What Portable Sawmilling Has Taught Me About Being an Entrepreneur.

Lessons I've learned:

1. Start where you are, with what you have

2. Be adaptable to opportunities, but stay focused on sawing logs and perfecting that craft

3. Value is found in customization

4. Invest in long term relationships

5. Willingness to work hard in isolation

6. It about the process, not the outcome

7. My reputation in my business card

Start where you are, with what you have: I think a lot of new business owners think, that if they just had that new tool or machine, life would be perfect, or they could land that new client. I have realized that resourcefulness and grit are far more important than starting with perfect conditions.

Be adaptable to opportunities, but stay focused on sawing logs and perfecting that craft: Every log has unique potential; some may yield furniture-grade slabs, others only firewood. Similarly, entrepreneurs must assess and adapt to the opportunities in front of them, knowing when to pivot or seize a moment.

Value is found in customization: Portable sawmilling thrives on customization and creating unique products for specific needs, like custom-cut beams or live-edge slabs. Entrepreneurs succeed when they tailor their offerings to solve specific problems.

Invest in long term relationships: Portable sawyers often rely on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers. Getting to know other sawyers and the owners of some of the larger mills in the area has been a blessing to my business. While most might see these people as competitors, I have found that to be a very different experience. They have referred business to me and I have done the same in return. It interesting to talk to these business owners as well and get a gauge for their businesses and what they are seeing in the market. I enjoy talking shop with these guys.

Willingness to work hard in isolation: Like sawing wood alone in the field, entrepreneurship can feel isolating. I spend a lot of time alone in the woods sawing, without cell service, or connection to humans, it teaches resilience and self-reliance. It also helps me be comfortable with myself, alone, in isolation for hours, sometimes days. Solitude is not loneliness, its just space where you can meet yourself fully and discover the truth. Nevertheless, it also reminds me to seek community when needed.

It's about the process, not the outcome: Milling a log takes skill, patience, and respect for the material and the equipment. Likewise, entrepreneurship is a journey of learning, refining processes, and enjoying the work—not just chasing results.

My reputation is my business card: Portable sawyers often rely on their reputation for quality and reliability. Entrepreneurs everywhere can learn that a good reputation is earned through consistent, honest work, quality work and good communication.

Best,

Jason