Before diving into this episode, take a trip down memory lane and revisit our first conversation with Marty at Saw & Steel. See how his journey has evolved from episode 12 to episode 461 by listening to our original conversation here: Finding Arizona Podcast - Saw & Steel
In this special Rediscovering Arizona episode, host Jose Acevedo catches up with Marty Oelrich, owner of Saw & Steel, to take a look at his journey—from turning woodworking into a thriving manufacturing business to scaling beyond his garage workshop. Marty gives us the lowdown on overcoming personal challenges (including a serious back injury), navigating new tariffs, and managing the logistics of shipping handcrafted goods. His honest take on balancing artistry and commerce, staying transparent with his team, and building strategic partnerships is relatable and inspiring for anyone growing a small business in today's market.
The Key Moments in This Episode Are:
00:00:00 - Building the Business from the Ground Up
00:03:00 - Overcoming Adversity
00:11:17 - Psychological Background and Transparency
00:14:39 - Navigating Growth During the Pandemic
00:15:12 - Impact of Tariffs on Business
00:16:37 - Balancing Creativity and Business Demands
00:25:31 - The Intersection of Artistry and Business
00:31:35 - The Reality of Shipping Costs
00:40:56 - Navigating Artistic Identity
00:45:51 - Consulting and Investment
00:48:43 - The Future of Handmade
The Resources Mentioned in This Episode Are:
Visit Saw & Steel on Etsy at sawandsteel.etsy.com to explore and purchase their custom work, including marquee lights and other unique products.
Follow Saw & Steel on social media, including Instagram and Facebook, to stay updated on their latest creations and projects.
Connect with the Finding Arizona Podcast:
YouTube: Finding Arizona Podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/findingarizonapodcast
Website: findingarizonapodcast.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/findingarizonapodcast
Twitter: twitter.com/findingarizona
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