Strategic conversations for woodworking-shop operators
Strategic conversations with woodworkers running real shops. Pricing commissions, building contractor referral networks, wholesale to boutiques, scaling from solo to team. Not generic small-business coaching — specific frameworks for custom wood production.
How I think about this industry
Woodworking businesses split into two categories: commission-based (furniture, cabinetry) and product-based (cutting boards, turned bowls, kitchen accessories). The economics are very different. The frameworks that move each from hobby to income are mostly not woodworking-specific — they're the same frameworks that work for other artisan production businesses.
The frameworks I work in
Commission workflow architecture
The 6-step process that protects both sides. Deposits, change orders, milestone communication. Most failed commissions trace back to missed steps in the workflow.
Per-piece profitability audit
Most woodworkers price at lumber-cost-plus, ignoring shop time, machine depreciation, and overhead. The real cost stack is 3-4x most pricing.
Contractor referral network development
Custom cabinetry runs on GC referrals. The 6-month outreach plan that produces year-round work.
Product line vs commission mix
Product line (cutting boards, accessories) produces predictable revenue. Commission produces highest per-project. Most shops need both.
Wholesale to boutiques
$40 retail = $20 wholesale. The volume math and the outreach playbook for product-line businesses.
Solo-to-team transition
The first hire decision. Apprentice vs experienced. The shop reorganization and overhead changes required.
What I don't do
- Woodworking technique instruction. Joinery, finishing, tool setup — work with a woodworking school or YouTube.
- Generic small-business coaching. Tax, LLC setup — work with a CPA.
- Marketing execution. Strategy yes; execution is your work.
If you're earlier than this
Most woodworkers don't need advisory work in their first 12-18 months running commercially. They need to develop product lines, establish pricing, do first commissions. The articles cover the starter implementation: Pricing honestly, Commission workflow, Wholesale to gift shops.
If you're 18+ months in and the next move isn't obvious — scaling, specialization, contractor network — these conversations become useful.
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