Matt, this is probably the most thought provoking video you’ve done. Well done and thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. You’re absolutely right about the optimism v pessimism thing.
Fortunately there's lots of great people and teachers already doing this, but they're certainly in the minority. I do hope that changes someday. Really appreciate it mate :)
I've been following you for a few years now and WOW! Your growth and change has been remarkable to watch. May you continue to have a steady upward trajectory in your life!
Matt, so glad to hear you’ve turned a corner and it’s clear from your video that you have your mojo and enthusiasm back on volume 11. Loved the content, sentiment and heartfelt advice in this video. Few people could’ve expressed it so well and I hope a lot of young folk see this and are inspired to follow their dreams with their eyes wide open and their stacked skills at the ready in their armoury. Good luck with all you do and hope you still find time to do enough of what really gives you the fizz as you grow your business.
Hi Matt thankyou for this amazing video I'm a late bloomer in woodworking after 30+ years of working in social care I desperately needed a change of direction I've always had a passion for wood furniture but due to my own mindset I kept putting mental obstacles in my own way and allowing others to confirm it but I've finally decided at the age of 51 to face it head on and try and start my own woodworking business I've just finished a collage course in carpentry as well as taken a course in digital marketing now I'm working on acquiring a workshop it's a massive challange for me personally as I'm having to use the bootstrapping method due to already having debts and health issues which is why I felt I had to change my direction in life, watching this video has given me the positive reinforcement that I have made the right choice and has also inspired me to keep pushing forward so a massive thankyou to you and keep up the great work
As one of the many who have watched you grow over the years. Who have watched the struggles of setting up the first workshop, and suffering at the hands of text to speak on live streams. To plough through the tears of laughter of Rob's Belvita Challenge song and the joy of breaking the Dovetail Record to get to where you are now. Know the many are here to back you up whenever they can so you don't have to struggle alone.
Warren! Could't help but include the clip of you interrupting my flow while filming. Such a funny moment 😂 Really appreciate your support over the years mate. Always a pleasure to have you around and catch up with you.
I shared this video with my son. Despite him having no interest in woodwork, your message on positivity and attitude resonates at many different levels. He struggles with self belief and I think what you've articulated will hopefully help and inspire him. It's helped me regardless. Stay strong and good luck.
I've just gotten into skill stacking within my career in the past 5-7 years. I'm a cabinet maker by trade. I worked in factories doing commercial and residential cabinets and a bit of fine furniture. I also LOVE concerts and festivals and any event. I then got a rare opportunity to start working for an event supply company and got to begin working on large interactive (mostly wood) photo-op props for festivals and events (which really doesn't feel like work because at the end of the day I get to make really cool stuff). My other skill set is in music (12 years in piano lessons, a decade as a church organist and also 20 years as a drummer) and in the near future I plan on studying instrument repair and making and blending that into my skill set. It's surprising how easy it is to become successful (successful meaning: "experiencing fulfillment from your career" and not financial success) when you are constantly open to learning new skills and applying them to your passions. Eventually you become specialized in certain "stacked" skills and can find niche markets where you can be very valuable. I'm sure I have sacrificed many opportunities to become rich in a field I don't enjoy and it has always been a grind but with a career I am passionate about I can honestly say I haven't "worked" a day in 5 years and I am blessed to enjoy waking up and doing my craft. I almost lost hope with my career after my apprenticeship due to monotonous factory jobs. Looking back, however, I DID end up working almost every position in woodworking factories and I invested 10's of thousands of dollars into my own tooling. I just underestimated the skills and knowledge until I tried to have a go at working on my own as a contractor and realized how much people appreciated my knowledge and skills and are happy to pay whatever rates I charged. It was an eye opener and a huge boost in confidence the first month I realized that I wasn't employed by anyone but I made enough to pay the bills. There are still sacrifices to be made to become even more self sufficient in my job but right now I am truly happy with how I got where I am today and no longer stressed about the future job/financial security I can get from doing what I love. "...the key to achieving true expertise in any skill is simply a matter of practicing, albeit in the correct way, for at least 10 000 hours." So choose the things you love and practice them and share them with the world and you will be surprised where it will lead you. I love your Channel Matt! You are an inspiration and a great teacher! Looking forward to more videos and watching you continue to succeed!
Yes yes yes! This is so fricking cool to read. So much I want to respond to here but I'll just sum it up by agreeing to everything you've said, and also express my appreciation for taking the time to share this. Thank you so much. Congratulations with everything and best of luck in the future :)
You are a brave man. Not only for stubbornly following your dream, but also for being willing to talk to talk in public about your mental struggles. Fair play to you.
Thank you Matt for sharing this video about your journey. I’m older and have had a lot of disappointment in my life failed business, injuries, health issues and I’m trying to find something in my life to look forward to and watching this video has been an eye opener. That I’m the only one that can make myself happy and get what I want out of life. Thank you for sharing your journey. I hope things are getting better for you in your life.
So, having watched this video I am struck by how your teaching career gets no mention. For me, that is one of the outstdanding skills that you possess. I learned a lot from your online instruction and it was, at least for me, better than anyone else's. And you had a lot of competition. I can see that your teaching fits in under "coming along side the people you want to reach" but it was much more than that for me. Cheers!
