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Subject: Re: Market climate in the Mountain time zone

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Message Thread:

Market climate in the Mountain time zone

2/20/16       
Karsten Member

I am a woodworker/cabinetmaker at the relative beginning of my career, with approx. 7 years of high-end, custom work under my belt. Currently I am in a solid position in Philadelphia, PA with good pay and benefits. I've heard many people say that the North East is typically good place to be for millwork etc. But I'm becoming exhausted by the rat race and am considering relocating to a smaller city in the mountain time zone. The three places on my list so far are Albuquerque/Santa Fe, Fort Collins/Denver, and Bozeman, MT.
I am seeking information regarding the job market and/or general climate of the woodwork/millwork market in these areas.
I grew up in the west so I am already familiar with the quality of daily life in these less populated parts of the country. Also, all due respect, please spare me the lecture about how woodworking is a thankless profession, etc. I have deliberately chosen the path and nothing will deter me from continuing down it.

Many thanks for the help!

2/22/16       #2: Market climate in the Mountain time ...
JK

Currently in the Denver market,
15 years in ft Collins

Definitely high demand here currently.
Best it has been in the last five to six years.

Money is good if you are.
Lifestyle is nice if you like the outdoors and a good amount of sun mixed with four seasons , winters are easy.

Don't think Denver really qualifies as "small city living " however.

2/22/16       #3: Market climate in the Mountain time ...
Matt Peterson

Karsten,
I am not sure if you are looking for a job as a woodworker or opening a new shop.

The business environment for woodworkers is much different here.
Shop owners try to put other shops out of business in this area. We do not sit around drinking beer and talking shop like they do on the East Coast. Nor do those that are still around farm-out work to other shops.

That said, it is a great place to have a shop. Pay in the area is three times that in New York or Florida. There is a real demand for businesses that do woodwork now. Ten years ago I had 9 competitors within 50 miles and I was going to the customer to bid work. Now my closest competitor is 125 miles away and customers come to me.

If you are looking for a job, I would suggest that you have it lined up before you relocate. There is no shortage of workers. In fact the next guy I hire will be coming from Atlanta Georgia. He is running his own shop out there and has offered to bring a lot of new skills to the table.

If you are looking to start your own shop, be prepared for competition. Those of us that are still around have been saving money for when times change and new shops start popping up.

In short, moving west will be high risk, high reward.

 

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