Today we’re talking with Jason Sulima, co-owner and maker from North Dog Designs. Starting a little over a year and a half ago, North Dog is keeping Jason very busy, and he has no complaints!
The idea of creating pieces for clients and expressing his creativity through his passion for woodworking was what initially got Jason started in the field. Originally a musician, Jason takes the same passion and originality from his music and puts it into his designs.
With a partner who is a master in metalwork and Jason, who is a woodworker, they come together to make industrial, sleek, and modern styled pieces. Finding themselves constantly pushing the limits of functionality vs. design, the North Dog brand is truly a brand full of unique and beautiful creations.
Based close to Toronto, business is booming like crazy. With limited access for people to cut their own reclaimed or salvaged lumber, the demand is huge and the room for financial and company growth is unlimited in this area.
Show Highlights:
- One of their first (and largest) contracts was for custom pieces in a local bar
- Shortly thereafter, a local brewery saw their work and asked them to create their bartop and stools
- 2 years later, things have snowballed and North Dog stays insanely busy with this type of work
- They continue to focus on making each piece unique and individual while expanding and growing their business
Marketing Efforts
- North Dog’s passion and desire to keep driving forward and make things better than the day they were before is what helps them push themselves to reach higher every day.
- They put a large focus on developing relationships on Instagram and Facebook.
- Initially hating social media, Jason’s rule when it comes to Instagram is to figure out how to engage with potential customers and just dive in and do it without worrying about feeling awkward or overwhelmed.
- Jason loves connecting with fans from Instagram, clients, and potential clients. With his partner, they love getting to know their clients on a level that helps them to provide incredibly personal and unique pieces.
Final Advice
“Running a business isn’t easy. It constantly pushes you past your comfort zones and limits. Everything’s a challenge, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
Contact North Dog
- @northdogdesigns
- https://www.northdog.ca/
Contact Acres of Timber
@sawmillbusiness
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