John Page: Page Timber Works

“started out of our desire to build our home, and trying to come to terms with with a style that both my wife and I liked and agreed on. So once she found the look of timber framing, and just, we both agreed that that was something that we could get into and that we wanted to go after it. “

-John Page

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by John Page from Page Timber Works. John's journey into the world of timber works began in his childhood, woodworking alongside his father. As the oldest of four boys in a large family, contributing was a way of life. After a decade in remodeling post-high school, John's path took a pivotal turn when he and his wife decided to build their home. Their shared love for timber framing style became the foundation of Page Timber Works.

In 2011, John attended a workshop to learn traditional methods of timber framing, marking the official start of his venture. What followed was five years of marketing, introducing the unique craft to the community, and undertaking projects like porches, pergolas, pool houses, and even cabins. Eight years later, John and his team built their own home, a testament to their skill and dedication to the craft.

Listen now and get the whole story!

“We do so many different things that it's that part of what I love about it is the you don't ever get bored with it.”

-John Page

Embracing a Unique Style in Timber Framing

Timber framing was relatively new in John's central U.S. area, and educating the community became a significant part of his journey. John leveraged his and his father's reputations to introduce and expand the reach of this unique craft.

The First Major Breakthrough

The turning point for Page Timber Works was a massive barn project. This post and beam structure, featuring custom elements and challenging dimensions, proved John's capability to handle ambitious projects, paving the way for future success.

Evolution of the Business Vision

John's business didn't start with a grand plan but rather from a practical need to earn a living while maintaining work-life balance. Timber framing started as a personal project for his home but evolved into a business passion. Today, Page Timber Works is more than a timber framing company; it's a full-service general contractor still engaged in remodeling but with a strong focus on high-quality, timber-framed structures.

Team Dynamics and Day-to-Day Operations

John leads a team of six full-time craftsmen, including a timber design specialist and project manager. His role varies from sales to sourcing materials, reviewing estimates, and ensuring smooth operation across projects. His hands-on approach keeps him intimately involved in every aspect of the business.

Balancing Family Life

John, a father of five, faces the challenge of balancing a growing business with family life. Involving his children in the business and spending quality time with them helps maintain this delicate balance.

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, John aims for a more consistent work-life balance and is committed to nurturing his employee relationships. He also plans to introduce a furniture element to the business, leveraging Arkansas's abundant timber resources.

Marketing and Client Relationships

John and his team focus on building strong client relationships. A significant part of their marketing strategy involves revisiting past clients to introduce new services like furniture making, demonstrating a commitment to long-term relationships and community building.

Want to get in touch with John Page?

Contact him through:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagetimberworks/

Website: https://www.pagetimberworks.com/