Wade Samuelson
09-30-2004, 11:48 AM
My office is right across the street from a great, locally-owned furniture store. It's owned by two brothers who made much of the furniture for another store before they decided to go out on their own. They intended to keep building stuff but quickly found out that they make more money by dedicating their time to buying and reselling. But, along the way, they had acquired many new tools for their production shop. So they hired a retired guy who built little stuff for them--book shelves, umbrella holders, small tables, etc. Well, that guy is moving away.
Enter Wade.
I'm always in there asking questions (I bought (meaning my wife bought) about $5k worth of furniture there so I've gotten to know these guys pretty well). I usually stop in if I am going down to the coffee shop. Yesterday, one of the brothers is telling me how their guy is moving. Then a lightbulb appears over his head and he says, "how would you like to build some stuff?" After my laughter subsided, I reminded him that the day before I was asking him how to make use of a router table and that it wouldn't be a very good business move on his part. Plus, my current job seems to be going OK for me and I really don't have time for a part-time job. He says, "Oh it's no problem. I'll bring over some tools (he mentioned a mortise machine and some sander thingy) and get you set up. I'll give you the wood and start you off with simple stuff. You can learn as you go on my machines and my wood. If you never get anything built, just give me the tools and wood back--I won't be out anything. The tools will just sit around otherwise."
I asked him "What if my work really sucks--which it probably will." He says, "It won't. You'll build like 5 of the same thing at a time. Your first couple I'll probably give to your wife as gifts and then have you build the 5 for me to sell. Don't worry, I'll make a profit. With handmade, solid wood furniture, I can sell it for a lot. Besides, it'll be fun for you--and if it isn't, just QUIT!" We didn't discuss my compensation for building for him, but I'm not sure I even want any. I get to butcher this guy's solid oak, pine, and maple; using his bits and blades. It's like going to school for free.
So anyway, I thought I'd share that with you. I'm sure if I am going to try it, but I thought it was kind of funny.
Wade
Enter Wade.
I'm always in there asking questions (I bought (meaning my wife bought) about $5k worth of furniture there so I've gotten to know these guys pretty well). I usually stop in if I am going down to the coffee shop. Yesterday, one of the brothers is telling me how their guy is moving. Then a lightbulb appears over his head and he says, "how would you like to build some stuff?" After my laughter subsided, I reminded him that the day before I was asking him how to make use of a router table and that it wouldn't be a very good business move on his part. Plus, my current job seems to be going OK for me and I really don't have time for a part-time job. He says, "Oh it's no problem. I'll bring over some tools (he mentioned a mortise machine and some sander thingy) and get you set up. I'll give you the wood and start you off with simple stuff. You can learn as you go on my machines and my wood. If you never get anything built, just give me the tools and wood back--I won't be out anything. The tools will just sit around otherwise."
I asked him "What if my work really sucks--which it probably will." He says, "It won't. You'll build like 5 of the same thing at a time. Your first couple I'll probably give to your wife as gifts and then have you build the 5 for me to sell. Don't worry, I'll make a profit. With handmade, solid wood furniture, I can sell it for a lot. Besides, it'll be fun for you--and if it isn't, just QUIT!" We didn't discuss my compensation for building for him, but I'm not sure I even want any. I get to butcher this guy's solid oak, pine, and maple; using his bits and blades. It's like going to school for free.
So anyway, I thought I'd share that with you. I'm sure if I am going to try it, but I thought it was kind of funny.
Wade