The Woodpreneur Podcast

Kelly and Caleb Geer, Urban Tree Merchants

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Caleb and Kelly Geer of Urban Tree Merchants about their journey in the urban wood industry.
They discuss their passion for utilizing local trees, the challenges of running a woodworking business, and the importance of community partnerships.
The conversation highlights innovative projects, marketing strategies, and the significance of sustainability in woodworking. The Geers share insights on their experiences, the value of collaboration, and their vision for the future of urban wood utilization.
Top 5 Takeaways
Urban Tree Merchants started from a passion for recycling woodThe importance of community partnerships in utilizing local resourcesInnovative projects can showcase the value of urban woodMarketing strategies rely heavily on word of mouth and presenceSustainability is a key focus in the woodworking industry
Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to Urban Tree Merchants 
01:36 The Journey of Urban Tree Merchants 
04:25 Daily Operations and Partnerships 
07:38 Collaboration with the City of Arlington 
10:05 Exciting Projects and Innovations 
12:50 Documenting the Process 
17:10 Challenges and Growth in Business 
18:49 Overcoming Business Challenges 
21:30 Passion for Urban Wood 
23:28 Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses 
24:44 Unique Selling Points of Local Wood 
27:51 Leveraging Internships and Partnerships 
30:30 Navigating Growth and Raw Material Supply 
37:09 Collaborative Approaches to Large Projects
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Caleb and Kelly:
https://urbantreemerchants.com/about-us/
https://www.instagram.com/UrbanTreeMerchants
https://www.facebook.com/urbantreemerchants/

Todd Walker, NWH

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Todd Walker, the director of marketing at NWH, who has been with the company for 38 years.
They discuss the evolution of the wood industry, particularly the commercialization of alder, changes in marketing strategies over the decades, and the importance of storytelling in connecting with consumers.
Todd shares insights on the challenges facing the wood industry, the value of quality products, and the role of women in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and communication to shift consumer perceptions and promote sustainable practices in the wood business.
Top 5 Takeaways:
Todd Walker has been with NWH for 38 years and helped pioneer the commercialization of alder woodMarketing has evolved significantly with the advent of the internet and social mediaStorytelling is crucial for connecting with consumers about wood products and their benefitsThe wood industry faces challenges from substitute products and needs better education to change consumer perceptionsQuality wood products can be more sustainable than cheaper alternatives, appealing to younger generations who value sustainability
Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to Todd Walker and NWH 
03:04 The Evolution of Alder and NWH's Role 
06:00 Marketing Changes Over 38 Years 
08:59 The Importance of Storytelling in Wood Marketing 
11:56 The Shift in Consumer Perception of Wood 
14:52 Challenges Facing the Wood Industry 
18:04 The Value of Quality in Wood Products 
21:02 The Role of Women in the Wood Industry 
23:52 Connecting with the Next Generation of Consumers 
26:38 Todd's Accomplishments and Leadership Philosophy 
29:38 Conclusion and How to Connect with NWH
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Todd at:
https://nwh.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-walker-505867339/
https://www.instagram.com/northwesthardwoods/

Matthew Arnold, KJP Select Hardwoods

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Matthew Arnold from KJP Select Hardwoods. They discuss Matthew's journey in the lumber industry, the evolution of e-commerce in woodworking, and the challenges of shipping and regulations. 
Matthew shares insights on customer education, custom orders, and trends in the woodworking industry, including the shift away from live edge designs. The conversation also touches on the importance of marketing strategies and the unique stories that shape their business.
Top 5 Takeaways
Matthew Arnold is third generation in the lumber industry at KJP Select Hardwoods, a woodworking supply store in Ottawa.E-commerce has become a significant part of their business, though shipping lumber presents unique challenges due to its size and weight.Customer education is crucial in helping clients understand wood selection and finding value in lower-grade lumber.Design trends are shifting towards more contemporary styles over live edge furniture.The business experienced significant expansion during COVID-19, requiring robust marketing strategies in a competitive market.
Chapters 
00:00 Introduction to KJP Hardwoods
02:46 Matthew's Journey in the Lumber Industry
05:29 The Challenges of Urban Lumber
08:20 Processing and Custom Orders at KJP Hardwoods
11:11 Customer Experience and Custom Table Orders
14:01 Expansion During COVID-19
16:39 Navigating Business Growth and Challenges
19:15 Challenges in Sourcing Lumber
21:04 Shifts in Design Trends
24:03 Business Milestones and Growth
25:42 Educating Customers on Wood Buying
30:22 Navigating Cross-Border Regulations
33:03 Marketing Strategies for E-commerce
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Matthew at:
https://www.instagram.com/kjpselecthardwoods/
kjpselecthardwoods.com
https://www.facebook.com/kjpselecthardwoods

