The Woodpreneur Podcast

Danny Torres, Deadwood Revival Design

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Daniel Torres of Deadwood Revival Design. Daniel shares his inspiring journey from firefighter to full-time entrepreneur in the urban wood industry. The conversation explores themes of commitment, collaboration, and innovation—especially within the unique challenges of urban wood.
Daniel discusses the importance of community, adaptability, and resourcefulness, and reflects on his recent acquisition of Pacific Coast Lumber. He emphasizes the need for long-term planning, knowledge sharing, and building strong industry relationships to support sustainable business growth.
Takeaways
Decide to commit fully—true momentum begins when you go all in.Collaboration over competition—supporting others lifts the entire industry.Innovation is key—pioneering new methods, like advanced wood drying, drives growth.Knowledge + community = sustainability—shared wisdom helps avoid common pitfalls.Scaling custom work requires strategy—growing a niche business demands creative revenue models.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Daniel Torres and His Journey
03:01 — The Decision to Go All In
06:06 — Collaborative Competition in the Urban Wood Industry
08:57 — Pioneering Techniques in Urban Wood Drying
11:46 — Understanding Species Variations in Urban Lumber
15:06 — Resourcefulness in Urban Wood Operations
18:09 — Acquiring Pacific Coast Lumber
21:01 — Honoring the Legacy of Urban Wood Sawmills
23:22 — Navigating Challenges in the Urban Wood Industry
25:50 — The Power of Knowledge and Community Support
27:29 — Entrepreneurship: Facing Doubts and Staying the Course
34:30 — Scaling Custom Work and Creating Sustainable Revenue Streams
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 Danny at:
https://www.deadwoodrevivaldesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/deadwoodrevivaldesign/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/deadwoodrevivaldesign

Marji Medina, It’s Not Trash

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger introduces the podcast’s new direction—highlighting sustainable practices, community empowerment, and innovation in woodworking. Guest Marji Medina, founder of It’s Not Trash, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood of salvaging materials to building a furniture business rooted in sustainability, affordability, and purpose.
Marji discusses how her Build-a-Bed model empowers customers to customize affordable furniture, and how she balances paying her team a living wage with staying financially sustainable. The conversation touches on reclaiming materials, creating accessible designs, and building a supportive work environment. She also emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and mentoring the next generation, all while staying true to her mission of conscious capitalism and community connection.
Takeaways
Marji Medina’s early experiences with salvaging materials laid the foundation for her sustainable furniture brand, It’s Not Trash.Her Build-a-Bed concept makes furniture affordable and customizable, bridging the gap between quality craftsmanship and accessibility.Marji prioritizes paying her staff a living wage, proving that ethical labor practices can coexist with smart business strategy.Community-based movements like “Buy Nothing” help reduce waste, showing how local initiatives can support global sustainability.Empowering young people through financial literacy and mentorship is central to Marji’s mission of driving systemic change through business.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast
01:04 – Marji’s Journey: From Trash to Treasure
04:02 – The Evolution of Furniture Design and Sustainability
09:52 – The Middle Ground: Affordable Quality Furniture
13:04 – Community and Conscious Capitalism
18:03 – The Joy of Woodworking and Creative Fixing
22:22 – Designing Affordable Furniture
25:09 – Innovative Business Model: Build-a-Bed
31:11 – Balancing Employee Welfare and Business Profitability
39:06 – Empowering the Next Generation Through Financial Literacy
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
To join a network of woodpreneurs: 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 Marji at: 
https://itsnottrashdesigns.com/
https://www.instagram.com/itsnottrash/

