Setting up a small business in Roma QLD.
Meet Trevor, the Lichtenberg wood burning furniture maker from Tk’s Electric Woodburning. Originally a mechanic, he wanted to set up his own business and was introduced to Many Rivers just under a year ago. Today, Trevor is busy building his business and has not looked back.
“I definitely enjoy it and I’m happy with this decision.”
The business idea
I had been trying to do a mechanics job for a while, but had both knee caps and broken bones so it wasn’t a good way for me to work so I decided I may as well try and work for myself.
Tk’s Electric Woodburning has been operating for 9-10 months. The business makes wooden furniture featuring designs. Wood burning involves running an electrical current through wood, creating a burnt, branch-like pattern, also known as a Lichtenberg figure. No two pieces are the same, each individual piece creates an authentic and special pattern that only you will have.
Before Many Rivers
Previously I was a job seeker, a bit of a jack of all trades including welding and being a mechanic. I have done lots of odds and ends over the years.
I was talking to APM (Queensland Disability Job Agency) about setting up a business so they introduced me to Gordon (Many Rivers business coach in Roma, QLD).
Many Rivers helped me to start up a business and a loan for basic tools. They also supported me so I didn’t go overboard with spending money. I received a $2,000 loan which helped me get started and spend it wisely. The loan was primarily spent on tools and part of my shed; tools included a router, heat gun, some new varnish – epoxy and colouring.
Assistance included marketing and where to go; how to search for things. Gordon helped show me websites for things, sending links and talking through what will be useful for my business.
Biggest challenge
Trying to get as much done and managing my time. Sometimes I am all over the place, and I have to juggle a lot of my time.
Biggest success
I love watching the electricity go through the timber and how it burns – it’s just fascinating. Customers generally like it and that’s really encouraging. I saw a bloke looking at a piece by the pub/bar so I approached him and said, “I saw you eyeing up this piece of timber”. I took him my business card and he really liked my work.
Future goals
To continue to make great things. I just started making some drumsticks for a customer and I have got a band-saw so I can make coasters for pubs and bars. I love getting good customer feedback.
Thanks for sharing your story Trevor. You can see his pieces and the wood burning process on Facebook here.
We know there are many other people out there looking to take the next step of setting and we know your story will inspire.
We want to encourage more and more people to take that first step towards building on their business ideas. We’re here to support you the whole way.
Please take the Small Business Self Assessment and see if we are right for you.
B0007165
