The Beginning

I'm starting this to chronicle my efforts to break into the custom furniture and cabinet business. For the past nearly 40 years I have been in the residential construction industry as a framing, trim and sometimes general contractor. About 12 years ago I started building furniture for our house in Bill Shadle's shop. I had the privilege of living across the street from Mr. Shadle for 25 years. He taught me many of the skills and techniques I use today. He also told me many times how difficult it is to become a furniture maker full-time. I don't intend to completely "quit my day job" right away but with the help of a good business plan and sound marketing ideas I'm going to give it a try. I have recently been working on a step by step plan to get this process going.These steps include: upgrading shop tools, developing designs and building some pieces for shows and as inventory, developing a web site, and establishing a reputation as a builder of high quality heirloom furniture. I'll post some pictures of the shop as I upgrade equipment and of some of the pieces I have built.