“It wasn't even about the money. It was just like, my brain was so screwed up, and it was always sick. I needed to pick a spot where I needed to be, so I had a drop dead date. And that helped a lot. But those people who just make the jump, they don't have to, like, that's pretty good stuff." Jeff Himstedt Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Jeff Himstedt from JHimWoodworking. Jeff's journey into woodworking began in a humble setting. Growing up on a farm near Springfield, Illinois, and later enlisting in the US military, Jeff's path eventually led him to woodworking. He recalls the pivotal moment when he decided to leave farming behind and pursue his passion for woodworking full-time. It all started with a few projects here and there, building furniture pieces for himself and sharing them on social media. What began as a hobby soon evolved into a thriving business. Jeff's transition from farming to woodworking wasn't without challenges. Raised in a family of farmers, he had no formal training in carpentry. Yet, Jeff discovered a natural talent and passion for woodworking early on. Unlike his experience in other fields, woodworking captured his attention and fueled his creativity. He found joy in the process of crafting pieces from scratch, visualizing each step and bringing his ideas to life. Listen now and get the whole story! The Evolution of JHimWoodworking As JHimWoodworking gained traction, Jeff found himself faced with decisions that would shape the future of his business. From working out of his garage to expanding into a dedicated space, Jeff's entrepreneurial spirit guided him through each phase of growth. With the support of his team, including his first employee, Craig, JHimWoodworking continued to thrive. Crafting Success One of the defining moments in Jeff's journey was the development of the "Evans bed," a specialty children's bed that garnered attention nationwide. What started as a single project evolved into a product line, showcasing JHimWoodworking’s commitment to quality craftsmanship. Investing in CNC machines and expanding their offerings, Jeff and his team elevated JHimWoodworking to new heights. Navigating Challenges Despite JHimWoodworking’s success, Jeff encountered challenges along the way. From managing client expectations to balancing creative freedom with business demands, Jeff learned valuable lessons about setting boundaries and prioritizing projects that aligned with his vision. Through perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence, JHimWoodworking continued to thrive in a competitive market. Building a Brand Jeff's approach to marketing reflects his authenticity and transparency. Instead of relying on traditional tactics, Jeff leverages social media to showcase his work and connect with potential clients. By sharing his journey, embracing imperfections, and staying true to his craft, Jeff has cultivated a loyal following and established JHimWoodworking as a trusted brand in the woodworking community. Embracing Growth As JHimWoodworking continues to evolve, Jeff remains committed to his craft and the principles that guided him from the beginning. With a focus on quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction, JHimWoodworking is poised for continued success. Conclusion Jeff Himstead's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. “Everybody could do what you do. I believe that there's more than enough work out there and, I probably you know, you're, you're a man of Christ, but like, you believe you have to believe in abundance, you have to believe in it in a, in a world where there's more than enough customers for your tables and your cabinets out there. “ Steve Larosiliere Want to get in touch with Jeff Himstedt? Contact him through: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.him_woodworking/