In this episode of The Bearded Finisher Podcast, host Zach Shrum sits down with Dino Kouros, a second-generation cabinet maker, craftsman, and the mind behind Kouros Tools, to explore the intersection of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With stories ranging from working under his father’s guidance to battling road rage with podcasts, Dino opens up about his transition from commercial to residential work—and from builder to toolmaker.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dino shares how parenting and craftsmanship go hand-in-hand, why simple tools are often the most powerful, and what it really takes to innovate in a saturated industry. From the early days of cabinetry to prototyping new tools for painters and finishers, this episode highlights the foundational mindset shifts required to build a business with legacy and purpose.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Technical Difficulties 06:04 – Dino's Background and Tool Innovations 11:59 – Dino's Family Legacy in Cabinet Making 14:56 – Transitioning from Commercial to Residential Work 18:04 – The Journey to Independence in Business 20:55 – Design Philosophy and Client Interaction 24:00 – Parenting and Learning from Experience 25:56 – Navigating Parenting Challenges 28:10 – The Journey into Woodworking and Tool Creation 32:37 – Transitioning from Carpentry to Tool Innovation 35:30 – The Evolution of Kuros Tools 37:19 – Balancing Carpentry and Tool Business 49:34 – The Impact of Mentorship in Craftsmanship 55:25 – Exploring New Finishing Techniques and Tools 55:53 – Finding Quality Finishes 58:47 – The Importance of Product Quality 01:00:06 – Educating Customers on Value
Connect with Dino Kouros🛠️ Kouros Tools Website: https://kourostools.com/ 📸 Instagram: @kourostools 📧 Email: Via Instagram DM
Follow Dino for behind-the-scenes looks at tool innovation, craftsmanship, and the mindset behind building products by tradespeople, for tradespeople.
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