Start Your Business Now! (But be ready to do THIS)

When I started my firewood business I did my best to plan my operation, my production, sales, accounting etc...but what I didn't realize was my plan would radically change the first time my phone rang! Today I go on a delivery and share with you what I first learned starting a small business.
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[@ohiowoodburner]

Here is the link to our online store!! Check us out for your super cool, iconic OWB Tshirts and stickers! ohiowoodburner.square.site/

[@superchuck3259]

The terms of payment is always negotiable. So if you see customer is looking like it might be failing, you might need to demand payment on delivery. A bankrupt business might stiff you for that 30 days worth of goods/services. Also, should any business be late on paying, then all future deliveries are paid on delivery until account is current. Never dig a deeper hole thinking they will pay you. Never listen to the sob stories. You deserve to be paid for your work! Keep it up!

[@craighaslam68]

Seriously, someone gave this video a thumbs down :(( one in every crowd .

[@ohiowoodburner]

LOL Craig. I get about 2 every vid. I have been cursed with high self esteem and just laugh these things off. It could be I annoy the heck out of them or they are just fooling around. Either way I am just a simple man from Ohio trying to sell firewood. Certainly not a controversial figure! LOL. I hope you are doing well and enjoying your holidays. Joe

[@superchuck3259]

There are just some sour people out there. But the Joke is on Them because even down votes are engagement and actually are a good thing!

[@craighaslam68]

I see now that 9 people gave this a thumbs down, the other 8 must be from the same family :))

[@DudeRanchDIY]

You have some great tips in this video Joe, I couldn’t agree more with needing to be flexible regarding a business plan, adaptability is crucial! I just landed my first restaurant customer last week. I noticed that the firewood they were burning in a fire pit was smoking and sizzling due to high moisture content, I brought them a sample of my firewood the following day and he immediately ordered a cord and recommended me to four other people who also bought cords! One contact and 5 cords sold, can’t beat that! Have a great day!

[@ohiowoodburner]

That is an awesome story Dude! Great job. This will not be your only restaurant for long! Joe

[@brianfletcher7942]

Always a good idea to have written systems in place(walk around checklist, processsing firewood checklist, delivery checklist, etc) especially once employees are necessary. Great job Joe.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I agree. Normally I would but after leaving a 22+ year career of pushing paper I have revolted against forms etc. LOL. You should see my desk. Joe

[@daveholmes123]

Morning Joe! I had to laugh I'm the same way stacking wood mowing grass and weed eating my mind is always thinking about other idea's and problem solving, great information and inspiration have a merry Christmas 👍

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks so much Dave, Merry Christmas to you too. Joe

[@TheUserid82]

A white board and camera make a good tool also for a small business. The job number, date and any other important info written on the white board and propped up in a corner of the picture you take makes for easy IDing of the picture later. Doing an apartment/house rental? Pictures of each wall with the address, date and what room/wall you are looking at will help CYA if something happens. Delivering something? A picture of how the place is before and after the unload. Removing a tree? A picture of the tree before and a picture of the area after removal. It is just like the fact if you are driving for work you should have a dash cam going at all times as yes it is 99.9% nothing happening but that 0.1% when something happens you will wish you had a camera going. Also important with a dash cam is never tell the other side you have it until after they have lied to the cops as it is always fun to ask would you like to see the video officer?

[@ohiowoodburner]

All good ideas Andrew. I had a cam in my truck before but it was a cheap one and didn't work half the time! Thanks for commenting and I hope you are having a great holiday. Joe

[@IronOakSawmill]

I think I'm on that step with our sawmill business. Leave a factory job of 35 years, and run the mill. Actually want to add firewood into the mix as well. We have access to logs now, and only grab the good ones for the mill. We could take the smaller logs for firewood as well. No shortage of logs.

[@stevesedgwick5789]

Good luck

[@philliplucion3628]

We had a Norwood it’s awsome to have I have moved to fire wood now love doing it it’s defently a labor of love

[@ericgebhart5775]

I would love to do what your doing. My back is not the best. I do have an outdoor boiler like yours but my two sons do most of the cutting and splitting. I have everything I need I think to get started. I have a 40 hp tractor with a grapple Timberwolf splitter and a small dump. We do lawn care n snow removal part time. I think I’m gonna ask my oldest son if he wants to start selling bundled wood. Thanks for all your input and the great videos. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@crazyman3157]

Eric, check out Back 40 Firewood as well as Home Town Acres. Both are small operations that are growing. Home Town Acres did a video on exactly what you are talking about. I also watch In The Woodward. Have a great day.