Yea I guess I lump that in with public speaking to some extent, but perhaps it should have got an honourable mention. Really appreciate the kind words. Thank you!
i watched you videos on building your own bass and followed it to build a bass of my own for my final project in college needless to say it did very well, great advice and glad to see your doing well
As a retired DT teacher I wish I could have played this to my students years ago. I can think of quite a few who shone though. Honest and revealing. Well done!
One of the most inspiring videos I’ve ever watched. Everything this guy says is, in my long experience, absolutely accurate. The gift of energy is not given to everyone. If you have it like this, nothing can stop you if you put the work in. Bravo.
Thanks Matt, great video and solid advice. I ended a 20year career to become a stay home dad, and took up woodworking as a hobby. Slowly starting to consider Turing it into more when my eldest goes to highschool next year
I have been watching you for some time now and have always been impressed with your teaching skills and craftsmanship. I reference a lot of your videos frequently when working on projects of various types. I am 71 and have been woodworking as a hobby for well over 30 years and still find your video content informative and helpful. Thanks Matt.
Great Story Matt. The Marking Knife display behind your bench looks like a menorah haha. Loved watching your journey over the years and can't wait to see what you make next.
I knew I'd seen it somewhere! Really appreciate the kind words mate. It's childsplay in comparison to what you're doing over there! Always inspiring to watch you grow and do what you do. I'm getting all excited here about my new Bambu Labs printer on it's way, meanwhile you've got a whole army of the things on the go! 😂
Thank you, this was actually what i needed. The overlap in areas of business and not seeing the niche as saturated. But actually seeing it as a place to have less “competition” to be at the top of “the game” . That really hit me in a good way. This made me see my future project in a whole new positive light. Again, thanks.
I'm 61,and I have never been so amazed at how motivated a young man, like you can be. I wish I could go back in time and have that much motivation. Having met you twice at Makers Central, I can honestly say that you truly deserve success.
There's plenty of us out there, but unfortunately it's a mindset and ethods that's seldom cultivated at a young age in todays world. I think that will change though. Really appreciate it mate!
Hey Matt, you video comes right in time! I am in the middle of setting up my future and make use of the skills I collected over the past few years. As many others I am trying to escape an corporate job through woodworking. It’s unbelievable how often you here the same line of how this is not going to end well, but I resist to believe that story. You inspired a few very valuable ideas with your video. Thanks for everything you give to the community!
Hi Matt, only at 13:05 but loving the video so far. Just wanted to say that, as someone who just left work due to mental health and has been working every day since on woodworking projects in my shed, this video is extremely inspiring. I don't know your channel well and will have to watch some more vids, but its nice to know there are people out there who have made their passion for woodworking into a viable business and living. Cheers, Peter
Very nicely done, Matt! I get the sense you were a little hesitant about putting this out while relatively early in your career. I’ve been a business leader and occasional entrepreneur for about 25 yrs now and, for what it’s worth, I don’t think you overextended at all. Everything you said reflected your journey with authenticity and was bang on. I’m teaching business now and also a student in a cabinetry and furniture making program in Ottawa, Canada. I’m going to share this with my classmates!
Lovely video, where you manage to walk a very fine line insisting on optimism while also having a realistic view on things. I find that much more inspiring than all the aggressive sales optimism one bumps into, particularly on TH-cam.
Dude, I’ve been following your channel since stupid covid bound me to my tinny home. I found joy and motivation to do woodworking. Woodworking pull me out of my depression. So, thank you for that.
When I left university after doing a product and furniture design degree I chose not to actually pursue that as a career and instead got into finance. 15 years later woodworking is my hobby that I love and is comfortably funded by my safe, secure and lucrative 9-5. So glad I made that decision rather than pursuing a career working with wood.
Yep I know a few people who've done that. One guy was a surgeon by trade, so you can imagine how incredible his attention to detail and dexterity was when it came to woodworking.
Matt, this is the first time I see one of your videos and hits like a freight train of reality and also of inspiration! I started woodworking just a little over a year ago and what I have learned has been from TH-cam only. This is a video I’m going to have to hear a few more times because it encompasses a lot. I really like that you gave the info without the hype, loud music and flashing lights which I like depending on the topic. I was installing metal L brackets because we are at a point where we are stocking up with our common wood for projects so I know there’s a fair bit that I missed. You got my subscription for sure!! Looking towards the next one, thank you 🙏🏼
Coming from an architectural background I worked cnc prior to starting my woodworking business. Currently I'm trying to stay afloat, it's hard at times, but year after year (going on my 4th) it's getting better, without any need for advertising or social media. Just word of mouth. I remember I used to watch your videos before undertaking woodworking and they really helped me grow, so I appreciate you striving for quality and joy that work brings. Hopefully someday I'll be well enough financially to be able to support you in return. If you ever happen to van through the Baltics give me a holler, I would be glad to host you!
Wise, inspirational, and motivational. Congratulations on all that you've achieved through your impressive tenancy, determination, and focus on the long game.
