Why most woodworking businesses FAIL in the first 2 years

In this video William takes us through some of the ways he keeps William Douglas Co alive and relevant in our crazy times and we have built out our "million dollar" storefront. Enjoy the show.

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[Real.Estate.Report]

Business advice, woodworking, comedy, and wisdom all packed into a video with incredible cinematography.

And I can speak from first hand experience that the shop has a community feel. That’s what keeps me coming back! Great video brother.

[maxgoldwasser]

You guys have created something phenomenal... I look forward to expanding my craft and creating such a supportive and engaged community environment that y'all have around you. Insipring. Thank you!

[TWC]

Great video. Thanks for sharing this info. I’m 46 and have been working a job for decades I despise now. I’ve always wanted to give the thought of my own business a shot. Just never pulled the trigger. These are wise words taken to heart. Thank you.

[MaydaysCustomWoodworks]

Hey William. Great video. I've been a pro woodworker for 12 years now. 3 years ago I quit my other jobs and made custom woodworking my only income. I've learned that building a custom woodworking business simply takes time. There is no real substitute to that factor. It takes time to build trusted clientele who will pay enough to live on. Yes, you are correct that you should not just quit all other incomes and make custom woodworking your job too early. I had another job for 9 years while I built my skills, tools, and clientele. Eventually my business grew to the place where I can choose whether or not I want to deal with the hassle of employees or not, and my business will be just fine either way.

And now it doesn't make any sense for me to have other sources of income unless it's a long term strategy like making more passive income streams... But I now need to be super super careful of what I commit my time to.

[celticwoodworking]

After woodworking for over forty years, I could not have said or explained it any better. William, your a good man, and keep strong brother. Thank you.

[GustavoSantanaa]

I'm starting on Woodworking in Brazil. It's my passion. I have found your YT and it's helping me so much.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[Bryan-fnlp]

Awesome story and information. I was surprised when you talked about projects taking too long and the materials costing more than you estimated. I'm a software engineer and had the same experience. I've never worked on a project that was completed on budget or on schedule. Even when I figured out how to develop more realistic estimates my managers always cut them back and called it a "stretch goal." It felt like I was being setup to fail over and over again. When I was in high school I wanted to be a carpenter, but my parents and teachers talked me into "programming". I really shouldn't complain. It's good, steady income. But I'm bored to death and hollowed out. I can't even see the products I spent my life making. It's just code. It doesn't even really exist and very few people have a need for it. So I watch woodworking videos like yours and wonder if I would have been happier if I would have done what I really wanted instead of engineering. If I lived near you, I'd take your classes and drink your coffee. Thanks for all you're doing. I wish you great success.

[legdfishman]

Excellent advice! I've been watching you grow, slow and steady. Congrats on all of your little victories! I live in Maine, and you may be the only reason I would visit Arizona.

[DCWoodWorking]

You nailed it with the opening lines... It happens and if you don't learn you fail

[arcarioandsons]

Man I really love your content, this page is gonna blow up in no time!

[MrAndrewlangner]

that CNC V groove bit - straight to a mitre!? no one commenting on that?! that was pretty. great video

[fraout]

THANK YOU ! I'm french and nobody speak about price, business in FRANCE ... I don't know why ! So, thank's again I will follow your channel !

[gideonk]

Spot on advice. My business is making branding irons -- My business is custom and yet I also have very dialed in standard processes that make sure I can deliver without surprises. Keep up the great work!

[arth.]

I love this. If my nephew's and niece's brothers and sisters enjoyed all the little or large things that that I built. My work will never die.

[kylebrantley]

Thank you for sharing this message! Love what you guys have built! I’ve got family in the Phoenix area and will be visiting next time I’m out there!

[DreamWorksWoodShop]

Awesome video Will! Being a full-time woodworker myself you definitely need to rely on other sources for income Waiting for that Consignment furniture piece. You provide much inspiration and vision to a lot of woodworkers including me. Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work brother! 😎✌️

[keithbrock]

Great video, I’m just getting started. Trying to do this part time, but it’s my passion. Learn a lot from you guys and maybe someday I’ll get to see the shop. Thanks

[JayCWhiteCloud]

The comedy and humor on this channel is priceless...LMAO!!!...It will be interesting to see how soon you hit a "million subscribers!!!"

[arcarioandsons]

Man seeing "a craftsman never does" kinda hit pretty close to home this morning.... Great video...

[bouchey]

Thank you so much, I needed to hear this todays hope you have a wonderful weekend!!