Kevin Scheimreif, Steel and Grain

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Kevin Scheimreif, the owner of Steel and Grain. Kevin shares his journey from woodworking as a child to establishing his own custom furniture business.
He discusses the challenges he faced in pricing, sourcing materials, and navigating the woodworking industry. Kevin emphasizes the importance of creativity in his work, particularly in combining wood and steel, and shares insights on marketing strategies and customer engagement.
The conversation also touches on current design trends in woodworking and the future of his business.
Key Takeaways
He transitioned from construction to custom furniture designCombining wood and steel has become his signature styleSourcing materials locally has been beneficial for his businessBuilding relationships with clients is key to successKevin's business has been full-time since 2014
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kevin Scheimreif and His Journey
05:22 Crafting with Wood and Metal
10:52 Navigating Challenges in Business
16:25 The Future of Woodworking and Design Trends
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Kevin at: 
https://www.instagram.com/steelandgrain/
www.steelandgrain.com

Ryan Moore, Urban Wood Company

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Ryan Moore from Urban Wood Company.
They discuss Ryan's journey into woodworking, the establishment of his business, and the unique challenges and successes he has faced.
The conversation covers the importance of sourcing and drying wood, the significance of team culture, and the impact of technology and trends in the woodworking industry. Ryan emphasizes collaboration over competition and shares insights on utilizing AI and other tools to enhance business operations.
Takeaways
Ryan's journey into woodworking began with a simple step stool for his daughter, leading to the establishment of Urban Wood Company as a one-stop shop for woodworking needs in Oklahoma City.Team culture and collaboration are fundamental to the company's success, with Ryan emphasizing the importance of educating customers about proper wood sourcing and drying techniques.Current woodworking trends like live edge and epoxy remain popular, while the company focuses on providing high-quality materials and services to local crafters.Ryan advocates for collaboration over competition in the wood industry, believing in the power of giving and working together to benefit the entire community.Technology and AI integration can significantly enhance efficiency in woodworking operations, helping business owners streamline their processes while maintaining their passion for the craft.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Urban Wood Company
06:07 Sourcing and Drying Wood: The Urban Wood Approach
12:00 The Importance of Team and Culture in Business
18:05 Collaboration Over Competition in the Wood Industry
24:06 Connecting with Urban Wood Company
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Ryan at:
https://www.theurbanwoodco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theurbanwoodco

Jay Peight, JointaWood

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Jay Peight from JointaWood, who transitioned from farming to woodworking and eventually to manufacturing machines for the woodworking industry.
Jay shares his journey of engineering a flattening machine, the challenges he faced during the boom in the sawmill industry, and his insights on market trends for live edge slabs. 
He discusses the importance of building a reliable brand, the innovations in his machinery, and the balance between work and personal passion. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies and the future of his business.
Takeaways
Jay transitioned from farming to woodworking and manufacturingHe engineered a flattening machine to solve a personal problemThe woodworking industry experienced a boom during the COVID pandemicBuilding a reliable brand is crucial for long-term successMarketing visibility is a key focus for Jay's business growth
Chapters
00:00 From Farming to Woodworking: Jay's Journey
03:00 Engineering a Solution: The Birth of a Business
06:00 Navigating the Boom: Challenges and Opportunities
08:59 Building a Brand: Manufacturing and Marketing Strategies
12:04 Market Trends: The Future of Live Edge Slabs
15:01 Understanding the Industry: Insights and Challenges
17:47 Innovations in Machinery: Features and Options
21:03 Balancing Work and Passion: The Woodworker's Dilemma
24:00 Future Plans: Expanding the Business
26:52 Visibility and Growth: Marketing Strategies for Success
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Jay at:
https://www.jointawood.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JointaWoodSlabSurfacers

Cody McKee, Mountain Milling Co.

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Cody McKee of Mountain Milling Co. They discuss the company's evolution from a lawn care service to a sawmill operation specializing in Eastern Red Cedar. Cody shares insights into the challenges of running a family business, the operational bottlenecks they face, and the impact of market trends on their sales. The conversation highlights the unique properties of Eastern Red Cedar and its growing popularity in various applications, as well as the dynamics of working with family in a business setting.
Cody McKee discusses the unique properties of Eastern Red Cedar, the challenges of distribution and business growth, and innovative solutions for waste management. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the industry and shares insights on navigating the debt trap in small business. The conversation concludes with a focus on the company's core values of kindness and service to customers.
Takeaways
Mountain Milling Co. started as a lawn service in 2001 and transitioned to sawmilling with a Norwood sawmill in 2017.Eastern Red Cedar is prevalent in their area and considered invasive, but it's valued for its rot and bug resistance, making it a popular natural alternative to pressure-treated lumber.The family-run business divides key roles among members, with Cody handling marketing and sales while his brother manages finances.COVID-19 positively impacted the wood industry, boosting their sales due to increased local demand and favorable market conditions.The company prioritizes kindness and service over profits, focusing on building industry connections and avoiding debt traps for sustainable growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mountain Milling Co.06:40 Family Dynamics in Business13:24 Daily Operations and Responsibilities18:32 Cedar's Advantages Over Pressure-Treated Wood25:30 Collaborative Opportunities in the Industry30:41 Building Connections for Business Success35:42 The Heart of Mountain Milling Co.
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Cody at:
https://www.instagram.com/mountainmillingco/