[@ericgebhart5775]

@@crazyman3157 ok. Thank u

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Eric and it sounds like you have some good fundamental peices in place. Get yourself a website! Joe

[@ohiowoodburner]

Good team work Crazy Man. I like it! Joe

[@crazyman3157]

@@ohiowoodburner I like to help others and enjoy the community we have on your channel. Many have helped me so it’s only natural for me to help others. 😊👍🏻

[@tomhuff9712]

Another great piece of advice Joe. Really enjoy your musings and I agree a 100 percent with your observation that the best thinking is done while occupied be it with stacking firewood, mowing grass or shoveling. The time is yours to invest. Keep up the great video's and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks for the kind words Tom. Joe

[@charliewoods8906]

Been doing it outside of Buffalo for around 15 years. We had a snowstorm mid October here where we got 23” that year. Just decimated all the trees. Took on a partner about two years ago and have grown 3x in that timeframe. Dump trailer first, conveyor second. and now a wolf ridge splitter. They trickle in but we we have a handful of bundle stations and a bundler. More profitable just not the huge chunk of change at once that big deliveries bring in. Enjoyed the video. Yet to get into any commercial accounts but that will be in the future. My wife isn’t quite as supportive of me going full time yet but that will change in a few years. I’d much rather do this and could make it work. Keep at it. We don’t have beach here or it’s very rare.

[@ohiowoodburner]

There is a video called "No Net" by Eric Thomas. Check it out. I think that has a lot to do with succeeding with a small business. Joe

[@craigwilson9560]

I like your business plan Joe! You definitely have to adapt! I have pne local business i may pick up. They only smoke with Pecan! I do have a lot, but if it runs out, not sure where i would get some. Do you have an agreement with Loggers as your supplier? Do your businesses ask for specific type of wood? I would be able to sell more, but i go and cut each tree down, stack and burn the brush, haul it home, then buck, split, and stack. I have been out an on deliveries where customer have asked about doing dirt work, grass mowing and electrical which i did for a long time before an injury. Joe, keep up.the outstanding job you are doing! Merry Christmas!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Craig...when opportunity is knocking, open the door! You will find the pecan supply if you HAVE to do it. Don't let this one slip past you. Tell them yes, then figure it out. You can do it! The only specific wood I ever get asked for is Cherry. I really never sell hickory, which is odd but that's just the way things have been.

[@lumber-jackha5123]

You really need to streamline your delivery process, Pallet crates are the way to go, you drop off the pallet crate and pickup the empty ones, you would need a Crain or forklift but they are easy to find. Time is money. Coming from someone who has had 3 successful business before I retired. Do you have insurance? I only ask because I don’t think the trailer would pass their safety standards

[@ohiowoodburner]

The trailer's only problem is paint. It is very well built and is in excellent road worthy condition. It is a shame bc it is such a nice trailer that it looks as bad as it does. Not sure yet what direction to go with it. Joe

[@randyabernathy5560]

How I found this man, I do not know, very thankful I did, I enjoy his videos and honesty! He is a good man!!!!!!!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Who? Me? LOL. Thanks for the kind words Randy! It is great to hear from you and please check in down the road. We post every Wed and Sun. Joe

[@OurGreeneAcres]

Thanks for sharing all the info and tips. Just from watching a few of your videos I have come up with a lot of new ideas. Take care brother.

[@ohiowoodburner]

thanks for the kind words Ben. It is great to get to know you. One of the nice things about KZbin. Joe

[@3271031]

Hi Joe Did I hear Mahoning County How much is a cord ?

[@ohiowoodburner]

i serve the entire Valley. I don't deliver cords to residential. My prices are on my website! Joe

[@clifbrewster8822]

I really find it interesting on how people start up on basically working for themselves and able to support themselves and family. Nice interesting video Joe thanks!

[@JohnWhite-si4xc]

Merry Christmas Joe and to your family

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks so much John! It is great to see you on the channel and sharing your comments. Joe

[@JoesFirewoodVideos]

All of my corporate customers (restaurants & campgrounds) have a check, cash or PayPal me the day of the delivery. I do send them invoice email as my paperwork to them.

[@JoesFirewoodVideos]

Most of my corporate customers assist me with the unload/stacking and of course I give them a discount for it too.

