The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

Latest Episodes:

The Human Touch: Why AI Will Never Replace the Artisan Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Paul explores how the rise of artificial intelligence could change not just how we work—but who we are. Drawing from a conversation with Simon Sinek, he discusses the skills AI can’t replicate—empathy, patience, imperfection—and why those traits are at the core of artisan work. In a world rushing toward automation, handmade may be the final frontier of authenticity.

Plus a question from Naomi in Portland!

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How to Talk About Price Without Flinching (Plus: Letting Go of Control in the Shop) Jun 02, 2025

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If quoting your price makes your stomach twist or your voice drop, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking why so many makers struggle to talk about money—and how to shift that mindset. I’ll walk you through practical ways to confidently communicate your value, stop over-explaining, and price your work without hesitation.

I’m also answering a question from Marco in Boulder, Colorado, and asks about something a lot of us face: how do you let go of control when bringing someone into the shop? I’ll share what helped me step back from the bench without sacrificing quality—or losing my mind.

Whether you’re quoting high-ticket pieces or learning to delegate for the first time, this one’s all about leveling up with confidence.

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Selling Before Building: What a Delayed Table Taught Me About Leadership, Clients, and Risk May 26, 2025

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In this episode of The Hand Crafted Podcast, I get honest about a recent challenge—selling a custom table design before we ever built a prototype. What followed was a whirlwind of production delays, frustrated clients, and some tough-but-necessary lessons in communication and leadership. I talk about what it’s like to "build the plane while flying it," how I navigated a tough conversation with the client, and why I don’t regret taking the risk. Plus, I answer a question from Sarah about when—and how—to raise your prices with confidence.

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Your Brand Is Not Just Your Logo: A Maker’s Guide to Real Marketing May 19, 2025

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Most makers think branding means a cool logo and a few Instagram posts. But your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room. In this episode, we’ll unpack what branding really means for your woodworking business, how to build trust and recognition, and simple ways to show up consistently—even if you hate marketing.

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From Chaos to Clarity: Structuring Your Day as a Maker-Founder May 05, 2025

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Most makers are stuck in reactive mode—answering emails, rushing to meet deadlines, and putting out fires. But if you never create space for future-focused work like marketing, pricing, and growth, your business stays stuck. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to structure your day for clarity, momentum, and long-term success—even if you're the only one in the shop.

PLUS Paul answers a listener question from Matt.

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Who’s It For? How to Find (and Talk to) Your Ideal Client Apr 28, 2025

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In this episode of The Hand Crafted Podcast, Paul breaks down how to identify your ideal client—or "avatar"—so you can stop guessing and start connecting. He walks you through a simple, no-fluff process to define who you really want to work with, why that matters for your marketing and sales, and how knowing your avatar can completely transform how you talk about your work. Whether you’re just starting or trying to refine your brand, this 15-minute episode is a must-listen.

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The Flywheel Effect: Why Consistency Builds Greatness Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul dives into Jim Collins’ powerful Flywheel Effect from the book Good to Great—a concept that explains how sustained, consistent effort over time creates unstoppable momentum in business. Paul relates this idea to the world of custom furniture making and other maker-driven businesses, drawing from his own 10-year journey with Philadelphia Table Company.

He emphasizes how slow, deliberate progress—not overnight success—is what builds enduring companies. From delighting clients and earning referrals, to niching down and refining systems, Paul offers real-world strategies to help makers turn single projects into long-term growth. He also shares personal stories about how early cold outreach snowballed into large-scale hospitality collaborations through consistency and word-of-mouth.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is a reminder that every small push counts—and that great businesses are built brick by brick, not by viral moments.

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Stop Staring at the Scoreboard: How to Play a Better Game in Business Apr 14, 2025

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In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things, Paul breaks down the true meaning of strategy for makers and business owners. Using a sports analogy, he explains why obsessing over the "scoreboard" — like sales numbers or social media followers — won't lead to success. Instead, improving your game — your craft, systems, and mindset — is what drives results.

Paul outlines what strategy isn't (buying ads, trying to please everyone, doing a little bit of everything) and what it is(making clear decisions about who you are, what you do, who you serve, and what you won't do). Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin, he emphasizes focusing on a small, specific audience, embracing your uniqueness, and telling a consistent story about your business. He also shares why narrowing your focus, even when it feels scary, is the key to growth.

Paul leaves listeners with three crucial questions to define their strategy:

Who is this for?
What change do I want to make?
What's the story I'm telling?

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Sales First: How I Broke the $1M Barrier Without Ads Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul dives into one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of running a successful maker business: sales. He uses the metaphor of a train needing a push to leave the station—no matter how polished or beautiful it is, it won’t move without sales.

Paul challenges makers to treat sales like a daily discipline, just like honing their craft. He shares personal stories from his early days, including walking his South Philly neighborhood to find potential clients and how grassroots efforts helped him break through revenue plateaus. He also emphasizes building a network effect, showing up “open for business” in everyday conversations, and leveraging relationships in your community to drive growth.

He reminds listeners that it's not about being pushy—it's about building relationships, asking good questions, and listening. Sales isn't sleazy when you're offering something you truly believe in.

The biggest takeaway? Craft alone won’t get your business to the golden city—consistent, intentional sales will.

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“Why Ads Won’t Save Your Business” Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things, Paul dives deep into one of the hottest topics in the maker business world: advertising. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to start running ads—or if ads are even the right move for your business—this episode is for you.

Paul breaks down why most makers aren’t ready to run ads yet, and why that’s totally okay. He shares lessons from his own journey of growing Philadelphia Table Company to nearly $800K in revenue before ever running a serious ad campaign. Learn how mastering sales, branding, and lead generation without ads can build a stronger, more sustainable foundation for your business.

Then, for those who are ready, Paul opens up about how he’s currently running ads—including Meta vs. Google strategies, form funnels, pre-qualifying leads, and why imagery and brand positioning matter more than ever.

This is a real, honest look at ads for handcrafted businesses—no fluff, no gimmicks, just what actually works (and what doesn’t).

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