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/
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!
www.buildergrowth.io
Join our free and private Facebook Group!
http://bit.ly/TheWoodpreneurFacebookGroup