[@ohiowoodburner]

The key for me is to get my copy of the invoice signed. One restaurant I have on 30 days net will have two, three cords out when a check comes in. I have invoice numbers to keep things straight bc the prices are always the same. Joe

[@jasone9]

Net 30 with a customer that is a steady buyer is almost as good as paid on delivery once you get past the initial 30 day period. I have occasion to be asked for a referral for a specific trade related to the one I'm in and i am fortunate to know a great honest guy that i can recommend. I always say "I really don't recommend people, but I can give you the info for the guy I use." Then i will send him a text letting him know this person will be calling. I don't get any kick back for this, it's just a good networking strategy if you know someone who works in their trade with the high standards you have in yours.

[@fightinglady52]

Your firewood looks really good. Keep that relationship with that restaurant

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

I look over the trailer all the time just in case I forget to latch it. Or cracks come up on the trailer.. Btw I have a video coming up in January on my trailer.. Also before I forget joe. Merry Christmas to you and your family..

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Dan. Merry Christmas to you too. I want to see that trailer of yours. Joe

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

@@ohiowoodburner : it's nothing special just an old resurrected F250 frame.. But coming up soon..

[@want2seeall]

Audio issues but the subject kept me till the end.

[@ohiowoodburner]

That roof was dripping on us the entire time we were there. My sweater looked like I got rained on when we were done. lol. We never noticed the back of the camera was dripped on and that is what caused the audio to get weird. Joe

[@trentwatts8670]

I love the sound of that seasoned firewood the way it sounds when it clinks and clangs!

[@ohiowoodburner]

SO DO I Trent! LOL.. Love it! Joe

[@donwert5039]

I'm a new subscriber however I do want to comment while you're driving you're looking at the camera not keeping your eyes on the road in that wet snowy weather there's no need for you to glance over you know what you look like

[@rebeccarobinson7024]

Looks more like 2 cords I just delivered 2 12 ft long 4 ft high 1 tier cut into 18in peices so if u do the math that be one cord what I see in the video here is alot more than 1 cord

[@firecatf7333]

How many full cord do you sell a year?

[@ohiowoodburner]

So I have never hit my potential bc life keeps getting in the way. Year 1 was start up. Year two I had to care for my dad who was in declining health. This year I had to deal with COVID which killed the restaurants and hurt my supply chain. I should be around 120 cords. Next year I expect 200 but who knows! Joe

[@jimmywilson1388]

So is it ok for the seasoned firewood to be wet? I’m a new subscriber btw...

[@ohiowoodburner]

Hi Jimmy... Wood that has been rained on or snowed on will dry off pretty quick... less than a day if it is windy and dry. I have learned I have to be very specific with customers when they are inquiring about wood being "dry." I tell them "dry' has two meanings... has the wood been rained on or was the tree alive yesterday before being made into firewood! Joe

[@jimmywilson1388]

@@ohiowoodburner I see, thank you so much. I love your channel!

[@jeremiahhaas567]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@ohiowoodburner]

You got it Jeremiah. Joe

[@Mike-bj1jj]

Hey joe! I’m from Berlin Center Ohio which is not very far from you. Your absolutely right about making that initial jump into doing what you want to do in life. Being very passionate, loyal and truthful will take you far in your career and life. Keep up the great work!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Michael. I went to school with some Squibbs back in the 80's. Berlin Center is a cool place. I know some people whose kids go to WR. Joe

[@TheTaff224]

Great video - my wife set up her own business a few years ago and being agile was important in the first year or two...once you've established you can focus more I suppose. One thing my wife found useful was collaborating with other linked businesses - so as you said people ask if you do tree work or grass cutting - maybe having some good contacts in those areas would mean you could give out a recommendation - in turn I'm sure the other companies have people asking if they do firewood....and then they give out your info. As always a great video - I'm catching up on the old ones.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Very nice post Chris. Thanks for your insight. Good luck to you and your wife. Joe

[@RyJones]

Do you offer a discount on net 7? I’ve used that to get faster payments on accounts. Charge a premium for net 30, with a net 7 discount to your normal rate.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I do not Ry. At least for me I don't sweat getting paid and don't see any difference getting it early. Net 30, once you get thru the first delivery is like being a landlord. The money keeps coming in on schedule each month. Joe

[@budlegallee4993]

@@ohiowoodburner Joe, net 30 isn't bad. Previously I owned a commercial roofing company and I had to get 2% 60 net 61 because I normally had to wait 60 days to get paid. I wish I had started my wood business years ago. My neighbor started when he was young, bought average sold off the saw logs and had the loggers pile the pulp (firewood logs) he then used a processor to supply his firewood business needs. He now owns over 10,000 acres and leases most of it out for hunting while the trees continue to grow.

