In 2006, I took a leap of faith and quit a “real job” to become a full-time furniture maker. What I lacked in tools, knowledge, skills, workspace, and money I made up for in enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. I was unbelievably green, having never sold a thing. I had never even made anything particularly noteworthy. I was 30 and engaged to be married at the end of the year. I had a degree in business, surely that would help…
The business was born in my parents’ garage. The garage faced a fairly busy street in a nice neighborhood. My parents had recently relocated to San Antonio and my dad was setting up a hobby shop in his garage. He graciously let me take it over. The neighbors started asking me to build furniture. The first projects were occasional tables and a kitchen. The business was born.
Early the following year, Erin and I bought a new home (no thanks to my meager self-employed income). I relocated all dad’s tools into my new garage. So much for his hobby shop! The new neighbors were not the target market for custom furniture, but they were tolerant of me spending the daylight hours making noise.
I made good use of my IT skills and created a website where people could find my work. I under promised and over delivered, building skills with each new piece. Orders came in and have continued with only occasional slowdowns. I was invited to participate in the Texas Furniture Makers Show in 2009. I’ve since exhibited 14 times and met a whole host of talented furniture makers who have inspired me and aided my development.
I’m grateful to the many clients that have trusted me with their projects over the years. Many of them have become friends and repeat clients. Those relationships mean so much to me.
My family are the real stars of the show. Without the support of my wife, Erin, none of this would be possible. My parents and in-laws have both been instrumental to my success. They have all supported, encouraged, and advised me over the years. I have somewhat jokingly referred to my parents as my marketing department. They have made and continue to make a huge grassroots effort to promote my work in the local art scene. My parents and in-laws have both rolled up their sleeves to help me build and deliver things more times than I can count. I did finally return all my dad’s tools. My father-in-law is very gracious with his huge hobby shop. Large commissions get built there, more human scale things get built in our attached three car garage.
There is no way to know what the next twenty years will bring, but I plan to keep building beautiful furniture. I can not imagine doing anything else.