Paul Mencel: Philadelphia Table Company
“It started kind of like everybody else does, kind of starts as a hobby or a side hustle. I graduated with a degree in chemistry and physics. And I was like, kind of like substitute teaching, but also, at the same time, I was in a rock band that ended up getting signed to RCA Records. So, between touring and recording, we made some money upfront, but not a ton. So in between touring and recording, I’d build furniture. It started with just one piece for my house. And then friends would come over, and then it was friends and friends of friends. And then I’d be on tour, and I’d get an order or two from Etsy, and I’d be like, “Sweet, I could make rent this month.” – Paul Mencel Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast. Today, your host Steve Larosiliere is joined by Paul Mencel from Philadelphia Table Company. Like everyone else, Paul began making furniture as a hobby or a side business. He earned a degree in physics and chemistry. He was a member of a rock band that eventually reached a record deal with RCA Records while still working as a substitute teacher. They earned some money upfront, but not much, while making furniture between tours and recording. It all began with only one item for his house. After that, friends would drop by, followed by friends of friends. Then, while on tour, he would receive one or two orders from Etsy and say, “Sweet, I could make rent this month.” In this episode, Paul shares the initial product they were producing, the current state of his business, the number of people he currently has, and how he spread the news about the company when it was still in the beginning stages. Listen now and get the whole story! “It just made a lot more sense to have people who were closer locally that could build every day of the week as opposed to me just having to commute.” – Paul Mencel