Daniel West: Big Ass Slabs
Today our Woodpreneur of the Week feature is Daniel West of the Ontario, Canada-based company Big Ass Slabs – Chainsaw Milling and Timberwork.
Daniel has been in business for five years and one look at his Instagram can tell the company is on track to be around for many many more. From beautiful slabs to finished pieces ranging from professional signage to full-scale home improvement projects it seems like there isn’t much this company can’t do!
A Website That Leaves an Impact
One incredible stand out we noticed about Big Ass Slabs is the incredible cohesion of their online inventory system. Not only can you search by species, length and width, there are also specific niche categories for those looking for charcuterie board stock, mantles, and more.
The prices are also all displayed on the website which is a brilliant way of narrowing down conversations to qualified leads and setting realistic expectations for new customers. This all works together to offer an incredible customer experience, coupled with the on-point branding across the whole of this company from merch to Instagram it’s extremely impressive.
The brand story of Big Ass Slabs is another aspect of the company that deserves a round of applause. Whether it’s a story about a customer’s journey to getting the piece of their dreams or a note from Daniel to the equipment that makes it all possible, the story told by Big Ass Slabs is one that demands appreciation.
“My baby is a year old today! It seems like just yesterday that I tightened your last bolt and pressed the green button for the first time. It still sends chills through my spine every time your cutter head whirs to life! You’ve surfaced countless slabs, timbers, and tabletops and have already outlasted one dust collector! I can’t imagine my life without you and look forward to many more years growing my business with you!” – Daniel West speaking about his Workshop Equipment
Multiple Offers for Multiple Markets
Daniel mills live edge material up to 59” wide, he also adds even more value to his products through kiln drying. Another service Daniel offers is ready-to-use slabs that have undergone surfacing with a Slabmizer. The ability to solve problems for everyone from the hobbyist who needs some cut-off stock to a contractor looking for precise specifications is incredible.
Daniel’s finished products for clients are made from his wood inventory or from a tree that he has specifically processed for the end-user. This multi-talented woodpreneur has numerous offers available. As Daniel says, each step of the process is also available independently, be it milling, drying, or surfacing.
Another specialty of Big Ass Slabs is backyard landscaping and new timber construction projects like gazebos, pergolas, front porch entryways, and pediments.
You can follow Daniel on Instagram @bigassslabs, Facebook, and check out the entire inventory of slabs on www.bigassslabs.shop