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

Get a FREE Trial to our Woodpreneur Network Community and get the skills, network, and mentoring to level up your business join here: https://woodpreneurnetwork.com/

Connect with Eric at:

https://thomasphilipswoodworking.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ThomasPhilipsWoodworkingLtd

https://www.instagram.com/thomasphilipswoodworking/?hl=en

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