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 and has fostered a positive, collaborative community in his shop. He emphasizes the importance of word-of-mouth referrals and has recently started using Google Ads to promote his classes. Corey’s future plans include expanding his services to offer lumber milling and promoting his business on Instagram.
Takeaways
- Starting a woodworking business requires bold moves and finding ways to balance different income streams.
- Teaching woodworking classes can be both rewarding and profitable.
- Word-of-mouth referrals and local connections are essential for growing a woodworking business.
- Expanding services, such as lumber milling, can be a key goal for future growth.
- Promoting the business through platforms like Google Ads and Instagram can help attract new customers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Corey’s Background
01:08 Starting the Business and Teaching Classes
03:21 Balancing Income Streams
05:12 Focus on Custom Furniture
07:22 Word-of-Mouth Referrals and Marketing
08:00 Teaching as a Source of Inspiration
10:27 Growing the Business and Future Plans
12:10 Upcoming Projects
13:26 The Importance of Community
14:08 Continual Learning and Exploring New Projects
16:34 Milling Lumber and Future Expansion
17:44 Promoting the Business Through Instagram
19:38 Finding a Work-Life Balance
22:11 Direct Marketing and Its Impressive Results
23:20 Contact Information and Conclusion
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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.
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