Im an urban firewood collector.. Here in Hampton, VA. My dad has a double door stove for primary heat and i can not pass up a pile of wood out for trash like limbs and branches.. Free heat for my Dad.. Amazed that as a kid i hated splitting wood not i love doing it. Love your channel keep us updated on your homestead/business!!
Good Lord! Never get Mad! Being mad/angry is so counterproductive! Its hard to stay positive when you are in a negative state of mind. Everything happens for a reason. Stay strong. 💪
I'm with Bruce Simpson, Hamiltonville Farm and others: I'd stay close to that account you lost to their 14 year old. A lot is happening at 14, interest wains and falters, pressure from parents to perform. etc. Just be close when they need you back. Stop and talk to them when you see their stock of wood low or out. I know it's a hobby but . . .
My 12yo son has a busy firewood business he started last winter. We actually started using the IBC tote bins after seeing them used on you channel. He employees his friends at $10 per hour and is quickly learning business.
Good video. That bundle machine works sweet. Thanks for the Ariat link. Good attitude re business loss. Hoping another outfit will see and decide to contact you re selling your wood. Take care.
Good morning Adam, with over 30 years of self employment. I found when you lose a good thing that takes you out of your comfort zone. Something new will come along because of your good work ethic. Stay positive and things will all work out.
@@cpnotill9264 I absolutely concur! Being self-employed most of my life I have found this to be true! Sometimes even opening the doors to something you may never have planned on or dreamed about. Keep your eyes open and your head clear.
@@samTollefson Great statements you made Sam. I was self emplpyed as well for second half my adult life and found such a freedom in self employment. As long as we do the right things for the right reasons, have a strong work ethic and have no fear there's no end to the great opportunities we are presented with. My fathers wife always said I was so lucky but I disagreed. I just put myself in positions for more opportunities. I really enjoy watching Adam and he's a good guy! 👍😁
@@cpnotill9264 Right on brother, when you do the right thing and are honest in your dealing with everyone it comes back around, sometimes you have to wait for it, but if you are true, it will happen!
Great to hear a youngster actually wants to work! And kudos to you for supporting that! Pass it on to the kid that people around the country are pulling for his success!
Sir you have already proven to be a winner , your attitude and entrepreneurial spirit prove it! That young man just offered a dab of competition and that will just sharpen your edge for the next challenge . You're a proven winner .
Your positive attitude towards the youngster shows a lot about the quality of your character. Guys like won’t fail. I just hope you rebound fast from that one account.
I love these road side self serve stands, fruits, veggies, eggs, fire wood and everything else. Unfortunately, human rats are also everywhere. I know that these stands represent a lot of hard work and the product is 95% guarantied to be superior than any big box store offering. All this to say we really appreciate your hard work (you deserve more). Thanks.
Good video. I'm with Bruce Simpson. I bet you're back to the big seller next year. (not wishing the youngster doesn't succeed, but life happens fast at that age and he will probably move on to other things while he is trying to figure out who he is going to be as a man)
@@HometownAcres Of course they will, because you are a trustworthy man, & they know they can count on you. And, you handled the situation like a true gentleman would!!! God bless you! 🙏
@@HometownAcres That big customer, to come back to you, needs to not feel foolish in choosing to do so. It is embarrassing and makes one feel stupid to call back someone you let go, including a contractor/vendor. What would help you to call someone back on board as a vendor, and not just drop the product or seek another vender? I would suggest small things - I would send them a Christmas card (not offering services or reminding them that you aren't their supplier, just hand written message saying well wishes for the holiday) and stop by and shop there occasionally (giving a friendly wave to the manager, if you see them), just to keep the connection friendly and casual for a year or two - showing that, if the boy doesn't make it work, the store manager won't be crawling back to you, hat in hand or showing regret. Just my thoughts. Good fortune on your business!
There are two kinds of salespeople. The One Big Kill salesperson, one sale and they're gone and the Farmer salespeople who nurture a sale, keep up contact even if no sale yet. Guess who is more successful over the long term.
- Have you thought of checking out the local RV/Campgrounds? -- I know for us -- we can't take firewood across state line - so we have to purchase it - either from the campground or a local store
Adam, I am really glad that you said that you are completely ok with losing that account for that kid to try and make a go of it. When you were telling us what happened, my first thoughts were that it sucks losing the place that sells that much, but good for the kid for having that entrepreneurial spirit. Not sure I you told this to the owner or not, but I would have let them know that if they run out of good wood to sell that they could call you to deliver some so that they can keep the bundles in stock.
I really enjoyed watching your video. Making my own firewood was one of my greatest enjoyments until my infirmities and subsequent surgeries dictated otherwise. I’m more of a danger to myself and others, so blessed folks like yourself are the answer to our firewood needs. Thanks 🙏🏻
Strange how some people object to someone else having initiative, back in the early sixties as an apprentice in England I was living with a family who had a small building business. They had a son and a German young man at home, my wage was subsistence so I got a new chain saw through the dealership on account. It was winter and we three boys would go out most evenings onto friendly farms and clear old trees. We would bag the wood and take it round the village. One weekend I went back home but on my return was told that the family had taken over our little business because work was slow and they needed the money more than I did, I never got the chainsaw back and left there shortly after.
Initiative and yanking someone's account away from them are wildly different things. Excusing the latter is why both our nation's industrial bases are controlled by sociopathic wealth hoarders.
@@joshschneider9766 these people did not steal anything from him, it's a business decision, it happens all the time in business. Have you never changed insurance companies or grocery stores? same thing.
