The Woodpreneur Podcast

Paul Hickman, Urban Ashes

Urban trees don't have to become waste. With the right approach, they can be transformed into sustainable, high-quality wood products that reduce carbon footprints and strengthen local communities. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Paul Hickman, founder of Urban Ashes, to explore the critical importance of urban wood utilization. Paul shares his fascinating journey from the scenic arts industry to creating sustainable products from urban wood, with a particular focus on ash trees affected by the devastating Emerald Ash Borer. His work demonstrates how trees that would otherwise end up in landfills can become valuable resources for woodworkers, builders, and communities. You'll hear about the Urban Wood Project and its impact on local communities, Paul's transition from manufacturing wood products to consulting and education, and why urban wood utilization is essential for reducing carbon footprints. Paul emphasizes the need for increased education and awareness about urban wood, the importance of establishing industry standards, and the valuable role organizations like the Climate Smart Wood Group play in promoting sustainable practices. This conversation dives into both the challenges and opportunities facing the urban wood movement, from building market demand to creating infrastructure that supports salvage and milling operations. Whether you're a woodworker looking for sustainable materials, interested in urban forestry and environmental impact, or curious about how communities can turn a tree crisis into economic opportunity, this episode offers compelling insights and actionable ideas. Tune in to discover how urban wood utilization is revolutionizing sustainability in the wood industry and creating new possibilities for local economies, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more conversations about innovation and sustainability in woodworking and forestry. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Urban Wood Utilization 02:52 Paul Hickman's Journey into Urban Wood 06:01 The Evolution of Urban Ashes 09:03 Urban Wood Project and Community Impact 12:01 Transitioning from Manufacturing to Consulting 14:54 Urban Wood Utilization and Carbon Footprint 17:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Wood 21:06 Education and Standards in Urban Wood 23:52 Future of Urban Wood and Climate Smart Wood Group 26:55 Conclusion and Call to Action 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 [http://woodpreneur.com] See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com [http://woodpreneurnetwork.com] Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io [http://buildergrowth.io] Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/] Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork [https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork] Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork [https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork] You can connect with Paul at: https://www.urbanashes.com/ [https://www.urbanashes.com/] https://www.instagram.com/urbanashes/ [https://www.instagram.com/urbanashes/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmhickman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmhickman]

Jennifer and Steve, Woodpreneur Podcast

Small-scale wood producers across California are facing a challenge: how do you compete in a market dominated by larger operations while showcasing the unique value of locally sourced, sustainable wood? In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger reconnects with Steve Larosiliere, founder of the Woodpreneur community, to discuss key insights and developments from the Forest Products Week conference. Steve shares his journey and the exciting collaborative efforts taking shape in the wood industry, with a special focus on the California Wood Supply Group, an initiative aimed at unifying small-scale wood producers under a common brand and vision. You'll hear about the specific challenges small producers face in marketing and sales, and why storytelling has become a crucial tool for communicating the value and sustainability of wood products. Steve and Jennifer explore how collaboration can drive economic development in the wood industry, the importance of creating a unified brand that elevates all participants, and the strategies that can help small-scale operations thrive in a competitive marketplace. This conversation dives into the power of community in building a stronger wood industry, the role of sustainability as both a practice and a marketing message, and how the California Wood Supply Group is working to create new opportunities for sawyers, lumber dealers, and woodworkers across the state. Whether you're a small-scale producer looking for support and resources, interested in sustainable forestry and wood sourcing, or curious about innovative approaches to marketing and collaboration in the wood industry, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how unity, storytelling, and community are shaping the future of wood production in California and beyond, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more conversations about building a thriving and sustainable wood industry. Chapters: 00:02 Introduction to the Woodpreneur Podcast 01:32 Steve Larosiliere's Journey 03:25 California Wood Supply Group 05:24 Challenges and Opportunities 08:25 The Importance of Storytelling 12:18 Future of the Wood Industry 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 [http://woodpreneur.com] See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com [http://woodpreneurnetwork.com] Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io [http://buildergrowth.io] Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farwestforest/ [https://www.instagram.com/farwestforest/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/] Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork [https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork] Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork [https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork]

