Meet PJ Fetscher | Sawyer/Carpenter

We had the good fortune of connecting with PJ Fetscher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi PJ, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been told what to do. My entire life has consisted of rules, deadlines, and unsustainable expectations. Committing myself to starting a business was my way of trying to be in control. Instead of working hard for someone else’s dream, I’m doing even more for my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I really have a thing for trees. They’re the most obvious connection between the earth and the sun. Wood, the byproduct of that relationship, is inherently beautiful. Being the guy that’s able to transform the log of a tree into something that is a functional piece of art is extremely satisfying.
It’s a lot easier said than done, though. Being in business has taught me the importance of discipline. I might make some good money from a table or a milling session but instead of using it to buy frivolous things, I used it to get better.
Every (well..most of them) penny of my furniture sales have been reinvested into my business. A crane, skid steer, sawmill, chainsaws, etc. are all necessary and all very expensive pieces of equipment. Being a sole proprietor teaches you that you can’t blame anyone but yourself for how things are going.
Having the right equipment is essential to being effective. It all translates to the final product being the best it can possibly be.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just had a friend visit from Rhode Island last week. Although there are a lot of neat places around the Ft. Lauderdale area, the most fun we had was at a friend’s backyard bbq. We spent a good amount of time in my workshop as well. I’m not saying it’s a tourist attraction or anything but I’m a bit of a homebody. I have fun talking to like-minded and passionate people so it really doesn’t matter where we go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been a few friends and acquaintances that I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with who make my life better. James Seus (fk8_seus) is a former student of mine and quite possibly the reason I got back into woodworking after my hiatus for college and my first real job.
Chris Giffrow (@cowdogcraftworks) was the first childhood friend that I reconnected with through Instagram. He was my kickstart into using social media the right way.
Eduardo Martinez (@soberonstudio) Has been an amazing wealth of knowledge and a very supportive client of mine.
Finally, Ms. Galey Gravenstein. (@galeyalix) Who has given me the opportunity to be on her design team.

Instagram: @pj_fetscher

Facebook: The Evolution of Tables

Youtube: Paul Fetscher

Image Credits
@maxson.media @_callmemabie_