Awesome video, Matt. Your videos have always been a great training aid. This is the most refreshing take on the reality of woodworking but the joy that comes through it. Blessings to you and your business, man.
this resonated with me. Most of the things you said in this video are things i think of constantly. I have so many different skills im averagely good at but i think the combination of different skills is the things that make me unique. Seeing your story just inspired me to actually go out and take some risk... at least in a business sense and actually do the things i dream about and i am passionate about
Just wanted to say that I have learned so much about using my hand tools over the past 6 years mate. I had the pleasure of meeting you last year when you were out here in Oz at the Timbecon event. You actually took the time to have a chat with me. Keep it up mate.
I knew that there was a truly thoughtful and interesting person inside of that quirky, young woodworker I found online all those years ago. I am 61 years old, and I may have learned (or re-learned) more from this one video than any previous video. Thank you.
Great video Matt! Highly appreciate you taking the deep dive on your journey and bringing all your experiences into this. All the best for your future!
Cabinetmaker of 22 years here. Starting a furniture business is definitely a terrible idea, but there are more cabinetmaking jobs than there are trained people to take those jobs. So I'm grateful that hard working crazy people are willing to run businesses. It means that I've had skilled employment available to me for 22 years. I highly recommend having a job.
Running a business is not for everyone, nor is being an employee. Don't get pushed into being one or the other but try new things and find out for yourself. There's nothing wrong with starting or running a business, you'll find out if it suits you soon enough :)
@@newdutchworkshop7026You are correct. I was referring to the economic reality of a furniture business. When Matt tells the story of industry figures saying "it's gonna be hard", ironically they were only describing their own experience. Small number of furniture businesses survive. So say someone would like to have a lovely life making stuff, the possible answer I don't see mentioned hardly ever, is get a job with one of the businesses that survived. Make stuff out of wood, pay rent, eat food, drink wine, and chill. Employment isn't for everyone, but given how few people say it, I just wanted to say "employment can be good actually".
@@longline that's true, I don't know of many high-end furniture companies here in the Netherlands but I bet there's plenty of wonderful jobs to be found in the UK, USA and countries like Germany and Italy. If you manage to find a nice company to work for, it must be great to be able to do the work you love without the madness that seems to come with running a business.
@@newdutchworkshop7026 There's a whole mega yaught industry in the Netherlands. There will be an industry related to fine woodwork on yaughts. Wooden windows and doors is interesting work, but you're right that there's less of that in the Netherlands. Still some though. But mostly you need companies that reach the market of millionaires and billionaires. And it's not the end users that you need to reach, it's their interior designers. A company that has successfully connected with interior designers is stable enough to employ woodworkers, broadly speaking.
Hey Matt, As a fellow Rycotewood student, just starting my long 6 years as a part timer and working on the other days to support myself, when you had your last year I think, this video hits me heavy. First, I always admired your work and second the tutors, supervisors always talked highly about you. I went through something similar at the end of my studies too. Girlfriend leaving, my dad dying and all of that almost at the same time. Just ask Drew he defiantly had a hard time with me but he was helpful and understanding, love him for it. It's been 3 years and I feel I've just started to climb out of the deep hole that I created for myself by blaming everything and everybody. So when I am saying it hits me heavy it's because you literarily described my last 3 years and attitude towards everything really. That is why I think this video is so inspiring, helpful and reassuring, at least for me but I am certain that there are other people in the same shoe as me. Thank you sharing this! Keep up the good work and amazing creations and might see you in the future. Better to go now and get some stuff done. 😉
Great to hear from you Barabas and sorry to hear about everything landing on you at once. Everyones got their own ways of processing and recovering from these things, but whats most important is figuring a way out of it, and it sounds like you're doing just that. I'm glad to hear this video helped keep you aligned on that journey :)
A food truck would be such a cool career. I'm sure it's hard work but being able to work, travel and cook/consume good food is one hell of a life to live.
Great video; coming from a billion-dollar company and seeing how they raise capital to solve their challenges, it's refreshing to see how small businesses can still be successful with their own unique recipe of leverage. This is a brilliant approach to evolving your own business. I've always looked forward to your content; they were the first woodworking vids I found on TH-cam years ago and are the reason why I fell in love with woodworking. That being said, I'd love to see more videos like this; it's great seeing this kind of behind-the-scenes content and not the usual "Top 10 tools every woodworker needs" that fills 99% of my feed.
Matt, I just watched this video and I just needed to say that it and you are inspiring to say the least. It is both sad and great to hear that you are getting your life and housing in order. The passion you have for your business and videos has always been there, but this video was even more apparent. Keep up the graft and I hope things keep trending in the right direction for you!
Haha I know 😂 the best examples of it are when people tell you to count the number of times a ball is passed between a group of people, and while you’re there counting, some random person walks on screen in a penguin outfit or something absurd like that, and you only spot it the second time round.
I have to agree with most of your comments. I would add one thing that some people are over confident that they are top tier when they really are not. From many years of being a public speaker you possess many important qualities. You have humility and a sense of humor as well as a grasp of the English language and a certain confidence. Knowledge is your base. I can put together a one hour seminar on almost anything as long as I have the basic knowledge and can tie it to common experiences. You have all of that and it is why I enjoy watching your videos, even if it is not a topic I am truly looking for.