Dave Puncochar, Good Wood Nashville

Frustration with an industry can be the spark that leads to building something better, especially when it's rooted in community, sustainability, and the stories behind every piece of wood. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Dave Puncochar, founder of Good Wood Nashville, to explore his remarkable journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to urban wood producer. Dave shares the challenges and triumphs of launching his lumber business, driven by a desire to showcase the beauty and value of reclaimed and locally sourced wood that might otherwise go to waste. You'll hear about Good Wood Nashville's dual focus on both new and reclaimed lumber, their strong community connections that support local projects, and initiatives like Nashville Strong that helped the community during COVID-19. Dave discusses how his background in sales and teaching has shaped his business approach, the importance of building a strong online presence and customer relationships, and the hard lessons learned about hiring, firing, and growing a team. This conversation dives into the entrepreneurial realities of turning a hobby into a full-time operation, the power of storytelling in marketing your wood products, and why collecting customer data is essential for long-term success. Dave also opens up about the significant role his family plays in both his business and community involvement, and how the Roots to Table custom woodworking initiative creates unique connections between craftspeople and customers. Whether you're considering starting your own lumber business, interested in urban wood salvage and sustainability, or looking for inspiration on building a business with community at its core, this episode offers honest insights and practical wisdom from someone who's learned by doing. Tune in to discover how passion, persistence, and a commitment to quality can transform frustration into a thriving wood business, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from makers and entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Good Wood Nashville 02:01 Dave's Journey into the Lumber Business 03:58 The Birth of Good Wood Nashville 05:59 Sourcing and Sustainability in Lumber 07:55 Roots to Table: A Unique Custom Woodworking Initiative 09:59 Growth and Expansion of Good Wood Nashville 11:46 The Evolution of Operations at Good Wood 13:58 Building a Business: From Hobby to Full-Time 14:26 Building a Community Through Craftsmanship 16:49 Resilience in the Face of Adversity 21:53 Navigating the Challenges of Hiring 26:35 Marketing Strategies for Growth 30:50 The Importance of Customer Relationships 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 [http://woodpreneur.com] See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com [http://woodpreneurnetwork.com] Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io [http://buildergrowth.io] Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/] Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork [https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork] Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork [https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork] You can connect with Dave at: https://www.goodwoodnashville.com/ [https://www.goodwoodnashville.com/] https://www.ewcarpenter.com/ [https://www.ewcarpenter.com/] https://www.instagram.com/goodwoodnashville/ [https://www.instagram.com/goodwoodnashville/] https://www.facebook.com/GoodWoodNashville/ [https://www.facebook.com/GoodWoodNashville/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-puncochar-29117612/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-puncochar-29117612/]

Andrew Bragg, AncesTREE™

What if you could track every piece of wood in your inventory from the moment it's cut to the day it's sold, all with a simple scan? In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Andrew Bragg to explore how QR code technology is revolutionizing inventory management in the wood industry. Andrew shares insights on AncesTREE™, an innovative system that allows woodworkers, sawmills, and lumber dealers to track the complete history and details of their wood products (from tree to marketplace) transforming how businesses manage inventory, engage customers, and boost sales. You'll hear about the powerful benefits of real-time data access for better decision-making, how tracking the story behind each piece of wood creates meaningful customer engagement, and why efficient inventory systems can save time while increasing profitability. Andrew explains practical solutions like batch QR codes that simplify the tagging process, marketplace integration that boosts product visibility, and custom features designed to meet the unique needs of wood businesses of all sizes. This conversation dives into the technical and business advantages of modern inventory management, including how proper onboarding sets businesses up for success and why continuous improvement is essential for long-term optimization. Whether you're struggling with disorganized inventory, looking to enhance your customer experience, or want to showcase the unique story behind your wood products, this episode offers actionable insights on leveraging technology to transform your operation. Tune in to discover how QR codes and smart inventory systems can streamline your business from tree to sale, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more innovative conversations from the wood industry. 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 [http://woodpreneur.com] See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com [http://woodpreneurnetwork.com] Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io [http://buildergrowth.io] Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/] Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork [https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork] Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork [https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork] You can connect with Andrew at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bragg-762658339/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bragg-762658339/] https://ancestree.org/ [https://ancestree.org/]

Justin McMinds, Wood-Mizer Industrial

Running a sawmill efficiently isn't just about having the right equipment. It's about optimizing every aspect of your operation, from layout to blade selection to seasonal maintenance. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Justin McMinds from Wood-Mizer Industrial to explore the ins and outs of sawmill optimization. Justin shares his unique journey from operating his own sawmill business, WoodMinds, to working with Wood-Mizer in Blades and Industrial Equipment Sales, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience to help sawmill operators maximize efficiency and profitability. You'll hear practical insights on creating efficient sawmill layouts that improve workflow, the game-changing benefits of advanced blades like bi-metal and carbide for cost savings, and essential strategies for winterizing equipment to maintain peak performance. Justin also dives into exciting topics like urban wood salvage and the unique opportunities it presents, optimizing quarter sawing techniques, and how multi-rip machines can drastically reduce labor costs and cutting time. This conversation goes beyond technical advice to explore the creative problem-solving required in the sawmill industry, the importance of personal connections in building business opportunities, and why sharing knowledge strengthens the entire woodworking community. Justin even shares how his ADHD has become a strength in tackling complex challenges and finding innovative solutions. Whether you're a sawmill operator looking to improve efficiency, considering equipment upgrades, or interested in urban wood salvage and sustainable milling practices, this episode is packed with actionable advice and industry insights that can transform your operation. Tune in to learn how to optimize your sawmill for maximum productivity and profitability and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more expert conversations from the wood industry. Chapters: 00:00:04 Introduction to the Episode 00:02:09 Justin McMinds' Background 00:03:33 Transition to Wood-Mizer 00:04:30 Optimizing Sawmill Operations 00:08:47 Efficiency Tips and Tricks 00:12:55 Advanced Blades and Cost Savings 00:18:42 Multi-Rip Machines and Labor Costs 00:23:46 Winterizing Equipment 00:26:46 Exciting Projects and Challenges 00:30:53 Creative Problem-Solving in Business 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 [http://woodpreneur.com] See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com [http://woodpreneurnetwork.com] Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io [http://buildergrowth.io] Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ [https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/] Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork [https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork] Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork [https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork] You can connect with Justin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcminds-567265222/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcminds-567265222/]