Just a Quick Update

Greetings Tahoe Pine Works Readers.
It has been some time since we have last updated our blog, We have been very very busy making our products!. We have launched a few new items that we hope you like. The latest is our new paper holders with a brand new design to them, You can take a look at them here
As you can see! the rustic wildlife decor was left the same on our new paper towel holders, however we changed on aspect and made it into a standing paper towel holder. We have also changed and added a new design to the TP holders. You will see these on the site in the next few days.

In other news. Len Cavanaugh had the chance to give an interview a few days back with a fellow crafter that works a lot with Tahoe Pine Works! So we thought maybe you would like to read about it.

Interview – Tahoe Pine Works

I'm thrilled to have Len Cavanaugh of Tahoe Pine Works as this week's Crafter Interview. Len is behind not only Tahoe Pine Works, but also SLT Hosting, , Len has built his business to a point where he has received press in national magazines, employs a small staff, and is fully supporting himself through a combination of his crafty business and his graphic/web design business.. You can read about news and shop updates on Tahoe Pine Works blogl. Read on below for information about his crafty business.

Artist: Len Cavanaugh
Craft: Rustic Decor

How long have you been in business?

I began Tahoe Pine Works in the summer of 2000, so we are hitting our 6^th year now.

How did you get your start?

I began Tahoe Pine Works from a hotel remodel I was a project manager on in Lake Tahoe. We designed and renovated an 80 room hotel that was pretty much run down. The owner of the hotel wanted each room with a rustic décor look. After about 4 months on that job (the job lasted about a year or so) I had an idea to build a log shelf as I needed some space in a spare room. I was working on this shelf and had a few people stop by as they were walking; one person asked if they could have one for a cabin they owned in Tahoe and of course from that! It turned into one shelf for them, one for another person, so on and so on. Before I knew it! I had several people wanting a shelf. From that I started building other items! And thought to myself! Hey maybe I should make a website and see what happens.

Do you have formal training?

I have on hands training from building homes all the way down to just building a fence. I’m kind of like an all around doing it all type of person. From business classes to marketing classes, etc. in other words the Donald Trump of wood working and other business.

Do you think you've "made it?"

I don't think I've "made it", in fact that thought has yet to cross my mind. I do not really think of Tahoe Pine Works like that. I tend to think of my customers first and what they are looking for. I do think that I have come along way since the first time I launched my website. My first sale was so exciting I was besides myself, actually I was pretty nervous as I wanted the product to be built perfect! I worked hand and hand with the customer to ensure everything was done right and to their liking, I must have talked with that customer twice a week (I was building a patio set out of logs) and I sent pictures at the end of the day to show the progress to see if they would like any changes.

Is selling your handmade items supporting you financially?

It helps out! Tahoe Pine Works is the bread and butter and my baby so it is always first on my list. Last year I ventured into the hosting business to try my hand at something else! Called SLT HOSTING which is a lot of fun as I tend to market that towards the crafters and offer them websites. I have had the chance to meet a lot of great people doing that and have picked up on a few things. I also make websites for outdoor related things such as everythingtahoe.com since I live in this great place, I thought “hey might as well talk about it for those that would like to visit”.

What's the best part of having your own business?

The challenges of being self employed. It really drives you to succeed! Plus it allows me to change prices around for my customers, as stated above I pride myself on customer service! So chances are I have spoken to my customers a great deal (unfortunately not all of them, but I would like to!) I find in our conversations I’m able to really work with them and get to know them! This allows me to help decorate with them.

What surprised you about having your own business?

I would have to say it allows me to enjoy everything Lake Tahoe has to offer. If you took a look at everythingtahoe.com and have seen some of the photos you will see just what I’m talking about. Not to mention I no longer look at wood the same! If I see a log while hiking or walking around with my girlfriend, I think Hmmm that would make an awesome shelf or bookcase.

What, if any, resources do you take advantage of?

I’m always watching HGTV, reading books, magazines and of course always searching the internet for rustic items.

Advice for someone trying to make it in your field:

Don’t do it as it is competition! Just kidding.. That is a great question! I would have to say “Build it as it is going into your own home” build it so it will last! I always like to think the things I make will be around a lot longer then I will be, so who knows maybe a hundred years from now people will still be enjoying my items ( maybe you will see a table or chair on the antique road show or something).

Advice for someone trying to build their own business (in any field):

Very easy to do! Just stick with it! Nothing better then watching your business grow.

How and where do you advertise your product?

I pretty much just stick with the internet and some banners. After all Tahoe Pine Works saying is “No Two Products Are Alike”

What are your future goals for your business?

Design more décor. I have been speaking with a few home decorators that have come up with some great ideas, so I’m trying to focus on that.

Can you speak anymore on the following topics?

-approaching store owners

Well I don’t really approach store owners! I will place some products in stores around Lake Tahoe! However stores tend to raise the prices way to high, I would rather sale a lot of product and have the customer happy, then sale one product at retail.

-crafts fairs

I have been approached by a few craft fair people. Maybe this summer you will find me at some. One is located in the Bay Area and of course I will try the one we have in Lake Tahoe every summer. Craft fairs are great! But since our product is made when ordered (this allows for custom work) a fair might be hard to do. I could bring the little things like towel bars, shelves, lights, etc. The big items would be pretty hard to haul around a craft show.

Amy Quin
Crafters Delight