Absolutely. I thought I had it all figured out in my early 20's and turns out I couldn't have been more wrong. Was part of my hesitation and anxiety about posting this video too, as I know most of what I'm saying will feel redundant or outdated 5 years from now. But at the very least it was nice to capture my thoughts at this moment in time so I can reflect and learn from them later. Really appreciate it mate!
The timing of this is really relevant to me. I’m being made redundant at the end of this month, so it has given me the opportunity to take a furniture making course; i have wanted to do one for quite some time but work was the priority. I don’t know where i’ll be at the end of that course, but I’m looking forward to taking decisions about my working life rather than someone else do it.
This is an excellent video, i dont run a business and i rarely sell anything i make, but this information still has value for me and im sure others will take a lot from it
Great video matt, and thank you for sharing on your personal life, im looking at going into making my own cabinet making business, but also work as an engineer, so making the transition is going to be hard, but without risk there is no reward
I really enjoyed this Matt. A great message and a positive outlook. All the best for your future. Although I'm a little disappointed you didn't acknowledge the support of Belvita 😄
fantastic - great video and very timely for me as I have 'failed' so often in my many entrepreneurial endeavours geared to making a difference. This video has helped me to regain my faith and motivation to try again, smarter! High hype thanks!
Thank-you! Your carefully considered & clearly presented reflections of your journey have really given me something to think about. Really impressed by your dedication, hard work ethic & tenacity to make things work 👏
Brilliant! I’ve been a woodworker for over 45 years (off and on) and you have pretty much summed up all that it takes to ‘make a go of it’ I would just add 10 little words IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME. Thanks!
Great story Matt! My woodworking skills have grown significantly by watching you (and others) to help use a different part of my brain, which has helped in my teaching, engineering and data science work. Cross pollination of skills is a good thing. Keep up the good work! Meow Meow.
Thank you for this Matt, it came just at the right time, at the perfect point of my life. Awesome video and really great advises what fully resonates. Thanks!
Brilliant! "Pesimism is a zero sum game against yourself, where the only way you can proof yourself correct is by letting yourself down" - Matt Estlea
You have no idea how long it took me to figure out the wording for that one 😂 Thanks mate!
@@MattEstlea it went straight to my “Best quotes” collection
I’ve been watching you for years…
This has to be the best video you’ve produced. Very raw and motivating. Great stuff.
Matt, this is probably the most thought provoking video you’ve done. Well done and thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. You’re absolutely right about the optimism v pessimism thing.
Thank you :)
This is the type of video / message that needs to be given at schools during career orienteering day. Well done Matt
Fortunately there's lots of great people and teachers already doing this, but they're certainly in the minority. I do hope that changes someday. Really appreciate it mate :)
I've been following you for a few years now and WOW! Your growth and change has been remarkable to watch. May you continue to have a steady upward trajectory in your life!
Matt, so glad to hear you’ve turned a corner and it’s clear from your video that you have your mojo and enthusiasm back on volume 11.
Loved the content, sentiment and heartfelt advice in this video. Few people could’ve expressed it so well and I hope a lot of young folk see this and are inspired to follow their dreams with their eyes wide open and their stacked skills at the ready in their armoury.
Good luck with all you do and hope you still find time to do enough of what really gives you the fizz as you grow your business.
Thank you! Really appreciate the kind words :)
Hi Matt thankyou for this amazing video I'm a late bloomer in woodworking after 30+ years of working in social care I desperately needed a change of direction I've always had a passion for wood furniture but due to my own mindset I kept putting mental obstacles in my own way and allowing others to confirm it but I've finally decided at the age of 51 to face it head on and try and start my own woodworking business I've just finished a collage course in carpentry as well as taken a course in digital marketing now I'm working on acquiring a workshop it's a massive challange for me personally as I'm having to use the bootstrapping method due to already having debts and health issues which is why I felt I had to change my direction in life, watching this video has given me the positive reinforcement that I have made the right choice and has also inspired me to keep pushing forward so a massive thankyou to you and keep up the great work
As one of the many who have watched you grow over the years. Who have watched the struggles of setting up the first workshop, and suffering at the hands of text to speak on live streams. To plough through the tears of laughter of Rob's Belvita Challenge song and the joy of breaking the Dovetail Record to get to where you are now. Know the many are here to back you up whenever they can so you don't have to struggle alone.
Warren! Could't help but include the clip of you interrupting my flow while filming. Such a funny moment 😂 Really appreciate your support over the years mate. Always a pleasure to have you around and catch up with you.
Great video mate! Well done for putting yourself and your knowledge out there for others to see. Awesome!
Thanks Matt. Glad to see you back. Hope to see more videos
Cheers Bob, thank you for the support over the years :)
I shared this video with my son. Despite him having no interest in woodwork, your message on positivity and attitude resonates at many different levels. He struggles with self belief and I think what you've articulated will hopefully help and inspire him. It's helped me regardless. Stay strong and good luck.