@@elund408 I think he's talking about Rogers story, where they definitely did steel the chainsaw, as he brought it on account, and it was not returned to him.
@@jasone9 yup crazy how many people want the stuff but then again grocery stores and gas stations around here are charging like $7-$9 for a small bundle so people buy from me instead. That’s not including all the face cords I sold last winter either. Good money if you can source the wood for cheap to nothing
I love Ariat paddock boots. Very functional and can go from the barn to the office( with a good brushing off). I'm enjoying your videos and getting ideas for what we can do too. Thanks!
Absolutely with you on being OK with you biggest customer wanting to get his son's business going. Growing up in a family business helped me to figure out early on that there is more to it than just putting out a sign saying you have goods for sale. I fell a little badly about the theft at your roadside stand. I was really encouraged that so many people in your area were just honest people. Sorry about the few.
Are those older out buildings on the side of your driveway on your property? If so, the barn looking structure could make a good equipment shed and its relatively close to the house.
I want you to succeed and I want that young man to succeed. My sons both told me, each at around ten years old, the working path they intended to follow. My younger son is now 17 and has done exactly as he said. The older boy, now 23, has done the same. I know you will be fine either way. I can relate to the "mixed blessing" feeling of getting that news. I really enjoy your channel.
Don't fell bad, I was snowing plowing the Post Office in Freeport years ago, I did it two winters in a row, Then the lady said we have someone else now. I would get up at 4:30 am to plow snow at the post office about 8 miles away from me. I would do this before I went to work. I found out the ladies husbands got a plow on his truck and they paid him to plow. Its all good.
You could glue a small magnet on your firewood bundler to magnet your knife to when not in use. When batching out, it's all about ease of access and the least amount of moves. Great video's!
I also took advice from the Morgan's. Bought the ariat workhogs. Best and most comfortable boot and rugged. Ariat jeans are next. Can't go wrong with Ariat!
Greetings from S. E. Ohio. Sorry to hear u lost that customer. Hope the younger man's good but I think he will see how much work there is in firewood. Not wishing he fails. It is good to see him wanting to work instead staying on hi s phone. Have a great rest of the day
I worked for a fleet service when I was 19. The owner, Terry, said he NEVER allowed any customer to be more than 10% of his total revenue. I didn't understand. He explained. I watched him prove his belief when he fired one of his biggest customers a few days later. The went over the 10% line. Kid you not. He went out and found two more that were around 5% each. To big of a customer means a possible large loss. of revs. Good on you for realizing why they did what they did and not being bitter over it.
I love the idea of the road side stand. Wish we had them out here in California. We either have to buy wood by the small expensive bundle or at least a quarter cord. Your $20 pile would be perfect.
Dude you got yourself a Nice set up and also i toldly agree with u it suck's losing clients. but I'm glad to see a father supporting his kid tho in his dream and goal because to many kid's nowadays don't see that or have that or know who their dad is witch is a shame. But this 14 yr old will never know that horrible feeling. But instead will always be able to reflect and admire his rolemodle his dad.
Great Video here, I definitely can appreciate the youngster wanting to get into firewood, that is awesome, but, I'd keep some stock ready in case they need some assistance or the youngster gets tired of it. I love the roadside stand idea, we have been talking about having our kids to one of those just haven't had the time to get it done. Wish you were closer man, you could cut away out here.
Great attitude about the father and his young son learning business! Can you sell at small gas stations or convenience stores to help replace the other account?
You should make a single pallet stand to extend your stand at your friend's just for bundles. Like you said around this time of year people buy bundles. 4th of July I bet you could sell out an entire bundle stand on the 4th.
My older brother when he retired had a 50 acre wooded camp ground for his neighbors to use for free So he started used fallen trees cut into convenient lengths for fireplaces,etc.Made enuf for the exercise and the gas. When ever he unloaded his PU he put up a sign,"Lv what you think its worth", did this for maybe 5 years and made a lot of friends. Then one day he had a visit from a rep of the local county sales tax office, that had been received that no sales tax was being collected. Brother told the rep that as of that moment he would not have any more fire wood. He made a sign. telling the friends and past buyers, why he was no longer having firewood
Discovered Ariat shirts at Cabela's a few years ago. Love them. Will have to look at their outdoor and workwear. Only Orvis clothing ranks a bit higher on the list than Ariat, but these two brands make up most of my clothing.
My 11 year old nephew got a weedeater last summer for his birthday. He made back the cost of the tool several times over by cleaning peoples properties. He now has a chainsaw to help with that. (Small electric) he's been splitting his dad's firewood with their splitter since he was about 8 or 9. If our very small town had capacity for selling firewood bundles, I'm sure he'd be the one to do it. Good to see young persons working hard and making something for themselves.
My firewood stand here in the Philadelphia area is doing well and I have this channel to thank. I learned so much and implemented the same business model and it's been working for the past few months. The other day, I had a customer stop by and I went out to greet him and his wife. They told me they found my stand on Facebook Marketplace as it has really good reviews. Cool thing is I don't even have Facebook!! Adam, do you have your stands up on Facebook marketplace? Also, an idea you might consider is linking your firewood business to a complementing business that has a presence on Facebook Marketplace. Learning how many people depend on FB Marketplace to buy value from small businesses like yours. It can also lead to other things as well depending on how much you want this to stay being a hobby. I'm in the process of being linked to a family run furniture store because now I cut my own live edge slabs and make epoxy tables. Yes, the firewood stand helped fund bigger chainsaws and a chainsaw mill. And yes, more that I learned from this channel!! I too have a regular full time job but starting to see where this might replace that in the future. Adam, please keep making video's. You have been an inspiration to me on the other side of the state. I love seeing other hard working people build businesses and sharing their experiences so I can learn and improve my business. When I start my strictly wood TH-cam channel, I'll be mentioning a lot about this channel. Thank you and hope you have a great day!!
