Using Your General Contracting Skills with A Sawmill Business with Lanterman Woodworks

HOW HE STARTED THE BUSINESS

On this episode, we have Evan Lanterman of Lanterman Woodworks. He started out by building timber frames, general contracting, and working in the carpentry business. In 2011, he snagged a tree that had come down at a nearby park which turned out to be a game changer for him. After opening the tree up, he discovered a new way of working with wood. He obviously didn’t want to waste the product, so this project became the beginning of the shift in the work he that he was used to doing. At the moment, he’s focusing on ways to create furniture by utilizing the mill and material that comes from it. Although he minimally still does residential carpentry, his focus is on creating unique items. 

PRODUCT AND SERVICES

Currently, Evan is focused on building pieces through his creativity, hoping clients will be impressed and continue to come back for more. He has a network of local designers and a few homeowners that he’s been working with over the years, of whom he hopes will refer him to other clients. His products include cabinets, tables, desks, and shelving units. He’s thrilled by the idea of free-standing objects as they’re easily portable.

https://instagram.com/p/BY6xDC6gC3G/

BUSINESS MARKETING

Most of his business comes from referrals and word of mouth, mainly from his clients and friends in the design industry. However, he’s striving to market himself a little bit more through Instagram and is also positioning his website to be able to receive orders.

PASSION

He loves seeing the end product of his work and witnessing the joy of a happy customer. Not only is this mutually beneficial, but also one of the best feelings to have as a business owner.

CHALLENGES OF RUNNING THE BUSINESS

Lately, the hardest part of running the business has been managing his time. He’s the sole person in the business, and he’s always receiving calls, engaging in marketing, creating products, and interacting with clients. It’s becoming overwhelming, but he’s trying hard to balance them all.

5 TOP TOOLS ESSENTIAL FOR THE BUSINESS

His number one tool would be proper eyewear protection. He has a Bluetooth eyewear that keeps him occupied both mentally and physically. The second tool would be for dust collection and dust management and in the admin sector. Also, a spreadsheet is really important in his business. The last two tools would be stable internet and active social media accounts.

FUTURE PROJECTS

Evan hopes to start making live edge products from the material he’s been drying up over the past few years. He’s quite motivated and excited to get his hands on this project.

LINKS MENTIONED

Email: [email protected]

Website: LantermanWoodworks.com

Instagram: @lantermanwoodworks