I've just gotten into skill stacking within my career in the past 5-7 years. I'm a cabinet maker by trade. I worked in factories doing commercial and residential cabinets and a bit of fine furniture. I also LOVE concerts and festivals and any event. I then got a rare opportunity to start working for an event supply company and got to begin working on large interactive (mostly wood) photo-op props for festivals and events (which really doesn't feel like work because at the end of the day I get to make really cool stuff). My other skill set is in music (12 years in piano lessons, a decade as a church organist and also 20 years as a drummer) and in the near future I plan on studying instrument repair and making and blending that into my skill set. It's surprising how easy it is to become successful (successful meaning: "experiencing fulfillment from your career" and not financial success) when you are constantly open to learning new skills and applying them to your passions. Eventually you become specialized in certain "stacked" skills and can find niche markets where you can be very valuable. I'm sure I have sacrificed many opportunities to become rich in a field I don't enjoy and it has always been a grind but with a career I am passionate about I can honestly say I haven't "worked" a day in 5 years and I am blessed to enjoy waking up and doing my craft. I almost lost hope with my career after my apprenticeship due to monotonous factory jobs. Looking back, however, I DID end up working almost every position in woodworking factories and I invested 10's of thousands of dollars into my own tooling. I just underestimated the skills and knowledge until I tried to have a go at working on my own as a contractor and realized how much people appreciated my knowledge and skills and are happy to pay whatever rates I charged. It was an eye opener and a huge boost in confidence the first month I realized that I wasn't employed by anyone but I made enough to pay the bills. There are still sacrifices to be made to become even more self sufficient in my job but right now I am truly happy with how I got where I am today and no longer stressed about the future job/financial security I can get from doing what I love. "...the key to achieving true expertise in any skill is simply a matter of practicing, albeit in the correct way, for at least 10 000 hours." So choose the things you love and practice them and share them with the world and you will be surprised where it will lead you.
I love your Channel Matt! You are an inspiration and a great teacher! Looking forward to more videos and watching you continue to succeed!
Yes yes yes! This is so fricking cool to read. So much I want to respond to here but I'll just sum it up by agreeing to everything you've said, and also express my appreciation for taking the time to share this. Thank you so much. Congratulations with everything and best of luck in the future :)
Wow. This is easily some of the best youtube content I've seen from anyone ever in years. Thank you Matt, keep up the great work!
You are a brave man. Not only for stubbornly following your dream, but also for being willing to talk to talk in public about your mental struggles. Fair play to you.
Thanks Paul. There's always temporary anxiety and discomfort in the lead up to talking, but the payoff is always worth it :)
Thank you Matt for sharing this video about your journey. I’m older and have had a lot of disappointment in my life failed business, injuries, health issues and I’m trying to find something in my life to look forward to and watching this video has been an eye opener. That I’m the only one that can make myself happy and get what I want out of life. Thank you for sharing your journey. I hope things are getting better for you in your life.
That was just what I needed. Great advice and video 🎉
So, having watched this video I am struck by how your teaching career gets no mention. For me, that is one of the outstdanding skills that you possess. I learned a lot from your online instruction and it was, at least for me, better than anyone else's. And you had a lot of competition. I can see that your teaching fits in under "coming along side the people you want to reach" but it was much more than that for me. Cheers!
Yea I guess I lump that in with public speaking to some extent, but perhaps it should have got an honourable mention. Really appreciate the kind words. Thank you!
i watched you videos on building your own bass and followed it to build a bass of my own for my final project in college needless to say it did very well, great advice and glad to see your doing well
Number one video on self-employment and small businesses. I hardly ever find people who so accurately understand my life and my business. Thank you.🎉
As a retired DT teacher I wish I could have played this to my students years ago. I can think of quite a few who shone though. Honest and revealing. Well done!
I like the honest and inspiring message.
Looking forward to your future progress.
Attitude, drive, smarts, and work ethic are all super evident here. Thank you for sharing.
Loved every part of this Matt, thanks so much for sharing this personal journey - it’s so inspiring. So proud to call you a mate ❤
Thank you Daisy :) I certainly had you in mind when I mentioned about surrounding yourself with people who are better than you.
From watching Matts truly inspiring video I discovered you Daisy and your channel. And I'm blown away!! You are so talented!! Thank you both so much!
@@MattEstlea omg you’ll make me cry! Hope everyone sees this video and teaches with it in schools and retirement homes alike. ❤️
@@SJWardBuilders aw thank you so much!
I binged all your videos a few years ago. Great to see you back. Wishing you every success
One of the most inspiring videos I’ve ever watched. Everything this guy says is, in my long experience, absolutely accurate. The gift of energy is not given to everyone. If you have it like this, nothing can stop you if you put the work in. Bravo.
Thank you so much Annie! I really, really appreciate it :)
Thanks Matt, great video and solid advice. I ended a 20year career to become a stay home dad, and took up woodworking as a hobby. Slowly starting to consider Turing it into more when my eldest goes to highschool next year
I have been watching you for some time now and have always been impressed with your teaching skills and craftsmanship. I reference a lot of your videos frequently when working on projects of various types. I am 71 and have been woodworking as a hobby for well over 30 years and still find your video content informative and helpful.