Brendan Vande Kamp, Log to Lumber

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, new host Jennifer Alger talks with Brendan Vande Kamp of Logs to Lumber about his unexpected entry into sawmilling and how he grew his business. They cover the shift from live edge slabs to dimensional lumber, the value of investing in better tools, and new revenue streams like cabin building. Brendan also shares insights on branding, certification, and building community through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Takeaways
Brendan Vande Kamp’s sawmilling journey began unexpectedly, but his willingness to adapt and invest in better equipment transformed Logs to Lumber into a successful, multi-faceted business.The shift from live edge slabs to dimensional lumber reflects changing market demands, and tools like edgers help small sawmillers scale production efficiently.Brendan has found success in cabin construction, not only by offering customized builds with dovetail jigs but also by connecting personally with clients—turning each project into something meaningful.Certification plays a key role in building trust within the sawmilling industry, while branding and marketing (especially through social media and Google reviews) are essential for growth.The woodworking community thrives on collaboration and knowledge-sharing—Brendan encourages aspiring sawmillers to find their niche, engage with others, and never stop learning.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast
01:23 – Brendan’s Journey into Sawmilling
05:02 – The Evolution of Logs to Lumber Business
06:16 – Branding and Value Addition in Woodworking
07:58 – Shifting Focus: From Live Edge to Dimensional Lumber
10:52 – Innovations in Sawmilling: The Edger Experience
14:22 – Building Cabins: A New Revenue Stream
19:46 – Creating Custom Dovetail Jigs for Cabin Construction
25:14 – The Importance of Certification in Sawmilling
26:08 – Understanding Business Splits and Service Levels
29:41 – Sourcing Logs and Customization in Cabin Building
32:41 – Community Engagement and Personal Touch in Projects
35:12 – Marketing Strategies for Sawmilling Businesses
37:12 – Knowledge Sharing and Community Support
41:24 – Key Takeaways for Aspiring Sawmillers
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
To join a network of woodpreneurs: 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/
Connect with Brendan at:
https://www.logtolumberva.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/Logtolumber
https://www.facebook.com/LogtoLumber/

Sims Acuff, Eutree

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, host Jennifer Alger introduces the new direction of the show, focusing on the sawmill and woodworking community. She interviews Sims Acuff, founder of Eutree, who shares his journey from starting a tree service to transitioning into the lumber business. The conversation covers the challenges of business growth, the importance of investing in equipment, and innovations in lumber processing technology. In this conversation, Sims Acuff discusses the advancements in wood processing technology at Eutree, the diverse product offerings, and the challenges faced in the urban wood industry. He highlights the shift in market dynamics towards engineered products and the need for local sawmills to adapt to remain competitive. Sims emphasizes the importance of innovation in equipment to support smaller mills and shares insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the wood industry.
Takeaways
Jennifer Alger hosts the Woodpreneur Podcast, where Sims Acuff shares his journey transforming a tree service into Eutree, an urban wood utilization business focused on sustainability.
Cash flow management and strategic equipment investment are critical challenges for small wood businesses, with Sims emphasizing the importance of maintaining some debt for growth.
Innovative technologies like Woodflow's modular design and the Smart Stacker have helped Eutree streamline operations, reduce labor costs, and respond flexibly to market demands.
The wood industry is shifting toward engineered products, creating competitive challenges for local sawmills that require adaptation and innovation to remain viable.
Aspiring wood entrepreneurs should approach the sawmill business cautiously, with collaboration and innovation being essential strategies for overcoming industry challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Woodpreneur Podcast
01:01 Sims Acuff and the Eutree Journey
04:44 Transitioning from Tree Service to Lumber Business
10:09 Challenges in Business Growth and Cash Flow
12:33 Investing in Equipment for Growth
17:31 Innovations in Lumber Processing Technology
21:57 Innovations in Wood Processing Technology
25:12 Product Range and Customization at Eutree
28:45 Challenges in the Urban Wood Industry
31:34 Market Dynamics and Competition
38:01 Future of Local Sawmills and Decentralization
44:09 Advice for Aspiring Wood Industry Entrepreneurs
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
To join a network of woodpreneurs: 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/
Connect with Sims Acuff at:
https://www.eutree.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Eutree/
https://www.instagram.com/eutree/