In Pa., firewood MUST be sold by the cord or fraction of a cord. There's no way to make a comparison to determine which firewood seller is giving you the best deal or if you're getting your money's worth.
About that --missing-- stolen(?) wood... Since the bundle sections were empty, could it be that someone just wanted a bundle, took approximately a bundle's worth from the $20 stack, and paid $5 ?
Awesome business you have there.... It always stinks to lose out on business, but keep moving forward. Don't waste your energy worrying about lost business, spend your energy focusing on the money coming in and expanding.
Adam Enjoy your videos...Small tip for your bundler. Glue a large magnet to the top of bundler om order not to drop your knife. Saw you gingerly place knife down. Just saying
It was good of you and a fantastic business decision to be a good sport to the lost account, because there is a very good chance they will be back. I give it 1 year, tops..
Great video! Where did you find those pallet crates please? My yard is now in a flood zone and I think these metal crates would stop my firewood from washing away.
I was 16 when I started my own business. Started with a truck, a chainsaw, hand garden tools and an AD in the local newspaper. I couldn't keep up after the first summet.
I was a licensed timber operator, logging contractor and timber faller. I did that task for 20+ years. I can tell you that the firewood business is one tough nut to crack. Think about how many times you have to touch just a single piece of split wood from log to loaded on someones porch ready to burn. We tried it in the off season to make a few bucks. A 500 cord contract here and a larger one later. It sucked and if that was our primary source of income we would have gone broke. Good luck to you folks though!
Add a dummy cam to the cart, good deterrent for most people. May even want to go venmo only eventually if things start going south on certain locations.
I agree with other comments that this outlet may be back. Don't loose contact with them. Wish the boy well and let them know that you will be there to fill in if needed. Remember he is a young teen and he can change his mind in a few months. Who knows. Don't cut back on your cutting and splitting. If things change you will have wood to sell.
Adam: We in some fashion a self-serve out let. With 9 self-service bays with a splitter so they can size their own splits, themselves or pay an hourly subcontractor. Just picked-up ours second USED Eastonmade 9-16, plus a 12-22, that got replaced by a Wolf Ridge. Not to sound like an A-Hole, Thank You TH-cam for the discount! That I goes for my Woodland Mill HM 126 Saw Mill I thank Wood-Mizer. I just love the used Marker. Catch you on the next one.
@@trulysurprised-bk7cy As an LLC we carry Insurance. Do you carry any on your car, home, you & your family? 18 year old & up with a State or Federal Picture ID. Its a business not an Amusement Park.
great video. I was wondering how the roadside stand was going and if there were any theft issues. I had a neighbor that had totes full of wood along the road. just his, not for sale, and he caught someone that lived nearby helping themselves to it one night. I need to watch your video on making the stand. great design. Also, I split wood way too big. more geared for home heating. I need to split smaller to attract the summer, outdoor fire customer.
You should get a super splitter and return the eastonmade. 7-10 cords a year that you do is over kill for the equipment you have…unless you get it for free haha
Your comment about having one customer with "80% of your business" is very insightful and a bitter lesson I learned the hard way. It's seductive to have just one customer to please to make your income, but it means THEY OWN YOU. This was common practice for Sears (remember them?) They would sell some product, like a washer or tools and the manufacturer thought they had hit the lottery by having access to the entire Sears system (stores and catalog) but then, when Sears felt the trap was ready to spring, they would come to you and say "we're buying you" (or some other potentially unpleasant re-negotiation). You "could" say no. But if you did, they'd destroy your business by ceasing their orders and selecting one of your competitors. Not sure that directly equates to the firewood biz, but just my way of agreeing with you about "don't put all your eggs in one basket."
Love that Brute Force bundler...would love to get into bundles myself! Wife is from CT?? Wonder if we’re close...Next time you’re in my neck of the woods I’d love to have you over to the new property!
My nephew started cutting grass for the neighbors at age 13, by age 17 he had saved up enough money to buy for cash a new Ford F-250. He expanded while going to college hiring more and more workers. By the time he was out of college he had bought 3 acres and a house with shop. Had expanded to three trucks, he paid all the taxes, fees, licenses required, workmens comp on all his workers which was require in Atlanta. By age 30 his place was paid for. He is now 41, still has that first Ford F-250 4x4 7.3 diesel with over 400,000 miles on it as his truck. He sold his lawn care to two of his young workers saying it had gotten to the point where just collecting the payments for his services had become a full time job and he was burnt out with it. He went to being a over the road truck driver seeing the United States and enjoys that for now. We have so many young people that just go to school, then to college, then back home to lay on mom and dads chouch all day and complain about not being able to find a job. I young man that grows up working will always find a way to work.
Ariat is great! I wear them.alot, but i grew up on a farm with hogs, Cattle, and Horses! That is a great viewpoint on how you lost your biggest customer. I would like to see maybe 1 year later.to see a video on how that business is doing with the owner sons! With your work ethic and different things you do with firewood, im sure you will gain that loss back with your other sources. Thanks for sharing your story Adam!
I like your wrapper. I’ve been selling firewood as a hobby for since I was 13(currently 30). I built a bundle wrapper about 7 years ago. Sure wish I had one starting out lol. I still remember being 13 trying to hold a bundle together and wrap it up. Lots of cussing back then.
