The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things

Paul Mencel
  • 4.6 (11)
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The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things" is where craftsmanship meets business strategy. Hosted by Paul, founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network, this podcast dives into the mindset, pricing, marketing, and systems that help makers turn their craft into a thriving business. Whether you're a woodworker, artisan, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll learn the strategies to build a profitable, sustainable business—because great craftsmanship deserves great business strategy.

  1. 5D AGO

    5 Moves That Actually Move the Needle This Week

    Join the Network Summary: In this episode, Paul shifts away from theory and focuses on immediate, practical actions makers can take to generate momentum in their business. Instead of overthinking strategy, he emphasizes simple, proven moves that directly impact revenue, positioning, and opportunity—many of which are already sitting right in front of you. The core message: you don’t need a full overhaul to grow—you need decisive action. By executing just one or two of these tactics consistently, makers can create meaningful progress in a matter of weeks, not months.  Key Takeaways: Follow up like a professional Most money is sitting in your inbox. Revisit quotes from the past 60–90 days and send thoughtful, low-pressure follow-ups that reopen conversations and create clarity.Raise your prices (without announcing it) Increase pricing 5–10% on new inquiries. This immediately improves margins, filters for better clients, and reinforces your positioning—without needing justification.Create content that actually sells Stop posting just to show work—create content that shifts perception. Talk on camera, explain the “why” behind pieces, and engage your audience in a way that attracts buyers, not other makers.Tighten one system causing chaos Don’t overhaul everything—fix one bottleneck. Whether it’s quoting, client communication, or production handoff, small system improvements reduce stress and unlock capacity.Ask for one strategic introduction One warm intro can change your entire quarter. Make it a habit to ask clients, peers, or your network for connections—especially in high-value circles like designers or hospitality.Join the Network

    12 min

  2. MAR 30

    Why Struggle Is the Shortcut to Success

    Become a Member! Summary: In this episode, Paul reflects on a key insight from Adam Grant’s book Hidden Potential: real learning doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from struggle. He connects this idea directly to building a business, emphasizing that failure, discomfort, and setbacks aren’t signs you’re doing something wrong—they’re the exact process required for growth. Drawing from personal experiences, conversations with his dad, and lessons inside his own company, Paul reframes failure as a necessary investment. Whether it’s losing money on a project, pushing a team beyond their comfort zone, or navigating uncertainty, each challenge becomes a stepping stone toward long-term success. The episode is ultimately a call to lean into difficulty, trust the process, and recognize that success is built through persistence, not perfection.  Key Takeaways: Learning happens through struggle, not comfort The idea of “learning styles” is less important than pushing through difficulty—growth comes from challenge.Failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it Every mistake, whether small or costly, provides data and direction for future decisions.Fail fast and fail hard Quick, painful lessons (even expensive ones) are often more valuable than slow, repeated mistakes.Discomfort is a signal of growth If you and your team feel stretched, it likely means you’re expanding your capabilities.Success stories are built on unseen failures Many high-level wins are the result of years of sacrifice, risk, and persistence behind the scenes.Entrepreneurship is choosing your “hard” Every path has challenges—building a business simply gives you control over which challenges you take on.Stop beating yourself up Mistakes are not setbacks—they are steps forward if you choose to learn from them.There is no linear path to success Progress is messy, unpredictable, and often nonlinear—but it compounds over time.Join the Network

    14 min

  3. MAR 23

    Luxury Strategy for Makers: Charge More, Sell Less, Build a Brand People Want

    Join the Community Summary: In this episode, Paul reflects on a family trip that did not go as planned, using it as a reminder to keep things real rather than polished for appearances. From there, he shifts into a deeper conversation on luxury strategy and how makers can position their businesses to attract better clients, command higher prices, and create stronger brands.  Paul breaks down the idea that luxury is not about flash or excess, but about story, scarcity, intention, trust, and the feeling a brand creates. He explains how pricing, waitlists, friction in the buying process, and stronger brand presentation can all help makers move away from commodity thinking and toward a more elevated, profitable business model.  Luxury is a feeling, not a finish. Paul emphasizes that real luxury is not about gold, glam, or surface-level polish. It is about the story behind the brand, the intentionality of the work, the trust it builds, and how it makes people feel. Scarcity creates desire. A luxury product is not meant to be for everyone. Paul explains that limited access, fewer pieces, and selective positioning increase perceived value and make the work more desirable. Branding creates belonging. People are not just buying furniture; they are buying identity, story, and status. Paul frames branding as a way for clients to feel associated with something special and meaningful. Price shapes perception. He shares that higher pricing often signals higher value, even before a customer understands the craftsmanship. He also explains that one underpriced product can drag down the perceived value of everything else. Do not run sales if you want a luxury brand. Paul argues that sales undermine trust, invite negotiation, and train customers to question whether the original price was ever real. Higher prices can attract better clients. He shares examples from his own business where raising prices improved both sales and client quality, helping filter out difficult, price-sensitive buyers. Get comfortable with no. Paul explains that rejection is part of better positioning. If everyone says yes, prices may be too low; if everyone says no, the offer may be aimed at the wrong market or positioned incorrectly. Friction can actually help. Appointment-only showrooms, fewer listed prices, and waitlists can increase perceived value by making the brand feel more exclusive and less like a commodity. You are not your customer. One of Paul’s biggest mindset shifts was realizing he did not need to personally be willing to pay his own prices. Makers have to stop pricing from their own wallet and start pricing for the clients they want to serve. Luxury positioning only works if the brand supports it. Strong photos, a polished website, refined tone, and consistent presentation are essential. Paul makes the case that fewer high-quality brand assets are better than a large volume of average ones. Questions or topics for a future episode? Paul invites listeners to reach out at paul@thehandcraftednetwork.com . Join the Network