Seth San Filippo, Urban Lumber Company

In this episode of The Woodpreneur Podcast, hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger, guest Seth San Filippo of Urban Lumber Company shares the story of building his business over the past nine years—navigating challenges, embracing growth, and evolving as a leader. He reflects on the unique experiences that come with working in the urban lumber industry, from salvaging materials to crafting custom furniture, which remains his core passion. Seth emphasizes the power of storytelling in marketing and highlights the deep sense of loyalty and connection within his team, whom he considers family. He also discusses how the business adapted during the pandemic, maintained a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, and fostered collaborative relationships with architects and designers. The episode concludes with insights into future goals, including expanding marketing efforts, strengthening community impact, and continuing to create meaningful, sustainable products.
Top Takeaways:
Long-term business growth stems from resilience, adaptability, and continuous leadership development.Storytelling is essential for connecting customers to the value and mission behind each product.The urban lumber industry offers unique creative potential but comes with technical challenges.A strong, loyal team and a commitment to craftsmanship are central to Urban Lumber’s success.Community involvement and strategic collaboration shape the company's evolving vision.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and Growth Journey
02:59 — Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
05:51 — Leadership Evolution and Team Dynamics
09:01 — Product Focus and Unique Experiences
12:00 — Marketing Strategies and Storytelling
14:53 — Day-to-Day Operations and Future Vision
17:48 — Achievements and Impact on the Community
21:00 — Creative Collaborations and Design Process
23:58 — Final Thoughts and Future Directions
You can connect with Seth at:
https://urbanlumber.co/
https://www.instagram.com/urbanlumberco
https://www.facebook.com/UrbanLumberCo/
Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Jennifer Alger & Steve Larosiliere

Steve and Jennifer analyze the evolving lumber and sawmill industry on this Woodpreneur Podcast episode, spotlighting emerging opportunities from tariffs and the power of collaboration. Jennifer outlines strategic steps for small producers—from inventory building to cooperative models—while highlighting the urban wood sector's growth potential. The discussion champions local resource utilization as a win for economic and environmental sustainability.
Key Takeaways
Tariff Advantages: New policies create prime opportunities to promote domestic wood products
Collaborative Growth: Unified industry efforts yield greater success than solo ventures
Waste Reduction: Addresses the paradox of wasted local wood amid lumber imports
Proactive Preparation: Small producers should stockpile inventory and explore cooperatives
Localized Benefits: Urban wood utilization strengthens community economies and ecosystems 
Chapters
00:00 Industry Snapshot & Tariff Impacts
10:03 Collaborative Strategies for Growth
Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Zach Bancroft, 805 Woodworks

On the Woodpreneur Podcast, Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger interview Zach Bancroft of 805 Woodworks about his transition from antique dealing to custom furniture making. Zach discusses developing his craft style, material sourcing, and the vital role of word-of-mouth marketing. He shares candid insights about pandemic-era business struggles, mental health challenges, and his passion for creating sustainable, heirloom-quality furniture in today's disposable culture. The conversation covers customer education strategies, production scaling, local collaborations, and balancing creative work with business growth.
Key Takeaways
Career Evolution: Zach transitioned from antique dealing to custom furniture, adapting his style based on customer needs.
Business Challenges: He faced significant hurdles during the pandemic, including layoffs and mental health struggles.
Sustainability & Craftsmanship: Zach advocates for heirloom-quality furniture and a shift away from disposable consumer culture.
Customer Education: Effectively marketing handmade products requires time, online showcases, and finding the right audience.
Growth Strategies: Scaling production, local collaborations, and balancing creativity with business logistics are key to future success.
Chapters
00:00 The Origins of 805 Woodworks
02:57 Crafting a Unique Style
05:54 Sourcing Materials and Building Relationships
08:45 Navigating Business Challenges and Mental Health
12:05 The Comeback Journey
14:59 The Value of Heirloom Furniture
17:55 Sustainability and Consumer Mindset
20:58 Finding the Right Customers
23:43 The Cost of Customer Education
24:41 Building the Mantle Business
26:44 Challenges in Scaling Production
32:52 Exploring Collaborative Opportunities
37:55 Finding Balance and Future Growth
You can connect with Zach at:
https://www.instagram.com/805woodworks/
https://www.805woodworks.com/
Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Nick Mooers, Maverick Sawmill