Is it possible that the amount you were missing was someone taking $5 dollars worth and paying you that amount from your $20 stack. Great attitude about the youngster. I wish more young people would start out thinking how they can work for themselves.
As an avid camper, thank you to all of those that sell larger quantities of wood at fair prices. One of my local state parks had a retired teacher that sold five big bundles for $20 and I could burn all weekend long. Well the local parks close in October, so I head farther out for winter camping but there are no roadside stands. $9-$11 a bundle at some park offices are a joke.
You will make more selling it off smaller, also some people get confused at roadside, under the 20$ rack write ALL with an arrow pointing down many don't understand that u get the whole rack for 20 try it
@@HometownAcres we through boots on the little man and went outside any chance we got. Thankfully we got some wood done Tuesday and Wednesday when the weather cooperated. How do you like the brute force versus others? Joe has a twister. Any other bundles out there?
Good info Adam I still just sell the bundles at my stand, but I’ve been thinking of adding the bays for the stacks especially now that I’m semi retired. Take care, Ben.
Hey brother! I can make some nice outdoor QR codes for you to hang on your stands. Made from plastics and wont fade in the sun over time. We can also make them from wood!
please feel good that you inspired a young man how to make money with hard work and make his dad proud of him you did that. I have a firewood processer did a lot of mobile processing was doing work on a farm back about 8 years ago this 10 year old farm boy said to me that is not hard to run I said do you want to try he said I sure do. this kid that lives about 1 hour from me now has his own fire wood business I lost work because of him. He now has some of my work not mad at all so happy I could have Inspire him to work at the wood business he now employees 1 person to work with him no better feeling than making a difference in somebodys life
Did you offer your former client to give his son some training for goodwill? Perhaps have the kid help you out for a few weeks for on-the-job training to see if his enthusiasm for the work will hold up. It would be enlightening for the kid to get some hands on experience with professional equipment and then with doing things manually. Better for the father to find out before he drops a load of money to set his son up.
Love my new and old Ariat boots! I'm on my feet all day, from 5am to 11pm and I step in a pair of their boots every day, better fit for me than anything else so far, and these new lightweight boots are rockin! Old timers sometimes say, a pound on the foot is about the same as 5 on your back. These things are like feathers.
I do pipeline work for a living and we go through clothes quickly and we usually have to wear FR clothing. I’d say 90% of the guys I work with, myself included wear Ariat 80 hrs a week! Definitely quality workwear!
I'm 6'2 but my inside leg is only 31", which results in my torso being about 3-4" longer than would be expected for my hight, so very excited to hear about a long large t-shirt as I could at time get away with a medium size if it was extremely long, bit as is have to change between large and show some skin, or XL and look ridiculous, and end up getting all caught up in my clothes.
Ariat is great quality stuff. Bummer about losing the beer distributor, but I’d totally understand too if it’s an opportunity for some work for the owner’s son.
Im an urban firewood collector.. Here in Hampton, VA. My dad has a double door stove for primary heat and i can not pass up a pile of wood out for trash like limbs and branches.. Free heat for my Dad.. Amazed that as a kid i hated splitting wood not i love doing it. Love your channel keep us updated on your homestead/business!!
I love your attitude about the situation with that account. Great example of understanding.
09:00 very profound comments that apply to everyone...
You’re a very articulate man...no uhs, ahs, or “like” when you speak - - well-done
Good Lord!
Never get Mad!
Being mad/angry is so counterproductive!
Its hard to stay positive when you are in a negative state of mind.
Everything happens for a reason.
Stay strong. 💪
I'm with Bruce Simpson, Hamiltonville Farm and others: I'd stay close to that account you lost to their 14 year old. A lot is happening at 14, interest wains and falters, pressure from parents to perform. etc. Just be close when they need you back. Stop and talk to them when you see their stock of wood low or out. I know it's a hobby but . . .
My 12yo son has a busy firewood business he started last winter. We actually started using the IBC tote bins after seeing them used on you channel. He employees his friends at $10 per hour and is quickly learning business.
Your son is learning to be successful.... Kudos to you!!!
Good video. That bundle machine works sweet. Thanks for the Ariat link. Good attitude re business loss. Hoping another outfit will see and decide to contact you re selling your wood. Take care.
Good morning Adam, with over 30 years of self employment. I found when you lose a good thing that takes you out of your comfort zone. Something new will come along because of your good work ethic. Stay positive and things will all work out.
Yes I found that occurs as well. Something better always comes along.
@@cpnotill9264 I absolutely concur! Being self-employed most of my life I have found this to be true! Sometimes even opening the doors to something you may never have planned on or dreamed about. Keep your eyes open and your head clear.
@@samTollefson Great statements you made Sam. I was self emplpyed as well for second half my adult life and found such a freedom in self employment. As long as we do the right things for the right reasons, have a strong work ethic and have no fear there's no end to the great opportunities we are presented with. My fathers wife always said I was so lucky but I disagreed. I just put myself in positions for more opportunities. I really enjoy watching Adam and he's a good guy! 👍😁
@@cpnotill9264 Right on brother, when you do the right thing and are honest in your dealing with everyone it comes back around, sometimes you have to wait for it, but if you are true, it will happen!
@@samTollefson No truer words spoken my friend.
Great to hear a youngster actually wants to work! And kudos to you for supporting that!
Pass it on to the kid that people around the country are pulling for his success!
Sir you have already proven to be a winner , your attitude and entrepreneurial spirit prove it! That young man just offered a dab of competition and that will just sharpen your edge for the next challenge . You're a proven winner .