Rodney Jacobs, Unique Woods of the Northwest

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Rodney Jacobs from Unique Woods of the Northwest about the restoration of big trees in the Pacific Northwest and the collaborative efforts with the Coquille Tribe.
They discuss the ecological benefits of restoring these trees, the process of sawmilling, and the importance of creating local jobs and skills development. Rodney emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and the long-term vision required for forest restoration, highlighting the legacy that can be left for future generations.
Takeaways
Restoring big trees in the Pacific Northwest significantly benefits local ecosystems and addresses the genetic opportunity crisis caused by the loss of these ancient specimens.Collaboration with local tribes like the Coquille Tribe enhances restoration efforts by combining traditional knowledge with modern sustainable forestry practices.Sawmilling dying wood represents a sustainable practice that creates valuable products while supporting forest health and preventing waste.Diversity in forests, particularly through hardwoods rather than monoculture plantations, is crucial for ecosystem health, resilience, and long-term environmental benefits.Creating local jobs and skills development through forest restoration projects builds community capacity while fostering environmental stewardship and long-term thinking for future generations.
Chapters
00:00 Restoring Big Trees in the Pacific Northwest
03:02 The Impact of Tree Restoration on Ecosystems
06:05 Collaboration with the Coquille Tribe
09:04 The Process of Sawmilling and Wood Restoration
11:49 Creating Local Jobs and Skills Development
15:03 The Importance of Sustainable Practices
17:57 The Future of Forest Restoration
21:01 Legacy and Long-Term Thinking
24:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Rodney at:
https://www.uniquewoodsnw.com/
https://www.instagram.com/uniquewoodsnw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Viktor Sarudi, The Stump Shop

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger reconnects with Viktor Sarudi from The Stump Shop to discuss the evolution of his business, strategies for growing a social media presence, and how he monetizes his work through brand partnerships. Viktor shares insights on navigating sponsored content, understanding algorithm changes, and his marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of quality content and consistency in social media engagement. 
He discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing a part-time woodworking business with a full-time corporate job, sourcing urban wood, maintaining the integrity of wood pieces, and market trends affecting the woodworking industry. Viktor also reflects on scaling a hobby into a business and the potential for future growth while emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
Takeaways
Viktor has shifted focus from custom work to creating what he enjoys, finding that brands often pay more than individual customers for products.Growing a social media presence requires hard work, consistency, and adaptation to platform changes, with quality content being more important than chasing numbers.Instagram and Facebook are key drivers for sales in his business, with Viktor preferring to let his social media feed market itself rather than spending on advertising.Sourcing wood ethically, maintaining craftsmanship integrity, and understanding market trends are crucial for sustainability and business decisions in a competitive woodworking market.Balancing a part-time woodworking business with full-time employment requires careful time management, with future plans potentially involving a transition to focusing on woodworking full-time.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Stump Shop
01:18 Viktor's Business Evolution
04:06 Growing Social Media Presence
08:17 Monetizing Through Brands
11:36 Navigating Sponsored Content
15:58 Understanding Algorithm Changes
19:49 Marketing Strategies for The Stump Shop
24:30 Navigating the Balance of Business and Life
27:29 Sourcing and Working with Urban Wood
30:52 Trends in Woodworking and Market Challenges
35:01 Scaling a Hobby into a Business
39:30 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Viktor at:
https://www.instagram.com/thestumpshop/

Daniel West, Big Ass Slabs

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Daniel West of Big Ass Slabs about his journey in the woodworking industry. Daniel shares his background in timber framing, the transition to focusing on live edge slabs, and the challenges he faces in marketing and customer engagement. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his business and the need for diversification in uncertain economic times. The conversation also touches on unique projects, customer relationships, and strategies for future growth.
Takeaways
Daniel West transitioned from timber framing to live edge slabs, demonstrating the importance of business evolution.Diversification in services has been crucial for sustaining his business through economic fluctuations.Marketing remains his biggest challenge, with word of mouth being his most effective tool.Storytelling and emotional connections with the wood help Daniel engage customers and differentiate his products.Local economy support and personal customer relationships are foundational to his business model.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Daniel West
02:54 Transitioning from Timber Framing to Slabs
05:59 Current Business Landscape and Market Trends
09:02 Marketing Challenges and Strategies
11:58 Customer Engagement and Personal Branding
15:04 Unique Projects and Customer Stories
18:01 Future Challenges and Business Growth
20:59 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/
Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork
Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/
You can connect with Daniel at:
https://www.bigassslabs.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/bigassslabs
https://www.instagram.com/bigassslabs/