In this episode of the Woodpreneur podcast, hosts Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger interview Nick Mooers from Maverick Sawmill. They discuss the growth of Nick's business during the pandemic, exciting projects, including a massive walnut table, and the development of a new shop to enhance operational efficiency. Nick shares insights on leadership, industry trends, and the balance between raw and finished products. The conversation also touches on marketing strategies for high-end builds and the importance of relationships in the luxury market.
Takeaways
The pandemic drove significant growth in home renovation projects and woodworking demandMaverick Sawmill specializes in oversized walnut pieces and has developed a unique 50/50 balance between raw and finished productsNick emphasizes the critical importance of team dynamics, leadership, and relationship buildingA new shop is being developed to enhance operational efficiency and support business growthEpoxy projects and home and garden shows have emerged as important trends in the woodworking industry
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Maverick Sawmill
01:00 Business Growth During the Pandemic
02:40 Exciting Projects and New Shop Development
05:19 Operational Success Factors
09:51 Leadership and Team Dynamics
11:06 Industry Trends and Innovations
13:12 Balancing Raw and Finished Products
15:18 Investments in Machinery and Efficiency
19:01 Future Plans and Moving Challenges
20:24 Marketing Strategies for High-End Builds
Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/
You can connect with Nick at:
https://www.instagram.com/mavericksawmill/

Chris Hitchcock, Coyote Custom Woodwork

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, hosts Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger interview Chris Hitchcock from Coyote Custom Woodwork. Chris shares his journey as a self-taught woodworker, discussing his passion for creating unique pieces and the challenges he faces in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of networking and word-of-mouth referrals in building his client base, as well as the satisfaction he derives from his craft. The conversation also touches on current trends in woodworking materials and Chris's aspirations for future growth in his business.
Takeaways
Chris began his woodworking journey as a self-taught craftsman, starting around 2015Networking and word-of-mouth referrals are crucial for building a successful woodworking businessWalnut remains his favorite wood to work with, despite changing industry trendsCreative satisfaction stems from the hands-on process of building unique piecesChris is focused on business growth and overcoming challenges in the woodworking industry
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Coyote Custom Woodwork
02:04 The Journey of a Self-Taught Woodworker
05:57 Identifying Ideal Clients and Building a Network
09:58 Creative Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
13:59 Trends in Woodworking and Material Preferences
18:04 Business Growth and Future Aspirations
Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/
You can connect with Chris at:
https://www.instagram.com/coyotewoodwork/

Jennifer Alger, Host of Woodpreneur Podcast

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere introduces new co-host Jennifer Alger, a seasoned professional in the wood industry. They discuss Jennifer's extensive experience, the importance of collaboration in the urban lumber sector, and the launch of AncesTREE, an innovative inventory management software. Steve shares his transition to focusing on designers and builders, emphasizing the need for community and support in the woodworking industry. The episode concludes with a look at the podcast's future and the exciting developments.
Takeaways
Jennifer Alger brings extensive experience to the Woodpreneur Podcast as a seasoned wood industry professionalAncesTREE emerges as an innovative inventory management solution for the woodworking industrySteve is strategically transitioning to focus more on designers and buildersCollaboration and community-building are highlighted as crucial elements in the urban lumber sectorThe podcast demonstrates a commitment to evolving and exploring new opportunities in woodworking
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the New Era of Woodpreneur Podcast
04:14 Jennifer's Journey in the Wood Industry
08:51 Steve's Transition and New Ventures
12:22 Collaborative Opportunities in the Urban Lumber Industry
15:18 AncesTREE: Revolutionizing Inventory Management
18:22 Looking Ahead: Future of the Podcast and Community
Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/
You can connect with Jennifer at:
https://www.instagram.com/jenniferlynnalger/