As someone with a bad back I would turn the bundler 90 degrees so you don't have to constantly keep twisting all the way around
Your positive attitude towards the youngster shows a lot about the quality of your character. Guys like won’t fail. I just hope you rebound fast from that one account.
What about doing kindling bundles??? Might be worth a try, just gather up most of the scraps from around the splitter...
I love these road side self serve stands, fruits, veggies, eggs, fire wood and everything else. Unfortunately, human rats are also everywhere. I know that these stands represent a lot of hard work and the product is 95% guarantied to be superior than any big box store offering. All this to say we really appreciate your hard work (you deserve more). Thanks.
Good video. I'm with Bruce Simpson. I bet you're back to the big seller next year. (not wishing the youngster doesn't succeed, but life happens fast at that age and he will probably move on to other things while he is trying to figure out who he is going to be as a man)
Yeah I’d imagine if he ever loses interest they’d call me back. Or atleast I hope they would
@@HometownAcres Of course they will, because you are a trustworthy man, & they know they can count on you. And, you handled the situation like a true gentleman would!!! God bless you! 🙏
@@HometownAcres When he finds out how much work is required, he will look for a different job.
@@HometownAcres That big customer, to come back to you, needs to not feel foolish in choosing to do so. It is embarrassing and makes one feel stupid to call back someone you let go, including a contractor/vendor. What would help you to call someone back on board as a vendor, and not just drop the product or seek another vender? I would suggest small things - I would send them a Christmas card (not offering services or reminding them that you aren't their supplier, just hand written message saying well wishes for the holiday) and stop by and shop there occasionally (giving a friendly wave to the manager, if you see them), just to keep the connection friendly and casual for a year or two - showing that, if the boy doesn't make it work, the store manager won't be crawling back to you, hat in hand or showing regret. Just my thoughts. Good fortune on your business!
There are two kinds of salespeople. The One Big Kill salesperson, one sale and they're gone and the Farmer salespeople who nurture a sale, keep up contact even if no sale yet. Guess who is more successful over the long term.
- Have you thought of checking out the local RV/Campgrounds? -- I know for us -- we can't take firewood across state line - so we have to purchase it - either from the campground or a local store
Adam, I am really glad that you said that you are completely ok with losing that account for that kid to try and make a go of it. When you were telling us what happened, my first thoughts were that it sucks losing the place that sells that much, but good for the kid for having that entrepreneurial spirit.
Not sure I you told this to the owner or not, but I would have let them know that if they run out of good wood to sell that they could call you to deliver some so that they can keep the bundles in stock.
Yes I told them if they ever need anything just let me know
I really enjoyed watching your video. Making my own firewood was one of my greatest enjoyments until my infirmities and subsequent surgeries dictated otherwise. I’m more of a danger to myself and others, so blessed folks like yourself are the answer to our firewood needs. Thanks 🙏🏻
Freesoldier has awesome cargo pants.
Military surplus pants are also great for doing work, they r very durables.
Strange how some people object to someone else having initiative, back in the early sixties as an apprentice in England I was living with a family who had a small building business. They had a son and a German young man at home, my wage was subsistence so I got a new chain saw through the dealership on account. It was winter and we three boys would go out most evenings onto friendly farms and clear old trees. We would bag the wood and take it round the village. One weekend I went back home but on my return was told that the family had taken over our little business because work was slow and they needed the money more than I did, I never got the chainsaw back and left there shortly after.
Initiative and yanking someone's account away from them are wildly different things. Excusing the latter is why both our nation's industrial bases are controlled by sociopathic wealth hoarders.
Those people stole your income stream from you and your equipment. Scummy move through and through
@@joshschneider9766 these people did not steal anything from him, it's a business decision, it happens all the time in business. Have you never changed insurance companies or grocery stores? same thing.
@@elund408 I think he's talking about Rogers story, where they definitely did steel the chainsaw, as he brought it on account, and it was not returned to him.
I have trail cams at my roadside stand luckily I haven’t had anybody steal yet though. Over 800 bundles sold since November 2020 not one missing yet
Great to hear we can still have faith in the honor system
800 bundles, wow that's a bunch especially considering you just started. That's gonna keep you busy.
@@jasone9 yup crazy how many people want the stuff but then again grocery stores and gas stations around here are charging like $7-$9 for a small bundle so people buy from me instead. That’s not including all the face cords I sold last winter either. Good money if you can source the wood for cheap to nothing
I love Ariat paddock boots. Very functional and can go from the barn to the office( with a good brushing off). I'm enjoying your videos and getting ideas for what we can do too. Thanks!
Absolutely with you on being OK with you biggest customer wanting to get his son's business going. Growing up in a family business helped me to figure out early on that there is more to it than just putting out a sign saying you have goods for sale. I fell a little badly about the theft at your roadside stand. I was really encouraged that so many people in your area were just honest people. Sorry about the few.
Are those older out buildings on the side of your driveway on your property? If so, the barn looking structure could make a good equipment shed and its relatively close to the house.
I was curious about those buildings as well👍
No they are my neighbors. If they were mine they’d be getting a facelift.
I want you to succeed and I want that young man to succeed. My sons both told me, each at around ten years old, the working path they intended to follow. My younger son is now 17 and has done exactly as he said. The older boy, now 23, has done the same. I know you will be fine either way. I can relate to the "mixed blessing" feeling of getting that news.
I really enjoy your channel.
