Bulldog started during the pandemic. Lots of things did. We’re still here. We’ve gone from home to shop. We’ve gone from burned out shop to new shop…watch for THAT story. So, into our sixth year, where are we and what have we learned? Here are 1o things that stand out.
- Putting your name on a project means something. We ask ourselves every day: “Is this good enough for Bulldog?” “Is this the Bulldog Way?” Everything we do says something about who we are or who we aren’t. It is either your best work or it isn’t.
- Creativity is fun but it’s hard work. We wouldn’t trade for the joy of creating something for the friends we make. But, custom furniture doesn’t fall out of trees (stupid joke!). It’s a labor but a labor of love. We pour ourselves into everything we do.
- We aren’t Ikea or Haverty’s. Certainly there is a place for us all, but we do not deliver mass-produced goods. Sometimes people are surprised at the cost of custom work. Most of the time we can work inside a budget. Custom takes time, creativity, innovation, and, yes, money. But, the product ends up being heirloom quality and filled with purpose.
- A small business is consuming. It takes a lot to run a small business. We are our own marketers, producers, procurors, repairmen, and sawdust sweepers. We are learning new things every day. We had no idea of all that it would take and all we would need to know.
- We have met so many great people. We don’t have clients and vendors; we have family and friends. We have been blessed to meet people who are so gracious, willing to help, and just down-right beautiful.
- There is always something to learn. We will never reach perfection, but we strive for excellence. Mastery is a journey not a destination. Every time we learn something new, we see somebody else’s project and methods. In that moment realize how many great artisans are out there and just how far we have to go. The pursuit of that excellence is what drives us.
- You have to be pretty fearless and a little crazy. If all you do is what you know how to do, you will quickly lose your creative edge. So, often, our projects include things in which we are confident and things that we are trying for the first time. You have to be good in the basics but a little off your rocker to continually try things you aren’t sure will work. So far, so good.
- A promise is a promise. Sometimes, thankfully not often, we bite off more than we should or something is more expensive than we thought or will take more time than we planned. It doesn’t matter. Once we make a promise we try to do all that it takes to keep it. (See number 1)
- Wood is beautiful. The more we do and learn, the more amazed we are with God’s creation. Every stick and slab is different. With the right tools, and know-how…don’t forget patience and time…wood has almost endless possibilities. It’s like people.
- We would do it all again. We love this life. We love what we get to do. Each day is an opportunity to create and stretch, to make friends and satisfy passion. This is Barry writing, BTW. It’s also an opportunity to be with my son and be blessed by the support of a beautiful wife and incredible daughters…oh, and Augie and Teddy.
Thanks to everyone who has purchased from us, sold to us, given us encouragement, critiqued us, believed in us, and suffered through the learning curve. We love you and want to make you proud.
