Since starting my business 11 years ago, I have always envisioned having a small shop, with just me and my tools. As Marvelous Woodworking has grown, I have really come to see the value in having someone else helping out. Fortunately, Robin Schmadeke reached out to me about 8 months ago, looking to train under a woodworker to help her expand her skills. I thought it would be nice to ask her to introduce herself a bit to you, my clients:
Robin:
“I made a pallet wall in my house and I had a blast doing it. That led to a woodworking weekend class with a friend, and I loved that. I started making little things here and there for myself but I always looking for the next class I could take. The classes took a lot of time and money, so I began thinking I could find someone to train with as a job. I had been taking classes for about 3 years, and I knew I wanted to take it a little further.
I am from Greenwood Indiana and am married with two kids – 21 and 18. I have had a career as a bookkeeper, and I am still doing that the days I am not in the shop. I am with Doug two-days a week, learning a little bit of everything. This variety is why I like working with Doug. All the projects are different, and I am learning all the tools. One day I may use 6 different tools to work on one project. The next day will involve a bunch of other tools. I am really learning. I have even helped install a staircase.
I like about woodworking because I like to be creative and I like the peacefulness of the work, even though I am using loud equipment sometimes (with ear protection of course). I like the satisfaction of a job well done and the tangible things I make. Making our clients happy makes me happy.
It’s hard to come with a favorite project so far since all of them have such different aspects. We made a bar with a round shape where we needed to curve the wood. It was interesting to learn that process.And, we just completed a big bookcase wall unit – I really liked that project because I felt it is something a lot of people would love.”
From my perspective, Robin came at the perfect time. I needed the help and I had just about given up on finding the right person. Out of the blue Robin sent me an email. I could not believe my luck! We set a time to meet. I wanted to make sure she would like the work and be ok with the commute. (“I love the drive into the country,” Robin chimes in.) At our meeting we decided to give it a try to see if she enjoyed it, and she has been here ever since!
Having another person here helps in many ways. First, I need to keep my business running, so I am often out meeting potential customers, writing quotes and doing things like bookkeeping etc. Robin keeps the work moving while I am busy. She is doing what I really want to be doing, but as a business owner, I have other important duties too.
Secondly, some projects require two people. My work is not necessarily heavy, but sometimes I need another person to help me carry and place things, such as cabinets. Also, at the end of a long day, it is really nice to have someone else to lug things back out to the truck – less trips back and forth are welcomed after an already strenuous day.
Finally, it is helpful to have someone to bounce design ideas off of. I often ask Robin for her opinion on elements like how thick a piece should be or if one thing looks better than another. I feel this second opinion is important, bringing a better result for my clients by offering more than my just opinion driving the design.
I am thrilled to have the Marvelous Woodworking Team growing and thriving – ready to custom-build whatever woodworking projects they have in mind. Let us know if you need us. Send me an email or give me a call at 317-679-5890.
