We were lucky to catch up with William Van Dusen recently and have shared our conversation below.

William, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

During the economic downturn of 2006 the company I worked for moved everyone to part time. My interest had also turned to fixing older homes – I had a good job with benefits but I wasn’t satisfied with the work. I took out a second on my house and used the extra time to build a shop and acquire machinery. I slowly developed my business and by 2010 I left my position with the security and benefits to focus solely on my new business. As a sole-proprietor I could now work nights and weekends – but without the benefits and overtime pay. I spent years networking, joining numerous historic societies, introducing myself and having people smile and take my card, usually to be discarded. Fortunately, I can now call an architect, general contractor or realtor and they know who I am. As time went on it became obvious that most contractors did not understand the workmanship and components of a 100 year old home. Along with interior woodwork, my business has evolved into restoring or creating new doors for homeowners seeking historical designation.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started woodworking 48 years ago in a little goldrush town call Julian. I was fascinated by the old millwork from another century and began reading and reverse engineering to find out how an item was build. Without a teacher I created my own on the job experience. In subsequent years I had several employment experiences at large high-end woodworking firms giving me the opportunity to expand my skills. In starting this company I returned to the woodworking that made me excited in the beginning. I now create replica historical woodwork/millwork for homes build prior to 1940. These include include Craftsman, Spanish, old English fairy tale style homes. Although I primarily create new woodwork items, such as doors, mantles, bookcases, I have developed processes for restoring historically significant entry doors. Much of my work today is for homeowners seeking and/or retaining historical designation.

As for branding, I created a logo with oak leaves and my initials but seem to be recognized most by my Australian cowboy hats.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Interactions with historical societies and like minded people. Participating in street fairs in old neighborhoods as well as public speaking and spending the money on a well-developed website. Developing relationships with other craftsman in the restoration community. As a sole-proprietor my honesty and reputation is everything, so I consistently providing high quality woodwork from build to finish and installation.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Many years ago I had an opportunity to work for a world famous woodworker. I was elated that I got the job but soon learned that being a good woodwork and a good employer were not the same thing. I worked on over the top projects that I never would have been exposed to, however, I was also exposed to a mentally challenging boss that was unable to show encouragement or appreciation. I aside from expanding my skills, learned two things 1) being exclusive wasn’t a terrible thing, and, 2) how treating people as you would like to be treated does have a place in business

Contact Info:

• Website: WVDMillwork.com
• Facebook: William Van Dusen Millworking