Jeff Weldon: Lucky Nelson Sawmill

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“I want to continue to grow in the direction of growing as opposed to scale back.”



-Jeff Weldon





Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by  Jeff Weldon from Lucky Nelson Sawmill. Jeff shared his story, revealing the roots of his passion for woodworking and the evolution of his business. Let's explore how Lucky Nelson's journey from tree service to artisanal wood products unfolded. 



Jeff's story begins with a family legacy deeply rooted in the timber industry. His father owned a tree company for over three decades, instilling a love for woodcraft in Jeff from a young age. After years of working alongside his father, Jeff found himself at a crossroads when his dad sold the business due to health issues. This pivotal moment led him to contemplate how he could turn the discarded wood into a profitable venture.



Listen now and get the whole story!



“ First time I've ever seen the table with a natural edge on both sides. I've never seen that before, up until that point. And immediately I'm like, I gotta figure out how to do this. Yeah, that I started out with the chainsaw mill. You know, pretty much right away. I was like, on it. “

-Jeff Weldon





From Tree Service to Wood Artisan:



Inspired by a desire to create something unique, Jeff explored the world of woodworking. Having dabbled in the cabinetmakers union and equipped with a vision, he stumbled upon the potential of live-edge tables during a tree work project. This discovery ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, propelling him to invest in a chainsaw mill and embark on the journey of crafting live-edge wood products.



The Birth of Lucky Nelson's:



In 2016, armed with a chainsaw mill, Jeff started Lucky Nelson's, named after a beloved family pet. He began selling green slabs through platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and his own business page. The demand for his products grew, prompting Jeff to acquire a Wood-Mizer LT 40 Stan sawmill and establish a dedicated workspace.



Growing Pains and Milestones:



As the business expanded, Jeff faced the challenge of balancing his time between working for his father and managing his growing wood products enterprise. The turning point came when he realized that Lucky Nelson's had the potential to be a full-time venture. Jeff moved into a larger workshop, signaling the serious commitment to his passion.



Diverse Products and Services:



Lucky Nelson's portfolio includes an array of projects, from live-edge tables to custom wood countertops. Jeff's dedication to utilizing local wood is evident, and he even takes on portable sawmill jobs, showcasing the diversity of his skills. Approximately half of his projects involve creating full-circle pieces, from milling the wood to crafting the final furniture.



Marketing and Future Aspirations:



To reach a wider audience, Jeff employs a mix of online platforms, including Google, Facebook, and Instagram, running ads to enhance visibility. While contemplating the future, he envisions expanding Lucky Nelson's with a larger shop, introducing additional woodworking machinery, and emphasizing the use of local hardwoods.



Navigating Business Challenges:



Jeff candidly discusses the challenges of time management and the desire to streamline processes like customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing. He acknowledges the need for a mentor and recognizes the importance of seeking advice to navigate the complexities of business growth.



Want to get in touch with Jeff Weldon?



Contact him through:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckynelsonssawmill/

Website: Lucky Nelson's (luckynelsons.com)