Thanks Matt.
I’m so pleased that I watched this. Matt, this is a superb piece of work. Thank you
I’ve always loved your videos Matt. I had no idea you were struggling if I can put it that way. Your perseverance is admirable.
Weirdly, just what I needed to listen to, some really great points I've never thought of, your honesty is remarkable and wishing you great success ✌
Thank you Andy, really appreciate it mate! Glad to hear it came at a good time.
@@MattEstlea I also went to Rycote wood in the days of Peter Kue and Andy Jackson , great days !
Great Story Matt. The Marking Knife display behind your bench looks like a menorah haha. Loved watching your journey over the years and can't wait to see what you make next.
I knew I'd seen it somewhere! Really appreciate the kind words mate. It's childsplay in comparison to what you're doing over there! Always inspiring to watch you grow and do what you do. I'm getting all excited here about my new Bambu Labs printer on it's way, meanwhile you've got a whole army of the things on the go! 😂
Thank you, this was actually what i needed. The overlap in areas of business and not seeing the niche as saturated. But actually seeing it as a place to have less “competition” to be at the top of “the game” . That really hit me in a good way. This made me see my future project in a whole new positive light. Again, thanks.
I'm 61,and I have never been so amazed at how motivated a young man, like you can be. I wish I could go back in time and have that much motivation.
Having met you twice at Makers Central, I can honestly say that you truly deserve success.
There's plenty of us out there, but unfortunately it's a mindset and ethods that's seldom cultivated at a young age in todays world. I think that will change though. Really appreciate it mate!
"Give more than you ask for" ❤
Hey Matt, you video comes right in time! I am in the middle of setting up my future and make use of the skills I collected over the past few years. As many others I am trying to escape an corporate job through woodworking. It’s unbelievable how often you here the same line of how this is not going to end well, but I resist to believe that story. You inspired a few very valuable ideas with your video. Thanks for everything you give to the community!
Hi Matt, only at 13:05 but loving the video so far. Just wanted to say that, as someone who just left work due to mental health and has been working every day since on woodworking projects in my shed, this video is extremely inspiring. I don't know your channel well and will have to watch some more vids, but its nice to know there are people out there who have made their passion for woodworking into a viable business and living.
Cheers, Peter
Very nicely done, Matt! I get the sense you were a little hesitant about putting this out while relatively early in your career. I’ve been a business leader and occasional entrepreneur for about 25 yrs now and, for what it’s worth, I don’t think you overextended at all. Everything you said reflected your journey with authenticity and was bang on. I’m teaching business now and also a student in a cabinetry and furniture making program in Ottawa, Canada. I’m going to share this with my classmates!
Lovely video, where you manage to walk a very fine line insisting on optimism while also having a realistic view on things. I find that much more inspiring than all the aggressive sales optimism one bumps into, particularly on TH-cam.
Dude, I’ve been following your channel since stupid covid bound me to my tinny home. I found joy and motivation to do woodworking. Woodworking pull me out of my depression. So, thank you for that.
Craft has an incredible ability to do just that. I'm really glad to hear it helped you out :)
Congratulation Matthew. Very proud mate. Well done 👏👏
When I left university after doing a product and furniture design degree I chose not to actually pursue that as a career and instead got into finance. 15 years later woodworking is my hobby that I love and is comfortably funded by my safe, secure and lucrative 9-5. So glad I made that decision rather than pursuing a career working with wood.
Yep I know a few people who've done that. One guy was a surgeon by trade, so you can imagine how incredible his attention to detail and dexterity was when it came to woodworking.
@@MattEstlea indeed. But god that’s a risky hobby when you rely on your hands so much!
Been following you since the start mate. This is the best film you've ever done. Fascinating stuff. Keep up the great work 👍
Matt, this is the first time I see one of your videos and hits like a freight train of reality and also of inspiration! I started woodworking just a little over a year ago and what I have learned has been from TH-cam only. This is a video I’m going to have to hear a few more times because it encompasses a lot. I really like that you gave the info without the hype, loud music and flashing lights which I like depending on the topic. I was installing metal L brackets because we are at a point where we are stocking up with our common wood for projects so I know there’s a fair bit that I missed. You got my subscription for sure!! Looking towards the next one, thank you 🙏🏼
Coming from an architectural background I worked cnc prior to starting my woodworking business. Currently I'm trying to stay afloat, it's hard at times, but year after year (going on my 4th) it's getting better, without any need for advertising or social media. Just word of mouth. I remember I used to watch your videos before undertaking woodworking and they really helped me grow, so I appreciate you striving for quality and joy that work brings. Hopefully someday I'll be well enough financially to be able to support you in return. If you ever happen to van through the Baltics give me a holler, I would be glad to host you!
Wow Matt that was a great video. Thank you and keep up the good work. Ade
Wise, inspirational, and motivational. Congratulations on all that you've achieved through your impressive tenancy, determination, and focus on the long game.
Awesome video, Matt. Your videos have always been a great training aid. This is the most refreshing take on the reality of woodworking but the joy that comes through it. Blessings to you and your business, man.
that was great Matt! thank you for sharing this!