    29 min

  4. MAR 16

    Why Taking a Break Makes You Better at Business

    Join the Community Summary: In this short, journal-style episode, Paul reflects on something many makers and business owners struggle with: giving themselves permission to step away. As he prepares to leave for a family vacation, he shares why rest is not the opposite of hard work, but an important part of sustaining it. Paul pushes back on hustle culture and the idea that nonstop work should be celebrated. Instead, he makes the case that breaks, reflection, and intentional time away are often what allow business owners to return with more clarity, better ideas, and renewed energy to lead well. Rest is part of the work. Paul emphasizes that building a business does require relentless effort, but that kind of effort only works long term when it is balanced with recovery and reflection.Hustle culture is overrated. He challenges the idea that extreme hours and burnout are something to brag about, arguing that constantly working is not a badge of honor.Time away creates clarity. Some of the best ideas come when you are not forcing them. Stepping back can open up space for better thinking, better decisions, and a healthier perspective.Owning a business gives freedom, but not always true time off. Paul reflects on the tension of being able to take a vacation without asking permission while also knowing that business ownership can feel like a 24/7 responsibility.Systems and support matter. Even while he plans to unplug, the business and brand can continue moving because content, support, and team help are already in place.It is okay to need a safety blanket. Paul shares that he still brings his laptop on trips just in case something urgent comes up, even if he never opens it. That small sense of security can make it easier to actually relax.Taking a break is something makers need to hear more often. The message of the episode is simple but important: stay productive, work hard, but do not forget that you deserve rest too.Join the Network

    8 min

  5. MAR 9

    Office Hours: Instagram Strategy, Portfolio Projects, Hiring Makers, and Shop Efficiency

    JOIN THE COMMUNITY Summary: In this Office Hours episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul answers four listener questions from makers navigating the realities of running a craft business. The conversation covers practical topics ranging from using Instagram strategically to deciding whether “cool” projects are worth doing, maintaining quality as you hire, and improving efficiency in a custom shop. Drawing from his experience building Philadelphia Table Company, Paul shares lessons on engagement-driven marketing, protecting profitability, creating systems for quality control, and balancing custom work with scalable collection pieces. The episode offers honest insight into the operational challenges makers face as their businesses grow. Key Takeaways: Instagram growth comes from engagement, not just followers. Actively comment, message, and interact with interior designers, photographers, and adjacent creators so the algorithm begins associating your work with those audiences.Look for strategic “network hacks.” Paul shares how hiring a photographer commonly used by interior designers helped get his work in front of their audience and generate new leads.Don’t work for exposure. Portfolio projects can sometimes be worthwhile, but relying on exposure or discounted work rarely produces meaningful business.Balance passion projects with profitable work. It’s okay to occasionally take on a project for learning or portfolio value, but filling your schedule with them can hurt your business.Quality control requires clear standards. As you hire makers, create written checklists outlining non-negotiables—finish quality, feel, mechanical function, branding, and other details—to maintain consistency across the shop.Document systems before scaling your team. Start using your own checklists and processes now so new employees can follow the same standards later.Custom work creates complexity. Each custom project introduces new variables that slow production and add logistical challenges.Collection pieces increase efficiency. Pre-designed furniture with standardized materials, finishes, and jigs allows shops to work faster and more profitably.Use custom work to develop product lines. Many successful pieces begin as custom projects and later evolve into repeatable collection items.Strong systems make custom work scalable. Organized project management, clear production schedules, and streamlined processes help prevent custom shops from becoming chaotic.Closing: Paul emphasizes that he’s still figuring these challenges out in real time and shares what’s working inside his own shop so other makers can learn along the way. Listeners can submit future Office Hours questions by emailing paul@thehandcraftednetwork.com or join the Handcrafted Network community through the link in the show notes. Join the Network

