Importance Of Effective Marketing Strategies For A Wood Marketing Company
Steve Larosiliere
April 24, 2024
Darrel
Rick’s path through woodworking spans five decades, starting as a carpenter and growing into managing a 28,000-square-foot architectural woodworking facility with 100 employees and $10 million in annual revenue. After selling his business in 2019, what began as a retirement hobby with a Wood-Mizer sawmill has grown into a thriving enterprise alongside his son Jacob.
Their story gained momentum when Jacob returned from Colorado in 2019. The timing proved perfect as the pandemic created increased demand for custom wood projects. The father-son duo discovered their niche when customers began requesting customization of their slabs, from straight-edging to sanding.
Today, Dendro Technology operates from a 3,000-square-foot shop equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. Their Woodmizer LT40 horizontal bandsaw, powered by a 26.5-horsepower motor, handles logs up to 3,000 pounds with a maximum cutting width of 34½ inches. The facility includes a wide belt sander and a powerful CNC machine capable of working with slabs up to 4 feet by 12 feet.
The business model reflects both experience and adaptability. Custom sawmill services run at $125 per hour, offering specialized cuts for specific needs. Their dehumidification kiln, crafted from an insulated shipping container with R28 rating, demonstrates their commitment to quality, taking 4-6 weeks to properly dry 2-inch hardwood planks.
Their expertise spans various wood species, including cherry, walnut, Russian olive, salt cedar, juniper, fir, mulberry, ash, oak, and maple. These materials become deep windowsills for adobe homes, fireplace mantles, banco seats, stair treads, and bar tops.
Environmental responsibility stands at the core of their operation. Their solar array powers all equipment, including multiple high-powered motors. They minimize waste through sawdust recycling and thoughtful material usage, sourcing from local dead, down, and unwanted trees throughout the Albuquerque area.
The workshop benefits from a unique partnership with a master woodworker who rents space in their facility, bringing additional equipment and expertise to collaborative projects. This arrangement allows them to tackle complex commissions while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
For Rick, now 70, this venture represents more than just a business – it’s about creating a sustainable legacy for Jacob to develop and grow. Their approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern efficiency, producing pieces that stand the test of time.
Ready to start your next woodworking project? Contact Dendro Technology to explore their selection of live-edge slabs or discuss your custom milling needs. Their expertise in sustainable wood processing and commitment to quality craftsmanship make them the perfect partner for your woodworking journey. Join the Woodpreneur Network to connect with fellow wood business owners and access valuable resources that can help grow your woodworking enterprise.
