# Simon Silver, Simon Silver Designs

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-woodpreneur-podcast-1118875/simon-silver-simon-silver-designs
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-woodpreneur-podcast-1118875/simon-silver-simon-silver-designs.md
Podcast: [The Woodpreneur Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-woodpreneur-podcast-1118875)
Published: 2026-01-22T15:00:18+00:00
Episode link: https://stevekex.podbean.com/e/simon-silver-simon-silver-designs/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/06jmwku4o6zuwn7k/49c705fa-48d2-4df7-bd6e-f4b23b11c655_37ee5c31-2932-41fb-89bd-0583b3f9e15a.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-woodpreneur-podcast-1118875/episodes/simon-silver-simon-silver-designs
Duration seconds: 2142

## Resource

The path to becoming a master woodworker doesn't always start in a workshop. Sometimes it begins on a mountain bike trail during the off-season. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger welcomes Simon Silver of Simon Silver Designs to explore his remarkable journey from mountain bike athlete to accomplished woodworker and sawmill operator. Simon shares how he discovered woodworking as a hobby during the off-season and how a pivotal class with a skilled mentor accelerated his learning and instilled a detail-oriented mindset that defines his work today. You'll hear about Simon's commitment to creating timeless furniture pieces from urban wood, storm trees, and reclaimed materials, and his sawmill business that sources local redwood logs to provide unique lumber for custom projects. Simon discusses the balance between commissioned work and personal creative projects, the evolution of his business from small pieces to large-scale installations, and the increasing complexity and reward of challenging custom woodworking. This conversation dives into the realities of running a custom woodworking business, including the challenges of job site work, the importance of educating clients about wood movement and natural material characteristics, and the critical skill of learning to say no to projects that don't align with your vision or values. Simon also reflects on maintaining passion for the craft when business demands threaten to overshadow creative fulfillment, and his plans to create personal pieces that reignite his love for woodworking. Whether you're a woodworker navigating the transition from hobby to business, interested in sustainable wood sourcing and urban lumber, or looking for insights on balancing commercial success with creative satisfactio…

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## Transcript

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