Today, we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Bogenschutz.
Caleb, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my woodworking business after moving back to my hometown of Carthage, TX, to fill my free time after work at my day job. I initially focused on small handmade items like cutting boards, decor, and craft pieces, but I knew I eventually wanted to build larger items.
I used the profits from the small items to slowly build up my shop with the machinery that’s required to build furniture. At the end of 2018, I built my first coffee table and was immediately hooked. I now build custom cabinetry and furniture ranging from dining tables, beds, coffee tables, and more. I’ve been very blessed to continually be supported by my local market which I’m very thankful for.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I’m sure anyone who has started a business can relate in one way or another. Aside from the challenges that other small businesses deal with like funding, time management, and balancing a day job, I had some unique difficulties related to the space I worked in.
For years, I built very large furniture pieces out of a 2 car garage with no air conditioning. The Texas summers were extremely challenging. In 2023, I moved into a large commercial shop (with air conditioning), and it’s been such a wonderful change for me. I now have more than enough room for my projects, and it has changed my business for the better. Now, my challenges are centered around keeping up with my projects while balancing a day job.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in custom cabinetry and furniture. I’ve done everything from entire house cabinet packages to 10′ dining tables and high-end custom beds. I would say my specialty is dining tables.
It’s what I’m most comfortable and confident building. I also like the idea of families gathering around a table I built for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. That’s probably one of the most motivating things for me to truly do my best when building a dining table.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My advice for someone starting a business is to seek out people who have started businesses of their own and learn from their successes and failures. Even if your business is entirely different than theirs, there’s a lot of overlap between types of businesses and there’s a lot of wisdom to be gained from people that have gone down this path before you.
Specific to my business, I wish I had known what types of machinery were available earlier on. There’s so much out there that can really increase efficiency, which is something I really need to focus on with the limited amount of time I have to work in my shop. This year, I’m focusing on investing in things that will make me more efficient, which I think many new business owners can benefit from.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bogiewoodworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bogiewoodworks/
