“Carpentry was the name of the game. And that's what I wanted to do. So that's what I did. I took it full time and and it's been a blast ever since.” -Kyle Hammill Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Kyle Hammill from Trails End Custom Construction. Kyle's story is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity, and a willingness to seize opportunities. His early years were spent on farms, gaining practical skills and learning to navigate challenges. While in college and working in a bar kitchen, Kyle realized that his knack for handywork could be more lucrative than his current job. This realization led him down a path of various odd jobs, from painting doors to fixing railings, ultimately steering him toward carpentry - a field he deeply enjoyed. The turning point came with the decision to form an LLC with his brother. What started as a part-time endeavor soon became a full-time commitment after college. Unlike many of his peers, Kyle stepped into the real world not in search of a job, but as the owner of a burgeoning company. Listen now and get the whole story! “ The biggest thing is, you know, our CNC machine being able to get out of cut cabinets with computers and not not backbreaking.” -Kyle Hammill Growth, Challenges, and Evolution Fast forward to five and a half years later, Kyle's business has grown significantly. Initially a trim carpenter, he worked on numerous homes, learning the importance of efficiency and quality. However, dissatisfaction with the standard of materials led Kyle to innovate. He began focusing on custom cabinetry, which now forms half of his business, while his brother manages the new home construction side. Their journey wasn't without challenges. The team soon realized the importance of outsourcing to manage workload efficiently. This strategy allowed them to focus on unique, high-quality projects while maintaining control over the design and installation. The Importance of Process and Teamwork One of the key factors in Kyle's success has been his emphasis on process and teamwork. Every project follows a meticulously planned sequence of steps, ensuring efficiency and quality. This approach has not only streamlined operations but has also helped manage the growth sustainably. The team at Trails In Custom Construction operates on an idea meritocracy, where everyone's input is valued and considered. Regular meetings and feedback sessions help refine processes and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. Reflections on Leadership and Business Philosophy Kyle attributes much of his business acumen to his upbringing and the influence of his family. His father, a physician with a knack for leadership, instilled in him the importance of making everyone feel included and necessary. This lesson has translated into his business, where he emphasizes the importance of having the right people in the right roles and focusing on product, process, and people. The Future of Trails In Custom Construction As the business continues to grow, Kyle remains focused on finding ways to reach his ideal clients, those involved in high-end residential projects. He understands that this requires a mix of strong relationships, effective marketing strategies, and a presence in the right circles. Conclusion: A Story of Grit and Innovation Kyle Hamill's journey from a college student doing odd jobs to the owner of a thriving custom construction business is a powerful story of grit, innovation, and unwavering commitment to quality and process. His approach to business, emphasizing teamwork, process management, and continuous learning, serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike. Want to get in touch with Kyle Hammill? Contact him through: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trails.end.construction/ Website: https://www.trailsendconstruction.com/