Wow! I have never heard it put this way .Great talk!
this resonated with me. Most of the things you said in this video are things i think of constantly. I have so many different skills im averagely good at but i think the combination of different skills is the things that make me unique. Seeing your story just inspired me to actually go out and take some risk... at least in a business sense and actually do the things i dream about and i am passionate about
This is a video that everyone could do with watching. You are an inspiration, buddy.
Just wanted to say that I have learned so much about using my hand tools over the past 6 years mate. I had the pleasure of meeting you last year when you were out here in Oz at the Timbecon event. You actually took the time to have a chat with me.
Keep it up mate.
One of the best bits of the job is getting to meet new people. So thank you for coming up and saying hi!
I knew that there was a truly thoughtful and interesting person inside of that quirky, young woodworker I found online all those years ago. I am 61 years old, and I may have learned (or re-learned) more from this one video than any previous video. Thank you.
Haha yea the character is becoming harder and harder to maintain these days. It's nice to be a little more real!
Matt, welcome back! And I can't tell you how much I needed this video for a while. You rock! God bless.
Great video Matt. Some great tips in here.
Awesome video. Love all your content. Grateful for your service
Brilliant bit of content, Matt. Some of, if not, your best work to date. Great to see the hard work and passion bearing fruit for you again.
Well done, brother! Chin up - love your work!
Wow! That was definitely the best shop tour video I've ever seen! Thank you so much for all of that
So glad to hear it. Rob and I were both concerned that it went a little off the rails compared to our original vision. Thank you for the kind words :)
Matt, this spot-on video has lots of good and useful information covering people of any age.
Thanks for this video. I’ve been in my woodworking business for 5 years and I needed to hear it.
Keep going!
Great video! A lot of young people just starting out should see this. Your a great teacher.
Carry on Matt - we’re all pulling for you.
Great video Matt! Highly appreciate you taking the deep dive on your journey and bringing all your experiences into this. All the best for your future!
Great video, crammed full of excellent advice and guidance. Great work Matt and Rob.
Great video, thanks for taking us through all that. Cheers!
Cabinetmaker of 22 years here. Starting a furniture business is definitely a terrible idea, but there are more cabinetmaking jobs than there are trained people to take those jobs. So I'm grateful that hard working crazy people are willing to run businesses. It means that I've had skilled employment available to me for 22 years. I highly recommend having a job.
Running a business is not for everyone, nor is being an employee. Don't get pushed into being one or the other but try new things and find out for yourself. There's nothing wrong with starting or running a business, you'll find out if it suits you soon enough :)
@@newdutchworkshop7026You are correct. I was referring to the economic reality of a furniture business. When Matt tells the story of industry figures saying "it's gonna be hard", ironically they were only describing their own experience. Small number of furniture businesses survive. So say someone would like to have a lovely life making stuff, the possible answer I don't see mentioned hardly ever, is get a job with one of the businesses that survived. Make stuff out of wood, pay rent, eat food, drink wine, and chill. Employment isn't for everyone, but given how few people say it, I just wanted to say "employment can be good actually".
@@longline that's true, I don't know of many high-end furniture companies here in the Netherlands but I bet there's plenty of wonderful jobs to be found in the UK, USA and countries like Germany and Italy. If you manage to find a nice company to work for, it must be great to be able to do the work you love without the madness that seems to come with running a business.
@@newdutchworkshop7026 There's a whole mega yaught industry in the Netherlands. There will be an industry related to fine woodwork on yaughts. Wooden windows and doors is interesting work, but you're right that there's less of that in the Netherlands. Still some though. But mostly you need companies that reach the market of millionaires and billionaires. And it's not the end users that you need to reach, it's their interior designers. A company that has successfully connected with interior designers is stable enough to employ woodworkers, broadly speaking.
Oh my God, I wrote a dumbass comment before. Thanks Matt. You're a real help.
Matt glad to see you back and thank you this video has been so helpful..
Keep up the good work you are a great woodworker and good guy..
Hey Matt,
As a fellow Rycotewood student, just starting my long 6 years as a part timer and working on the other days to support myself, when you had your last year I think, this video hits me heavy. First, I always admired your work and second the tutors, supervisors always talked highly about you. I went through something similar at the end of my studies too. Girlfriend leaving, my dad dying and all of that almost at the same time. Just ask Drew he defiantly had a hard time with me but he was helpful and understanding, love him for it. It's been 3 years and I feel I've just started to climb out of the deep hole that I created for myself by blaming everything and everybody. So when I am saying it hits me heavy it's because you literarily described my last 3 years and attitude towards everything really. That is why I think this video is so inspiring, helpful and reassuring, at least for me but I am certain that there are other people in the same shoe as me. Thank you sharing this! Keep up the good work and amazing creations and might see you in the future. Better to go now and get some stuff done. 😉
Great to hear from you Barabas and sorry to hear about everything landing on you at once. Everyones got their own ways of processing and recovering from these things, but whats most important is figuring a way out of it, and it sounds like you're doing just that. I'm glad to hear this video helped keep you aligned on that journey :)
Thanks for this. Shared it with my 20 something kid with food truck aspirations. Lots of good advice.
