In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Eric Gummer from Thomas Philips Woodworking. Eric shares his journey from being a high school woodworking enthusiast to becoming a successful business owner. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he encountered while building his company, the importance of branding, and the critical hires that helped his business grow.
The conversation explores the dynamics of running a woodworking business, defining roles within a partnership, and the key investments that significantly impacted their operations. Eric provides insights on navigating market fluctuations, maintaining quality while expanding, and the potential investment in CNC machinery to boost productivity. The dialogue also touches on employee management, marketing strategies, and balancing growth with operational efficiency.
Takeaways
- Eric’s woodworking journey began in high school and evolved into founding Thomas Philips Woodworking with his business partner, Derek.
- Networking and building relationships have been vital to their growth.
- Early projects, though small, laid a strong foundation for future success.
- Investments in branding, tools, and shop space were pivotal to establishing market identity and growth.
- Balancing growth with quality remains essential for long-term success.
Chapters
00:00 - The Journey to Thomas Philips Woodworking
06:07 - Building a Business from the Ground Up
09:08 - Navigating Early Challenges and Opportunities
12:05 - Establishing a Brand and Identity
15:10 - Finding Focus in Product Offerings
18:02 - Critical Hires and Team Dynamics
20:55 - Defining Roles and Responsibilities
23:58 - Investments That Made a Difference
24:28 - Expansion and Growth Strategies
27:10 - Navigating Market Challenges
28:15 - Future Goals and Productivity
30:28 - Balancing Growth and Quality
33:39 - Investment Decisions and Marketing Strategies
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Connect with Eric at:
https://thomasphilipswoodworking.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ThomasPhilipsWoodworkingLtd
https://www.instagram.com/thomasphilipswoodworking/?hl=en
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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