Don't fell bad, I was snowing plowing the Post Office in Freeport years ago, I did it two winters in a row, Then the lady said we have someone else now. I would get up at 4:30 am to plow snow at the post office about 8 miles away from me. I would do this before I went to work. I found out the ladies husbands got a plow on his truck and they paid him to plow. Its all good.
Adam, my concern is with TH-cam not you! Please keep doing what you do! Thanks for responding! 👍👏
You could glue a small magnet on your firewood bundler to magnet your knife to when not in use. When batching out, it's all about ease of access and the least amount of moves. Great video's!
I also took advice from the Morgan's. Bought the ariat workhogs. Best and most comfortable boot and rugged. Ariat jeans are next. Can't go wrong with Ariat!
I agree with you about t-shirts. A t-shirt without a pocket is a polishing rag.
Now that’s funny.... love the comment
Attitude is everything. You're wise beyond your years.
Greetings from S. E. Ohio. Sorry to hear u lost that customer. Hope the younger man's good but I think he will see how much work there is in firewood. Not wishing he fails. It is good to see him wanting to work instead staying on hi s phone. Have a great rest of the day
I worked for a fleet service when I was 19. The owner, Terry, said he NEVER allowed any customer to be more than 10% of his total revenue. I didn't understand. He explained. I watched him prove his belief when he fired one of his biggest customers a few days later. The went over the 10% line. Kid you not. He went out and found two more that were around 5% each. To big of a customer means a possible large loss. of revs. Good on you for realizing why they did what they did and not being bitter over it.
Why fire a good customer when you could just go out and find more people to sell too and make more money...?
Truck on point. I've got the same truck. Ford is the number one truck sold in Texas since the first Truck was sold in Texas
I love the idea of the road side stand. Wish we had them out here in California. We either have to buy wood by the small expensive bundle or at least a quarter cord. Your $20 pile would be perfect.
I had not seen a firewood busker before. Very simple and quick. There is a lot of labor in selling firewood. Stay safe
Enjoy your Entrepreneurial Spirit! Keep up the great and inspiring work. I'm hooked!
up here firewood is getting hard to get.. i only heat with firewood, and we just cant find enough in supply.. i wish you luck. wish you were up here!
I supply a Campground with firewood during camping season.. thats almost all the firewood i sell, so i know how you feel
Dude you got yourself a Nice set up and also i toldly agree with u it suck's losing clients. but I'm glad to see a father supporting his kid tho in his dream and goal because to many kid's nowadays don't see that or have that or know who their dad is witch is a shame. But this 14 yr old will never know that horrible feeling. But instead will always be able to reflect and admire his rolemodle his dad.
That's wonderful what your customers son is doing.
I would have felt the same as you do.
I'm with Bruce Simpson also.
Great Video here, I definitely can appreciate the youngster wanting to get into firewood, that is awesome, but, I'd keep some stock ready in case they need some assistance or the youngster gets tired of it. I love the roadside stand idea, we have been talking about having our kids to one of those just haven't had the time to get it done. Wish you were closer man, you could cut away out here.
Great attitude about the father and his young son learning business! Can you sell at small gas stations or convenience stores to help replace the other account?
You should make a single pallet stand to extend your stand at your friend's just for bundles. Like you said around this time of year people buy bundles. 4th of July I bet you could sell out an entire bundle stand on the 4th.
To the young lad good for you & good luck. 😁👍
In case it's missed I am saying this with a positive attitude..
My older brother when he retired had a 50 acre wooded camp ground for his neighbors to use for free So he started used fallen trees cut into convenient lengths for fireplaces,etc.Made enuf for the exercise and the gas. When ever he unloaded his PU he put up a sign,"Lv what you think its worth", did this for maybe 5 years and made a lot of friends. Then one day he had a visit from a rep of the local county sales tax office, that had been received that no sales tax was being collected. Brother told the rep that as of that moment he would not have any more fire wood. He made a sign. telling the friends and past buyers, why he was no longer having firewood
Weld your number on the splitter pusher plate, backwards obviously, then it on every piece of wood.
Would you consider finding an alternative to the plastic for the bundles? It’s an environmental waste, we need to do better reducing our plastic use.
Discovered Ariat shirts at Cabela's a few years ago. Love them. Will have to look at their outdoor and workwear. Only Orvis clothing ranks a bit higher on the list than Ariat, but these two brands make up most of my clothing.
Looks like they wanted a bundle and took it out of the loose bin. Might be time to devote more space to the bundles.
My 11 year old nephew got a weedeater last summer for his birthday. He made back the cost of the tool several times over by cleaning peoples properties. He now has a chainsaw to help with that. (Small electric) he's been splitting his dad's firewood with their splitter since he was about 8 or 9. If our very small town had capacity for selling firewood bundles, I'm sure he'd be the one to do it. Good to see young persons working hard and making something for themselves.
My firewood stand here in the Philadelphia area is doing well and I have this channel to thank. I learned so much and implemented the same business model and it's been working for the past few months. The other day, I had a customer stop by and I went out to greet him and his wife. They told me they found my stand on Facebook Marketplace as it has really good reviews. Cool thing is I don't even have Facebook!!
Adam, do you have your stands up on Facebook marketplace? Also, an idea you might consider is linking your firewood business to a complementing business that has a presence on Facebook Marketplace. Learning how many people depend on FB Marketplace to buy value from small businesses like yours. It can also lead to other things as well depending on how much you want this to stay being a hobby. I'm in the process of being linked to a family run furniture store because now I cut my own live edge slabs and make epoxy tables. Yes, the firewood stand helped fund bigger chainsaws and a chainsaw mill. And yes, more that I learned from this channel!! I too have a regular full time job but starting to see where this might replace that in the future.
