations of Raw Heartwood, the importa...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Cody Powers from Cap Artistry, who shares his inspiring journey from working in a hospital to becoming a successful furniture maker. Cody discusses his challenges, the importance of networking, and the breakthroughs that have driven his business growth. He emphasizes the value of community support and the mindset shifts...

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere speaks with Austin Waldo about the Texas Woodworking Festival, its origins, growth, and the vibrant community it fosters. Austin shares insights into what attendees can expect, the festival’s target audience, and the importance of community in woodworking. He discusses new features for the festival, including digital ticketing and...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Janice, also known as The Knotty Contessa, about her journey from broadcasting to woodworking and how it has positively impacted her mental health. What began as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolved into a thriving business. Janice now runs a storefront and workshop, where she creates custom wood products and offers on-site engraving se...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Joe Paonessa, who shares the backstory of EdgeCroft, a CNC and injection molding business located in Tennessee. The business began as an expansion of Joe's existing CNC business in Toronto. Joe discusses how he entered the field and the challenges he faced in financing and finding a building in a new country. He also talks about the business's growth a...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Joey Kochlacs of Santa Cruz Sustainable Sawmill. Joey shares his journey in the wood industry, from milling and selling raw wood to crafting high-end furniture and premium guitar tops. Recently, he took a significant step by forming an LLC to expand his business, bringing on new team members in the process. While he primarily markets his products throu...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Jamie Stebenne, owner of JPS Construction and Design, as he shares the journey of starting and growing his construction business. Jamie discusses how he entered the industry, the niche he carved out in high-end residential projects, and the crucial role that design plays in his work. He also delves into the challenges of project management and the stra...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Ben Deumling from Zena Forest Products as he discusses the journey of his company, which specializes in producing hardwood flooring from Oregon oak. The business started as a way to utilize the oak trees on their family’s forest lands and has grown into a vertically integrated operation. They have developed the infrastructure to process hardwoods, with...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Corey Tighe, owner of CT Woodwork, as he shares his journey of starting a woodworking business and teaching woodworking classes. He began working full-time in 2019 and has since grown his business by offering a variety of services, including custom furniture, built-ins, and classes. Corey finds teaching to be the most rewarding aspect of his business a...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Matthew Gutchess from Gutchess Lumber. They discuss the company's 120-year history, which began in 1904, and its evolution from building barns to manufacturing kiln-dried hardwood lumber. Gutchess Lumber now produces 100 million feet of lumber annually and employs 460 people across seven locations. Gutchess emphasizes the importance of storytelling in...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews John Bohman, a carpenter and furniture maker. John shares his journey of starting and growing his business. He discusses the challenges he faced, the mistakes he made, and the lessons he learned along the way. Bohman emphasizes the importance of finding one's specialization and focusing on it, as well as the value of word-of-mouth marketing and buildin...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Shaun Burroughs from Build Nashville. Shaun shares his journey of starting a construction company in Nashville and growing it into a successful custom home-building business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a lawsuit on his first deal, and how he overcame them. Shaun emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and incorporating uni...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Tom Addison, a furniture maker, who shares his journey in the industry and his passion for creating unique, handcrafted pieces. He began his career as an apprentice, gaining valuable experience working alongside skilled craftsmen. Tom emphasizes the importance of networking and building a social media presence to attract clients. He discusses the chall...