Frustration with an industry can be the spark that leads to building something better, especially when it's rooted in community, sustainability, and the stories behind every piece of wood.
In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Dave Puncochar, founder of Good Wood Nashville, to explore his remarkable journey from pharmaceutical sales rep to urban wood producer. Dave shares the challenges and triumphs of launching his lumber business, driven by a desire to showcase the beauty and value of reclaimed and locally sourced wood that might otherwise go to waste.
You'll hear about Good Wood Nashville's dual focus on both new and reclaimed lumber, their strong community connections that support local projects, and initiatives like Nashville Strong that helped the community during COVID-19. Dave discusses how his background in sales and teaching has shaped his business approach, the importance of building a strong online presence and customer relationships, and the hard lessons learned about hiring, firing, and growing a team.
This conversation dives into the entrepreneurial realities of turning a hobby into a full-time operation, the power of storytelling in marketing your wood products, and why collecting customer data is essential for long-term success. Dave also opens up about the significant role his family plays in both his business and community involvement, and how the Roots to Table custom woodworking initiative creates unique connections between craftspeople and customers.
Whether you're considering starting your own lumber business, interested in urban wood salvage and sustainability, or looking for inspiration on building a business with community at its core, this episode offers honest insights and practical wisdom from someone who's learned by doing.
Tune in to discover how passion, persistence, and a commitment to quality can transform frustration into a thriving wood business, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from makers and entrepreneurs who are building something meaningful.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Good Wood Nashville
02:01 Dave's Journey into the Lumber Business
03:58 The Birth of Good Wood Nashville
05:59 Sourcing and Sustainability in Lumber
07:55 Roots to Table: A Unique Custom Woodworking Initiative
09:59 Growth and Expansion of Good Wood Nashville
11:46 The Evolution of Operations at Good Wood
13:58 Building a Business: From Hobby to Full-Time
14:26 Building a Community Through Craftsmanship
16:49 Resilience in the Face of Adversity
21:53 Navigating the Challenges of Hiring
26:35 Marketing Strategies for Growth
30:50 The Importance of Customer Relationships
The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger
For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com
See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com
Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io
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You can connect with Dave at:
https://www.goodwoodnashville.com/
https://www.instagram.com/goodwoodnashville/
