Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Genthner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Brian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I first learned some woodworking skills while in high school. The school had a vocational center attached to it and I completed 3 building classes (wood technologies 1 &2; Residential Construction). As for my welding knowledge, it started when I attended adult education courses and has continue through having some different jobs. I still continue to learn new things with each skill daily. I also look on Pinterest and YouTube for new techniques for builds.
I know I would have been further along in learning welding and metal fabrication if started learning these skill when I was younger. I had the opportunity to learn how to weld while in middle school through my tech ed class. I didn’t pursue it at the time due to being intimidated by what temperatures it takes to combine the metal.
Basic abilities to read a tape measure or other measuring tools. I think everyone should be able to read a tape measure if they are building something that requires certain dimensions.
Expenses of some of the equipment to learn and develop new skills. Also time restraints with having a full time job and a family with their own hobbies and extracurricular activities.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
In 2014, my wife and I started Genthner Creations, originally called Genthner Craft & Design. Amanda and myself at that time made custom faced clocks. Fast forward to present day and we produce kitchen aides, home décor, furniture, and custom items. We are able to create these items with metal, wood, epoxy resin, and/or fusible beads.
Our shop carries stock items such as: specially designed clocks, cutting/charcuterie boards, railroad spike bottle openers, metal art snowman, and fusible bead art.
Some clients don’t want the same old same old item and I think we do a great job of making unique items. A metal art motorcycle that has chainsaw chains as tires which is the third one of its kind named the “Hellraiser Bike V3.0”. A bird feeder that is modeled after an somewhat battered aircraft carrier. An aluminum lamp inspired by lighthouses. Combining aluminum, birch plywood, and hardwood trailer decking to a stunning media cabinet. For one of our Texan customers, we built custom cornhole boards with bags.
Something that I take pride in is being able use 3d modeling to help the customer understand what their custom piece will look like. We handcraft items here in the great state of Maine.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
There are two goals that are a driving force to my business’s success. The first one is wanting to have products created for each room of a clients home. The second and most important to me is the ability to have this business become my main source of income to provide for my family.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Videos and courses made by Jennie and Davis. Their “My Basement Business” has helped lots with pricing and sales. This couple has discussed their ups and downs with what they have delt with on their YouTube channel. I also periodically listen to the Marketing Made Simple podcast on Spotify. Some of the topics that are discuss help with sales and marketing strategies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.genthnercreations.com/
- Instagram: genthnercreations
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenthnerCreations
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@genthnercreations
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GenthnerCreations