The Woodpreneur Podcast

Zachary Wicks, Wood by Wicks

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Zachary Wicks of Wood by Wicks to explore his journey from salvaging cedar trees to becoming a full-time wood entrepreneur. Discover how Zachary transitioned from remodeling homes to owning his own sawmill, and learn about his unique approach to sustainable forestry and custom milling. Zachary shares insights into the challenges and rewards of the wood industry, emphasizing the importance of selective harvesting and the value of trees. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the future of sustainable wood practices. Key Takeaways: Zachary Wicks transitioned from remodeling homes to full-time wood entrepreneurship, driven by his passion for milling and sustainable forestry.He emphasizes the importance of selective harvesting, focusing on trees that are at the end of their life cycle or are degraded, to ensure sustainable practices.Zachary's business model involves custom milling and selling dry wood, with a focus on maintaining low overhead costs and maximizing the use of each tree.He highlights the challenges of the wood industry, including the need for proper equipment and the impact of external factors like weather on wood drying processes.Zachary advocates for replanting trees and educating others about sustainable forestry to ensure the long-term health of forests and the wood industry. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Zach Wicks and Wick Woods 03:00 From Remodeling to Woodworking 06:00 The Decision to Buy a Sawmill  09:00 Sustainable Forestry and Selective Harvesting  12:00 Custom Milling and Business Model  15:00 Challenges in the Wood Industry  18:00 Advocacy for Replanting and Future Vision  21:00 Personal Insights and Family Balance  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 See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/ You can connect with Zachary at: https://www.instagram.com/woodbywicks/ https://www.facebook.com/woodbywicks/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#

Clarke Stevenson, The Watershed Research and Training Center

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, we delve into the inspiring work of The Watershed Research and Training Center, a beacon of community development and environmental stewardship. Discover how this organization empowers local communities through innovative training programs and sustainable practices. From restoring natural habitats to fostering economic resilience, The Watershed Research and Training Center is at the forefront of creating a harmonious balance between people and nature. Join us as we explore their impactful initiatives and the stories of transformation that are shaping a sustainable future, featuring insights from Clarke Stevenson. Key Takeaways: The Watershed Research and Training Center plays a crucial role in balancing community needs with environmental conservationInnovative training programs are central to empowering local communitiesSustainable practices are essential for long-term ecological and economic resilienceCollaboration and community involvement are key to successful environmental stewardship Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to The Watershed Research and Training Center  02:15 Community Development Initiatives  07:30 Environmental Stewardship Programs  12:45 Success Stories  18:00 Future Goals and Challenges - Understand the center's future plans and the challenges they face 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 See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/ You can connect with Clarke at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarke-stevenson-13046854/

Rick Siewert, Wood From the Hood

In this episode, host Jennifer Alger explores urban wood utilization with Rick Siewert from Wood From the Hood. Rick shares how his business started from a simple dare and grew into a successful enterprise focused on sustainability and innovation in woodworking. The conversation covers industry challenges, the importance of standards and certification, networking within the urban wood community, and exciting future developments in the field. Key Takeaways: Urban wood utilization offers significant environmental benefits by repurposing trees that would otherwise become wasteBuilding standards and certification systems are essential for establishing credibility in emerging industriesCollaboration and networking are crucial for overcoming challenges in niche marketsSustainable business models can emerge from unconventional beginnings and creative problem-solvingThe urban wood industry has promising growth potential with exciting developments on the horizon Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Urban Wood Utilization  02:15 The Birth of Wood From the Hood  08:45 Challenges in the Urban Wood Industry  15:30 The Importance of Standards and Certification  22:10 Networking and Collaboration  30:00 Future of Urban Wood 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 See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/ You can connect with Rick at: https://woodfromthehood.com/ https://www.instagram.com/woodfromthehoodmpls/ https://www.facebook.com/WoodFromtheHood/

Kelly and Caleb Geer, Urban Tree Merchants

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Caleb and Kelly Geer of Urban Tree Merchants about their journey in the urban wood industry. They discuss their passion for utilizing local trees, the challenges of running a woodworking business, and the importance of community partnerships. The conversation highlights innovative projects, marketing strategies, and the significance of sustainability in woodworking. The Geers share insights on their experiences, the value of collaboration, and their vision for the future of urban wood utilization. Top 5 Takeaways Urban Tree Merchants started from a passion for recycling woodThe importance of community partnerships in utilizing local resourcesInnovative projects can showcase the value of urban woodMarketing strategies rely heavily on word of mouth and presenceSustainability is a key focus in the woodworking industry Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Urban Tree Merchants  01:36 The Journey of Urban Tree Merchants  04:25 Daily Operations and Partnerships  07:38 Collaboration with the City of Arlington  10:05 Exciting Projects and Innovations  12:50 Documenting the Process  17:10 Challenges and Growth in Business  18:49 Overcoming Business Challenges  21:30 Passion for Urban Wood  23:28 Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses  24:44 Unique Selling Points of Local Wood  27:51 Leveraging Internships and Partnerships  30:30 Navigating Growth and Raw Material Supply  37:09 Collaborative Approaches to Large Projects 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 See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/ You can connect with Caleb and Kelly: https://urbantreemerchants.com/about-us/ https://www.instagram.com/UrbanTreeMerchants https://www.facebook.com/urbantreemerchants/

Todd Walker, NWH

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger speaks with Todd Walker, the director of marketing at NWH, who has been with the company for 38 years. They discuss the evolution of the wood industry, particularly the commercialization of alder, changes in marketing strategies over the decades, and the importance of storytelling in connecting with consumers. Todd shares insights on the challenges facing the wood industry, the value of quality products, and the role of women in the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and communication to shift consumer perceptions and promote sustainable practices in the wood business. Top 5 Takeaways: Todd Walker has been with NWH for 38 years and helped pioneer the commercialization of alder woodMarketing has evolved significantly with the advent of the internet and social mediaStorytelling is crucial for connecting with consumers about wood products and their benefitsThe wood industry faces challenges from substitute products and needs better education to change consumer perceptionsQuality wood products can be more sustainable than cheaper alternatives, appealing to younger generations who value sustainability Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Todd Walker and NWH  03:04 The Evolution of Alder and NWH's Role  06:00 Marketing Changes Over 38 Years  08:59 The Importance of Storytelling in Wood Marketing  11:56 The Shift in Consumer Perception of Wood  14:52 Challenges Facing the Wood Industry  18:04 The Value of Quality in Wood Products  21:02 The Role of Women in the Wood Industry  23:52 Connecting with the Next Generation of Consumers  26:38 Todd's Accomplishments and Leadership Philosophy  29:38 Conclusion and How to Connect with NWH 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 See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodpreneurnetwork/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: podcast.woodpreneur.com/ You can connect with Todd at: https://nwh.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-walker-505867339/ https://www.instagram.com/northwesthardwoods/