Viktor Sarudi, The Stump Shop

In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger reconnects with Viktor Sarudi from The Stump Shop to discuss the evolution of his business, strategies for growing a social media presence, and how he monetizes his work through brand partnerships. Viktor shares insights on navigating sponsored content, understanding algorithm changes, and his marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of quality content and consistency in social media engagement. 

He discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing a part-time woodworking business with a full-time corporate job, sourcing urban wood, maintaining the integrity of wood pieces, and market trends affecting the woodworking industry. Viktor also reflects on scaling a hobby into a business and the potential for future growth while emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Takeaways

• Viktor has shifted focus from custom work to creating what he enjoys, finding that brands often pay more than individual customers for products.
• Growing a social media presence requires hard work, consistency, and adaptation to platform changes, with quality content being more important than chasing numbers.
• Instagram and Facebook are key drivers for sales in his business, with Viktor preferring to let his social media feed market itself rather than spending on advertising.
• Sourcing wood ethically, maintaining craftsmanship integrity, and understanding market trends are crucial for sustainability and business decisions in a competitive woodworking market.
• Balancing a part-time woodworking business with full-time employment requires careful time management, with future plans potentially involving a transition to focusing on woodworking full-time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Stump Shop

01:18 Viktor's Business Evolution

04:06 Growing Social Media Presence

08:17 Monetizing Through Brands

11:36 Navigating Sponsored Content

15:58 Understanding Algorithm Changes

19:49 Marketing Strategies for The Stump Shop

24:30 Navigating the Balance of Business and Life

27:29 Sourcing and Working with Urban Wood

30:52 Trends in Woodworking and Market Challenges

35:01 Scaling a Hobby into a Business

39:30 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

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You can connect with Viktor at:

https://www.instagram.com/thestumpshop/