Adam, please keep making video's. You have been an inspiration to me on the other side of the state. I love seeing other hard working people build businesses and sharing their experiences so I can learn and improve my business. When I start my strictly wood TH-cam channel, I'll be mentioning a lot about this channel. Thank you and hope you have a great day!!
Ariat sponsorship = GOLD! You've made it big now!
In Pa., firewood MUST be sold by the cord or fraction of a cord. There's no way to make a comparison to determine which firewood seller is giving you the best deal or if you're getting your money's worth.
Bundles are 1/128th of a cord or 128 bundles would equal 1 full cord and the racks are 1/25th of a cord or 25 racks equals 1 cord
About that --missing-- stolen(?) wood... Since the bundle sections were empty, could it be that someone just wanted a bundle, took approximately a bundle's worth from the $20 stack, and paid $5 ?
Awesome business you have there.... It always stinks to lose out on business, but keep moving forward. Don't waste your energy worrying about lost business, spend your energy focusing on the money coming in and expanding.
I hope the young buck makes something of it. I Hate you lost the account. One door closes ,,another one will open
Adam Enjoy your videos...Small tip for your bundler. Glue a large magnet to the top of bundler om order not to drop your knife. Saw you gingerly place knife down. Just saying
It was good of you and a fantastic business decision to be a good sport to the lost account, because there is a very good chance they will be back. I give it 1 year, tops..
Great video! Where did you find those pallet crates please? My yard is now in a flood zone and I think these metal crates would stop my firewood from washing away.
th-cam.com/video/cfD8ut8tXPw/w-d-xo.html
I was 16 when I started my own business. Started with a truck, a chainsaw, hand garden tools and an AD in the local newspaper. I couldn't keep up after the first summet.
I was a licensed timber operator, logging contractor and timber faller. I did that task for 20+ years. I can tell you that the firewood business is one tough nut to crack. Think about how many times you have to touch just a single piece of split wood from log to loaded on someones porch ready to burn. We tried it in the off season to make a few bucks. A 500 cord contract here and a larger one later. It sucked and if that was our primary source of income we would have gone broke. Good luck to you folks though!
Add a dummy cam to the cart, good deterrent for most people. May even want to go venmo only eventually if things start going south on certain locations.
I have a pair of their walking boots, here in the UK. Great service and product.
You should put a magnet on the bundler to keep the knife in place.
Just a thought why dont you put a flyer with your name and stuff on with the bundles
And advertise delivery of a cord of wood on the stand
you could stick a magnet on your knife so it doesn't fall off while the bundler is in operation.
you think k-mart ever thought "It's okay, it's only Sam Walton's 14 year old son" :) just giving you grief.
I agree with other comments that this outlet may be back. Don't loose contact with them. Wish the boy well and let them know that you will be there to fill in if needed. Remember he is a young teen and he can change his mind in a few months. Who knows. Don't cut back on your cutting and splitting. If things change you will have wood to sell.
Adam: We in some fashion a self-serve out let. With 9 self-service bays with a splitter so they can size their own splits, themselves or pay an hourly subcontractor. Just picked-up ours second USED Eastonmade 9-16, plus a 12-22, that got replaced by a Wolf Ridge. Not to sound like an A-Hole, Thank You TH-cam for the discount! That I goes for my Woodland Mill HM 126 Saw Mill I thank Wood-Mizer. I just love the used Marker. Catch you on the next one.
What about liability if someone gets hurt with a splitter ? 🤔
@@trulysurprised-bk7cy Very good question. (Signed Waivers & Liability Insurance), as anyone who has run a Business knows. Profits & Lability.
@@trulysurprised-bk7cy As an LLC we carry Insurance. Do you carry any on your car, home, you & your family? 18 year old & up with a State or Federal Picture ID. Its a business not an Amusement Park.
@@howard5567 wow !! Sorry I asked !!!
great video. I was wondering how the roadside stand was going and if there were any theft issues. I had a neighbor that had totes full of wood along the road. just his, not for sale, and he caught someone that lived nearby helping themselves to it one night. I need to watch your video on making the stand. great design. Also, I split wood way too big. more geared for home heating. I need to split smaller to attract the summer, outdoor fire customer.
You should get a super splitter and return the eastonmade. 7-10 cords a year that you do is over kill for the equipment you have…unless you get it for free haha
Your comment about having one customer with "80% of your business" is very insightful and a bitter lesson I learned the hard way. It's seductive to have just one customer to please to make your income, but it means THEY OWN YOU. This was common practice for Sears (remember them?) They would sell some product, like a washer or tools and the manufacturer thought they had hit the lottery by having access to the entire Sears system (stores and catalog) but then, when Sears felt the trap was ready to spring, they would come to you and say "we're buying you" (or some other potentially unpleasant re-negotiation). You "could" say no. But if you did, they'd destroy your business by ceasing their orders and selecting one of your competitors. Not sure that directly equates to the firewood biz, but just my way of agreeing with you about "don't put all your eggs in one basket."
Love that Brute Force bundler...would love to get into bundles myself! Wife is from CT?? Wonder if we’re close...Next time you’re in my neck of the woods I’d love to have you over to the new property!