    19 min

  6. MAR 2

    Why I’m Still Doing This: The Real Upside of Being a Small Business Owner

    Join the network.  Summary: In this reflective, journal-style episode, Paul opens up about a tough February—slow deals, internal challenges, and the emotional weight that comes with being the one ultimately responsible for everything. After a candid conversation with his wife about whether the stress is worth it, he sits down and writes out five reasons why he continues to choose the path of entrepreneurship. This episode is an honest look at the downsides of running a business—financial pressure, client management, stress, and the 24/7 responsibility—balanced against the powerful upsides that make it all worth it. Key Takeaways: The Downsides Are Real Managing clients, closing financial gaps, carrying payroll, and feeling the emotional weight of responsibility can be exhausting. The buck stops with you—and that’s heavy.1. No Boss — You Control Your Life The freedom to control your schedule, take your kid to the pediatrician, go surfing midweek, or plan vacations without asking permission is invaluable.2. Infinite Financial Upside Unlike a fixed salary, entrepreneurship has no ceiling. The business could grow 10x, 20x—or more. Time under pressure builds long-term value.3. You Choose Who You Work With As a business owner, you get to build your team intentionally. Culture isn’t random—it’s designed.4. Creating Economic Security for Others Providing meaningful jobs, raises, and stability for 10–12 employees (and growing) is deeply fulfilling. Building something that supports other families is a powerful motivator.5. You Get to Solve Big Problems Running a business is constant problem-solving. For Paul, that’s energizing. Choosing which problems to tackle—and which to delegate—is part of the game.Core Theme: If someone asked you, “Why are you putting yourself through this?”—could you answer clearly? Paul challenges listeners to write down their own reasons. Not the big, philosophical “why” of life—but the practical reasons they choose to be small business owners despite the stress. Because when things get hard (and they will), clarity beats emotion. — If you’ve ever questioned whether the grind is worth it, this episode reminds you: the stress is real—but so is the upside. Join the Network

    17 min

  7. FEB 23

    The Mental Shift That Unlocks Growth

    Join the Network In this episode, Paul challenges makers who feel stuck at $100K–$150K in revenue to confront the real barrier to growth: identity. Most craftsmen start their businesses because they love making things—not because they love running a business. But if you want to make a true living doing this work, a mindset shift is required. Drawing from his own experience building Philadelphia Table Company while navigating his wife’s cancer diagnosis and growing family responsibilities, Paul explains how stepping fully into the role of business owner—not just craftsperson—was the turning point. He breaks down the math of solo production, the ceiling of top-line revenue, and why better dovetails won’t solve scaling problems. This episode isn’t tactical—it’s foundational. It’s about obsession, ownership, and asking the hard question: What happens to your business if you stop making things for two weeks? Key Takeaways: Your revenue ceiling is tied to your identity. If you still see yourself primarily as a maker, your growth will stall.Solo production has a financial cap. Even at $10K/week in revenue, realistic profit margins leave little room for reinvestment or true wealth building.Better craftsmanship won’t fix business bottlenecks. Systems, hiring, sales, and financial literacy will.Think beyond the garage. Growth requires planning for hiring, delegation, and infrastructure—even before you're “ready.”Obsession is normal. Building a business requires constant problem-solving and long-term thinking.This podcast is for professionals. Not hobbyists, but makers serious about building a sustainable six-figure (and beyond) business.Paul also reaffirms that The Handcrafted Network exists to support that transition—from craftsperson to entrepreneur—through community, group calls, and business-focused learning. If you want to build more than furniture—if you want to build a business—this episode is your starting point. Join the Network

    16 min

  8. FEB 16

    Business Is a Game of Whac-A-Mole

    Join the Network!  Summary: In this episode, Paul pulls back the curtain on why he created the Handcrafted Network and the Handcrafted Podcast in the first place. While there’s endless content about how to build furniture, there’s very little practical guidance on how to run a maker business. Paul shares how his own journey—learning through mentors, books, podcasts, and real-world experience—led him to build a community dedicated to the business side of craftsmanship. The second half of the episode shifts into a candid reflection on a tough couple of weeks inside his own company. Paul talks openly about the emotional weight of leadership and the reality that running a business is essentially a never-ending cycle of problem solving. Key Takeaways: Why the Handcrafted Network Exists: There’s a gap in the market for real, practical advice on running a maker business—not just building beautiful pieces.Community Multiplies Intelligence: “1 + 1 = 5.” Shared experiences and collective problem-solving accelerate growth.Business = Problem Solving: Entrepreneurship is a constant game of Whac-A-Mole. Solve one issue, and another appears.Do the Hard Thing: Not every problem can be hired away. Sometimes leadership means stepping up, owning it, and solving it yourself.Avoid the ‘Hack’ Mentality: Sustainable growth rarely comes from shortcuts—it comes from consistent, focused effort.Don’t Take It Too Seriously: Step back. Breathe. Most business problems aren’t life-or-death.Goals Can Shift: It’s okay to adjust direction when new realities emerge. February may require a different focus than January.Embrace the Role: If you’re a business owner, problem solving isn’t an interruption—it is the job.Paul closes by encouraging listeners to lean on community, embrace the long game, and treat business challenges like daily puzzles rather than personal crises. Join the Network

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things" is where craftsmanship meets business strategy. Hosted by Paul, founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network, this podcast dives into the mindset, pricing, marketing, and systems that help makers turn their craft into a thriving business. Whether you're a woodworker, artisan, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll learn the strategies to build a profitable, sustainable business—because great craftsmanship deserves great business strategy.

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