A conversation with Justin Mabie, the filmmaker behind Call Me Maybe, a documentary style series that tells the stories of makers, craftspeople, and builders.

Justin shares how a single woodworking event sparked the idea to document the "why" behind handmade work, and how his path through the music industry, tool brands, and now his full-time role at TotalBoat shaped his approach to storytelling. Together, they dig into what it really takes to grow in a maker business today; community, consistency, content strategy, and the sometimes uncomfortable reality of sponsorships, streaming platforms, and getting paid without selling your soul.

You'll hear practical insights on posting every day (without losing your mind), improving titles and thumbnails, why audio quality matters more than fancy cameras, and how to build real relationships in a community that's surprisingly supportive.

Follow Justin: https:

www.callmemabie.com

https://www.instagram.com/_callmemabie_/

https://www.youtube.com/@UC3qzX6Nt-dtX922E6Eg_g3Q

The Craft & Business Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thecraftandbusinesspodcast/

In this solo episode of the Craft and Business Podcast, Eric Sirois shares his personal journey from childhood tinkering with Legos to becoming a professional carpenter and woodworker. He discusses his early work experiences, the transition from being an employee to a business owner, and the challenges he faced while building his business, Rent-A-Man. Eric also explores his passion for video production and how it led him to start the Craft and Business Podcast, aimed at helping others in the trades and creative industries.

In this episode, we explore the business side of craftsmanship with David Green, a seasoned wood carver who has successfully navigated the challenges of building a craft-based business. David shares his journey from various trades to establishing his own wood carving enterprise, highlighting key lessons in pricing strategies, client negotiations, and the power of social media for business growth. Discover how David leverages collaborations and networking to expand his reach and secure high-profile projects. Gain insights into the importance of teaching and mentorship as additional revenue streams and community-building tools. Whether you're a craftsman or an entrepreneur, this episode offers practical advice on starting small, maintaining financial stability, and planning for future growth. Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of art, craftsmanship and business.

D. Green Woodworks: Websitehttps: dgreenco.net

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dgreenco

Craft and Business:

www.craftandbusiness.com

www.instagram.com/thecraftandbusinesspodcast

From Surviving to Thriving with Walt Primrose of Primrose Woodworks.

In this episode of The Craft & Business Podcast, Walt Primrose shares how a broken elbow ended up being the turning point that took his Rhode Island woodworking business from survival mode to a thriving shop with three employees and a waiting list.

Walt bootstrapped his way from carpentry to fine cabinetry, learned to find work through word-of-mouth and old-school hustle, and discovered why being in the right market matters just as much as mastering the craft. We talk about pricing with confidence, letting go of control, finding the right clients, and how patience and persistence build a name that lasts.

If you're a craftsman trying to grow your business, especially while balancing the bench with the books, this one's packed with lessons that'll hit home.

Where to Find Walt Instagram: @primrosewoodworks

Hand Tools Page: @aworkingcollection

Facebook: Primrose Woodworks

Running a custom car shop isn't what it looks like on TV.

Chris Coffey of Coffey Fabrication has spent over 15 years building high-end custom cars and race-ready machines and just as long learning what it really takes to keep a business running behind the scenes.

In this episode of The Craft & Business Podcast, we dig into the hard truths of turning passion into profit in the world of fabrication and custom builds.

You'll learn:

-Why more employees often means more stress, not more money

-How to spot bad clients early and when to walk away

-Why he's downsizing his 6,000-sq-ft shop to build a dream shop next to home

-The mistakes he made starting out (and how to avoid them)

-How to build a business that gives you freedom, not burnout

If you're a fabricator, tradesperson, or craftsperson building something with your hands and you're ready to turn it into a business that actually works, this episode is for you.

Everyone says "quit your job and chase your dream."

But here's the truth: going full time isn't always the smart move.

In this episode of The Craft & Business Podcast, I sit down with woodworker and artist Rick Basilio to explore why keeping a steady paycheck can actually give you more freedom — freedom to say no to bad clients, freedom to build slowly, and freedom to keep your passion alive.

Rick shares how he discovered woodworking later in life, the turning points that shaped his journey, and why balancing a full-time job with his craft has allowed him to grow as both a maker and an artist. We talk about the evolution of his unique style, the challenges of commission work, the role of AI in woodworking, and the importance of teaching, sharing, and keeping the trades alive for the next generation.

This conversation is a reminder that the goal isn't quitting.

The goal is control.

Follow Rick: @rpbasilio

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why not going full time might be the smarter choice

The impact of commissions on creativity and passion

How the pocket hole jig became Rick's turning point

The importance of slow, organic business growth

Why exclusivity matters in art and furniture making

How AI and technology are changing traditional woodworking

The balance between artistry, business, and personal life

The next wave of trades businesses won't be built from scratch—they'll be bought, reworked, and revived. To access the after show for this episode, follow me on Instagram and send a message with the word CANVAS When Breena and her husband came across a small-town canvas shop that had been sitting on the market for five years, most people saw a dead end. They saw an opportunity. What followed was a creative deal structure, a complete overhaul of the business, and a slow, intentional redesign that made the work support their life instead of running it. In this episode, you'll hear exactly how they bought the business with minimal cash upfront, paid it off in just seven months, and reshaped everything from scheduling and customer service to pricing, production, and personal boundaries. We talk about the transition from skilled worker to business owner, how to manage client expectations without losing control of your schedule, and why staying small might be the smartest path to real freedom. Learn more about the business here: Inner Banks Canvas Website: www.innerbankscanvas.com Instagram: @innerbanks_canvas Subscribe for more episodes. To access the after show for this episode, follow me on Instagram and send a message with the word CANVAS

The Craft and Business Podcast is an ongoing project sharing honest conversations with working craftspeople who have built a full-time living from their trade. These are not startup fairytales or influencer case studies. They're stories of people using skill, strategy, and grit to build businesses that serve others and support their own lives. If you're a builder, maker, or tradesperson looking to take control of your work and income, this podcast is for you. Subscribe for more episodes. To access the after show for this episode, follow me on Instagram and send a message with the word CANVAS Thank you for listening.