In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Colin Davis of Tahoe Slab Furniture, an innovative woodworking business focused on salvaging waste wood to create beautiful products.
Colin shares his journey from a background in physics and engineering to the world of woodworking, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency challenges. The conversation explores the importance of networking, building customer relationships, and the unique challenges faced in the wood industry.
Colin also discusses his experiences in Europe, marketing strategies, and lessons learned from failures along the way, highlighting the excitement and challenges of entrepreneurial ventures in woodworking.
Takeaways
- Colin's journey into woodworking began with a desire to solve real-world problems.
- Tahoe Slab Furniture focuses on salvaging waste wood to create useful products.
- Sustainability is a core value, but energy efficiency remains a challenge.
- Milling equipment choices significantly impact business efficiency.
- Networking within the wood community is essential for growth.
- Building relationships with customers is key to success.
- Marketing through local Facebook groups can reach a wide audience.
- Specialization in services can lead to better business outcomes.
- Understanding customer needs is crucial for effective sales.
- Exciting projects often come with significant challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tahoe Slab Furniture and Its Mission
02:59 Colin's Journey into the Wood Industry
05:57 Milling Equipment and Techniques
09:01 Exploring Wood Trade in Europe
12:01 Sustainability and Shipping Challenges
14:57 Industry Challenges and Specialization
17:55 Networking in the Wood Industry
22:15 The Competitive Landscape of Wood Business
23:29 Learning from Failures in Business
25:34 Educating Customers on Wood Industry Values
28:27 Understanding Customer Priorities
29:30 Building Trust and Relationships with Clients
31:55 Exciting Projects and Challenges in Woodworking
36:04 Marketing Strategies for Wood Businesses
39:54 Connecting with Tahoe Slab Furniture
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
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You can connect with Colin at:
https://www.instagram.com/tahoeslab/
The Woodpreneur Podcast
We cover the business and marketing side of the sawmill, tree service, furniture making, Urban Wood, and woodworking industry. If you're a woodworker, sawmill owner, or any other entrepreneur and/or business owner in the wood industry, you need to check out this podcast.
Each week, we interview business owners, large-scale companies, entrepreneurs, makers, and designers while also offering marketing and business advice that will help you grow your business and increase your profits. Tune in every Thursday!
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