A food truck would be such a cool career. I'm sure it's hard work but being able to work, travel and cook/consume good food is one hell of a life to live.
Great video; coming from a billion-dollar company and seeing how they raise capital to solve their challenges, it's refreshing to see how small businesses can still be successful with their own unique recipe of leverage. This is a brilliant approach to evolving your own business. I've always looked forward to your content; they were the first woodworking vids I found on TH-cam years ago and are the reason why I fell in love with woodworking. That being said, I'd love to see more videos like this; it's great seeing this kind of behind-the-scenes content and not the usual "Top 10 tools every woodworker needs" that fills 99% of my feed.
Matt, I just watched this video and I just needed to say that it and you are inspiring to say the least. It is both sad and great to hear that you are getting your life and housing in order. The passion you have for your business and videos has always been there, but this video was even more apparent. Keep up the graft and I hope things keep trending in the right direction for you!
Thank you!
That look for red and ask about green trick was so f-ed up. I love it! I am totaling stealing it.
Haha I know 😂 the best examples of it are when people tell you to count the number of times a ball is passed between a group of people, and while you’re there counting, some random person walks on screen in a penguin outfit or something absurd like that, and you only spot it the second time round.
Matt, I really appreciate your solo videos. Your insights and craftsmanship are excellent!
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this Matt! Thank you!
Nice video. Very honest and a nice story telling. I wish you all the best with the next stage.
I have to agree with most of your comments. I would add one thing that some people are over confident that they are top tier when they really are not. From many years of being a public speaker you possess many important qualities. You have humility and a sense of humor as well as a grasp of the English language and a certain confidence. Knowledge is your base. I can put together a one hour seminar on almost anything as long as I have the basic knowledge and can tie it to common experiences. You have all of that and it is why I enjoy watching your videos, even if it is not a topic I am truly looking for.
Absolutely. I thought I had it all figured out in my early 20's and turns out I couldn't have been more wrong. Was part of my hesitation and anxiety about posting this video too, as I know most of what I'm saying will feel redundant or outdated 5 years from now. But at the very least it was nice to capture my thoughts at this moment in time so I can reflect and learn from them later. Really appreciate it mate!
Matt, thanks mate! This is one of the most useful videos I’ve seen in a while. Just what I needed to see and hear.
Great comments that don’t need repeating. So just, thank you.
You are truly amazing!
Glad this woodworking business minded video popped up. Thank you!
The timing of this is really relevant to me. I’m being made redundant at the end of this month, so it has given me the opportunity to take a furniture making course; i have wanted to do one for quite some time but work was the priority.
I don’t know where i’ll be at the end of that course, but I’m looking forward to taking decisions about my working life rather than someone else do it.
Not sure where you're based, but apparently the industry is crying out for makers in the UK. Just keep plugging away at it!
I really enjoyed this video. Thank for for the hard work in everything associated with it, and good luck as you move forward.
This is an excellent video, i dont run a business and i rarely sell anything i make, but this information still has value for me and im sure others will take a lot from it
Great video matt, and thank you for sharing on your personal life, im looking at going into making my own cabinet making business, but also work as an engineer, so making the transition is going to be hard, but without risk there is no reward
I really enjoyed this Matt. A great message and a positive outlook. All the best for your future. Although I'm a little disappointed you didn't acknowledge the support of Belvita 😄
They refused to sponsor me a few years ago. They're dead to me.
What a fantastic video with lots of great advice and thanks for putting it out there, well done.
fantastic - great video and very timely for me as I have 'failed' so often in my many entrepreneurial endeavours geared to making a difference. This video has helped me to regain my faith and motivation to try again, smarter! High hype thanks!
Thank-you! Your carefully considered & clearly presented reflections of your journey have really given me something to think about. Really impressed by your dedication, hard work ethic & tenacity to make things work 👏
Brilliant! I’ve been a woodworker for over 45 years (off and on) and you have pretty much summed up all that it takes to ‘make a go of it’ I would just add 10 little words IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME. Thanks!
Love it. Cheers mate!
Well done Followed you from the start Glad to see you pushing on
Great story Matt! My woodworking skills have grown significantly by watching you (and others) to help use a different part of my brain, which has helped in my teaching, engineering and data science work. Cross pollination of skills is a good thing. Keep up the good work! Meow Meow.
as someone who is going through alot of the same steps this video is good
Nice video Matt. Good college too, I was at the original Rycotewood in 1980 Agricultural engineering
I wanted to like this video four times, well said Matt, this is an awesome message.
Thank you :) So glad to hear it
You have build a nice woodworking empire there, well done!!
We're getting there. Cheers mate :)
Loved this video. Remarkable wisdom beyond your age!!!! Thanks for sharing.
That's reassuring to hear! Maybe I'll sit back and relax for a bit 😂
Thank you for this Matt, it came just at the right time, at the perfect point of my life. Awesome video and really great advises what fully resonates. Thanks!
Awesome video matt keep on keeping on i cant wait to see what you get up to next
Amazing, thank you.
This was unexpected but very inspirational. Thanks for sharing!