Jesse Coleman: Burnt Brydges

The thing that put Jesse on Steve’s radar was actually an Instagram post, specifically a time-lapse of a table, and the music in the background was “KOTA the friend” and it was so cool it demanded immediate attention. After becoming mutual friends and supporting each other's businesses they finally connected and now there’s an amazing story for you all to follow here on the podcast!

Burnt Brydges is based in Stratford, Ontario, Canada and has an incredible origin story. Jesse actually had a garage fire where his workshop was based. One day he woke up at 4:30am thanks to his dog sounding the alarm and he realized there was a big problem. Fortunately Jesse was able to rebuild and he used the incident as great inspiration, given he lived on Brydges street, there you have the name.

Steve loves the idea of how burning bridges in business isn’t necessarily a good thing but burnt bridges in the sense of letting go of the past and moving forward and committing to the passion is an amazing double meaning. 

Committing to Being a Woodpreneur

The moment for Jesse was profound, his father was in the lumber industry and went bankrupt because of import issues. Jesse was woodworking on the side out of his Burnt Brydges garage from earlier in this tale while working full time at a carpentry job and then the orders started stacking up and he decided to bet on himself.

Jesse made sure to have some savings before he quit, but having work lined up helped him feel more secure as well. 

When Jesse had a year's worth of work lined up, he knew that he had outgrown the namesake garage and so he moved to a bigger shop outside of town. Only 6 or 7 months after he quit his 9-5 he was able to move to a bigger shop with a lot of great investments and intellectual investments in his company including amazing business and marketing plans. 

Jesse now has two part-time employees and feels like the business became real to him when he moved into his bigger shop. Steve points out that it’s no surprise Jesse blew up and outgrew his shop, he hired someone part-time while he was still working full-time.

Jesse’s bread and butter products are everything from coffee tables, to boardroom tables and even charcuterie boards, actually, a lot of charcuterie boards. Burnt Brydges sold 200 charcuterie boards this last Christmas alone. Next up he has a job for a hotel and a restaurant in town. To secure the jobs he would offer a sample and reach out, creating the right relationships.

Steves Marketing Corner

Jesse wonders how valuable word of mouth is in this day and age, and Steve firmly believes that it definitely still travels. There are certain careers where reputation is everything, reputation and referrals. Steve considers word of mouth to be like referrals, always valuable. With the growing importance of social proof in our digital world word of mouth is still a critical aspect to focus on. 

Steve also offers further advice on reaching out to repeat customers and letting them know when you have spots open to ask if they have any family or friends who might want a table, and that you’ll prioritize them because they are existing customers. That’s how you do word of mouth in 2021.

The table is the heart of the home, and it’s important to make sure you forge relationships with the people who are trusting you to make this beautiful piece for them.

Jesse’s advice to the Woodpreneur community is that you need to work hard, don’t expect anything to come over night, work hard, be honest with yourself, have some self awareness of when you’re wearing too many hats. If it’s within your means to hire somebody, do so, stay positive and put yourself out there.

Instagram: @BurntBrydges

Website: www.BurntBrydges.com