From Beginner to Business: My Woodworking Journey Begins
Hey everyone, I’m Brian Grossman, and I’ve officially kicked off a brand-new adventure: starting a woodworking business from scratch.
At 52 years old, I’m a beginner woodworker with lofty goals, a rough 35×60-foot shop that looks more like a horror movie set than a workshop, and a growing passion for building things with my hands. I’m inviting you to follow along as I document every step of this journey — from cleaning up and renovating the shop, to learning woodworking basics, to hopefully turning this into a thriving business.
Why Woodworking?
While I don’t have a deep background in woodworking, it’s always been something that intrigued me. My grandfather and dad were both handy, and my brother builds houses for a living. But I’ve spent most of my career behind a screen — managing communications for a nonprofit, doing web design, social media, and video editing. After years of digital work, I needed a creative outlet that didn’t involve a glowing monitor.
Woodworking gives me that balance. It helps me unplug, problem-solve, and create something tangible — and I love it.
The Shop: A Diamond in the Rough
When I bought the property next to my house (11 acres added to my existing 15), it came with this massive but rundown building. To be honest, I bought the land — the shop was just a bonus. But that bonus has become the heart of my new venture.
It’s going to take a lot of work. The roof needs replacing, there’s junk everywhere, and parts of the structure are in rough shape. But the bones are good, and I see the potential. I’ll be sharing the transformation process on my YouTube channel.
My Tools (So Far)
I’m starting out with the bare basics:
- A Ryobi table saw I picked up for $75
- A borrowed compound miter saw
- A $25 Facebook Marketplace Black & Decker miter saw
- A few small power tools: jigsaw, sander, drill/driver
- A brad nailer and air compressor
- Miscellaneous hand tools
It’s not much, but it’s enough to get going. My goal is to show other beginners that you don’t need a fully loaded shop to get started.
First Orders, First Lessons
I’ve already landed my first two paid orders — cedar picket planters! They came through word of mouth and my personal Facebook, not Marketplace (which hasn’t worked too well for me yet). These first builds have been great practice, and I’m already learning what to improve for next time.
I’ve also had a few fails — like my attempt at a wavy American flag that went off the rails when I botched the star section. But that’s all part of the journey, and I’ll be sharing those lessons too.
Join Me for the Ride
This isn’t just about woodworking. It’s about stepping out of my comfort zone, learning something new, and maybe building a business in the process. I’ll be documenting the highs, the lows, the progress on the shop, and all the lessons learned along the way.
Whether you’re a fellow beginner, a hobbyist, or just enjoy seeing something grow from the ground up, I hope you’ll follow along on my YouTube channel — Grossman Woodworking.
Hit that subscribe button, follow the journey, and maybe even start one of your own.