My nephew started cutting grass for the neighbors at age 13, by age 17 he had saved up enough money to buy for cash a new Ford F-250. He expanded while going to college hiring more and more workers. By the time he was out of college he had bought 3 acres and a house with shop. Had expanded to three trucks, he paid all the taxes, fees, licenses required, workmens comp on all his workers which was require in Atlanta. By age 30 his place was paid for. He is now 41, still has that first Ford F-250 4x4 7.3 diesel with over 400,000 miles on it as his truck. He sold his lawn care to two of his young workers saying it had gotten to the point where just collecting the payments for his services had become a full time job and he was burnt out with it. He went to being a over the road truck driver seeing the United States and enjoys that for now. We have so many young people that just go to school, then to college, then back home to lay on mom and dads chouch all day and complain about not being able to find a job. I young man that grows up working will always find a way to work.
Ariat is great! I wear them.alot, but i grew up on a farm with hogs, Cattle, and Horses! That is a great viewpoint on how you lost your biggest customer. I would like to see maybe 1 year later.to see a video on how that business is doing with the owner sons! With your work ethic and different things you do with firewood, im sure you will gain that loss back with your other sources. Thanks for sharing your story Adam!
I like your wrapper. I’ve been selling firewood as a hobby for since I was 13(currently 30). I built a bundle wrapper about 7 years ago. Sure wish I had one starting out lol. I still remember being 13 trying to hold a bundle together and wrap it up. Lots of cussing back then.
Is it possible that the amount you were missing was someone taking $5 dollars worth and paying you that amount from your $20 stack. Great attitude about the youngster. I wish more young people would start out thinking how they can work for themselves.
As an avid camper, thank you to all of those that sell larger quantities of wood at fair prices. One of my local state parks had a retired teacher that sold five big bundles for $20 and I could burn all weekend long. Well the local parks close in October, so I head farther out for winter camping but there are no roadside stands. $9-$11 a bundle at some park offices are a joke.
You will make more selling it off smaller, also some people get confused at roadside, under the 20$ rack write ALL with an arrow pointing down many don't understand that u get the whole rack for 20 try it
Wish I new you came to CT! It was a miserable wet weekend and I had the week off.
Yes it was. Stuck indoors the whole weekend
@@HometownAcres we through boots on the little man and went outside any chance we got. Thankfully we got some wood done Tuesday and Wednesday when the weather cooperated. How do you like the brute force versus others? Joe has a twister. Any other bundles out there?
Never used any other brand bundler so I’m not sure. The brute force is really nice though
Looks like they took enough for a couple of bundles. Maybe they just wanted a couple of bundles. That’s no excuse for not paying though.
Good info Adam I still just sell the bundles at my stand, but I’ve been thinking of adding the bays for the stacks especially now that I’m semi retired. Take care, Ben.
Didn't see a cord price and delivery info on your road side stand. Seems you could arrange a couple cord sales a month from the stands. Maybe more
Lol what whistling Pete at 330 😂
Love your vids! Just subbed a couple days ago. I enjoy just watching you split wood lol. I enjoy doing that myself! Good job!
Thanks for sharing with us Adam, good luck with your continued success in your bundle sales. 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👋👋
A little magnet on your knife would keep it right where you want it for cutting your plastic wrap between bundles.
Would a magnet on top of your bundler help hold your knife still?
Hey brother! I can make some nice outdoor QR codes for you to hang on your stands. Made from plastics and wont fade in the sun over time. We can also make them from wood!
Cool to hear you were in Connecticut, we are in Ellington CT, northern part all farm land.
My wife’s family live in Stratford. They used to live in Milford but moved
@@HometownAcres Little bit different than up here and where you are, Theres a nice bass pro shop on the Bridgeport Stratford line though.
Yep 6 foot 5 and shirts are a pain to find. I do better with flee market army surplus on pants. Will check out your sponsor out. Nice knife.
please feel good that you inspired a young man how to make money with hard work and make his dad proud of him you did that. I have a firewood processer did a lot of mobile processing was doing work on a farm back about 8 years ago this 10 year old farm boy said to me that is not hard to run I said do you want to try he said I sure do. this kid that lives
about 1 hour from me now has his own fire wood business I lost work because of him. He now has some of my work not mad at all so happy I could have Inspire him to work at the wood business he now employees 1 person to work with him no better feeling than making a difference in somebodys life
Did you offer your former client to give his son some training for goodwill? Perhaps have the kid help you out for a few weeks for on-the-job training to see if his enthusiasm for the work will hold up. It would be enlightening for the kid to get some hands on experience with professional equipment and then with doing things manually. Better for the father to find out before he drops a load of money to set his son up.
A brand new chainsaw and axe wouldn't be that much investment. Less then $500
Love my new and old Ariat boots!
I'm on my feet all day, from 5am to 11pm and I step in a pair of their boots every day, better fit for me than anything else so far, and these new lightweight boots are rockin!
Old timers sometimes say, a pound on the foot is about the same as 5 on your back.
These things are like feathers.
They make good stuff that’s for sure
Congrats on the sponsor, ariat is a huge supplier of FR clothes and I work pipeline
I do pipeline work for a living and we go through clothes quickly and we usually have to wear FR clothing. I’d say 90% of the guys I work with, myself included wear Ariat 80 hrs a week! Definitely quality workwear!
I'm 6'2 but my inside leg is only 31", which results in my torso being about 3-4" longer than would be expected for my hight, so very excited to hear about a long large t-shirt as I could at time get away with a medium size if it was extremely long, bit as is have to change between large and show some skin, or XL and look ridiculous, and end up getting all caught up in my clothes.
good video buddy the saying Adam one door closes and other one opens to bigger and better things take care and have a great weekend
Ariat is great quality stuff. Bummer about losing the beer distributor, but I’d totally understand too if it’s an opportunity for some work for the owner’s son.