[@Cinder2008]

Beech burns hotter than most wood in our area.

[@ohiowoodburner]

It's a great wood. Smells awesome too. It is tough to split though. It's not stringy, just tough. Joe

[@samsiryani9023]

Great advice sir.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Sam! Joe

[@lendygomez]

Joe what great detail and insight into your business. I am 44 years old and wishing I can leave my desk job of 20 years. I have a 2 acre ranchett and I split my own firewood and I barter with the extra. I can only dream of taking that leap and spending full time in my "wood yard". Take Care Merry Christmas. Go Steelers.-Lendy from California

[@ohiowoodburner]

If it will happen it will Lendy. I do think that if you really want to do it youi can make it happen but I certainly know how hard it is to walk away from the comfort of a cushy salary. At least for me that was bad for me to be put on a salary. I learned that I could do zero work and get paid the same. It wasn't good for anyone involved. Joe

[@FernHillOhio]

Great advice as usual. Thanks for sharing. Looks like we’ve got another pile of snow headed our way. Stay dry and have a great Christmas!

[@ohiowoodburner]

We are calling for 4-7" ... I'm ready for this one. LOL. Joe

[@hondacrm306]

Hi Joe - another interesting and insightful video. Look forward to your videos every week. Have a good Xmas 🌲👍from the UK.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Many thanks Honda. It is great to know you are enjoying the vids from across the Pond. Joe

[@jamesmckay9966]

Joe, Another great video. Please keep it up. Jim McKay Boise, Idaho

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Jim. Glad to have you on board!

[@fromwoodstolakes3049]

I used to think seasoned wood mattered until one year I decided to put all my wood in one heaping pile and split it before each delivery. I raised my price and was just honest with the customer. I said, “Listen its not seasoned, but it is dry enough to burn.” Long story short I sold all my wood that year the same as last. Why go through all the trouble for proper seasoning when you don’t have to?

[@ohiowoodburner]

When I became a legit business with a vendor's license and insurance I make very clear what is and what isn't seasoned wood. The odd thing in Ohio is "seasoned" firewood is defined at < %50 moisture content!... which is crazy. Joe

[@armandshighlife]

Love your videos editing! And love the way to run your business! I see so many local people that put no effort into a quality Firewood and to see another fellow woods man put the love into there product, I really appreciate and love that! Keep up the hard work Joe! And Merry Christmas to your and your family!!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks so much AHL! I really enjoy the youtube thing and I have met a bunch of cool people such as you. Hope we can meet sometime. Joe

[@philliplucion3628]

I got the same thing going here in southern WV I sold 110 cords last winter up to 20 so far this yr I love it best job I have had and being it’s mine makes it worth more to me thanks for the input olbudds have a great Christmas and keep it in the wood

[@ohiowoodburner]

Glad to hear you are thriving Phillip. My family comes from the Tygart's Valley, Elkins etc. I also own a farm in Ritchie Co. where my dad grew up. Joe

[@duncanraeside3290]

Joe, as some who was a Director of Administration and Personal for Liberty Mutual I have hired and trained many young people, what I’ve found is common sense is one of the most important things a person can have. Common sense will make you very successful.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I think I tend to agree with you Duncan. Common Sense is difficult to quantify like many things. The one piece of advice I give my daughters and other young people is to surround yourself with passionate people If a person has passion for they certainly can bring a lot to the table for a healthy relationship, business, etc. Thanks so much for watching Duncan. Joe

[@alexanderthesalz396]

Dreaming of the future dump trailer for HomeAgain Firewood! You showed me a 2nd way to use it. We stack our loads too, unlike most of our local competitors. I once did the cubicle job (IT) & then became a history teacher. Yet we love firewood & turned it full time in the middle of this miserable year, 2020. Bringing folks heat is a worthwhile use of my time. Great idea of the mileage log.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Awesome story Alex. Thanks for sharing. We seem to have a lot in common! Joe

[@johannesherrmann5971]

Once again, thanks for giving us an insight into your business. I'm always impressed how far you got it in a relatively short time. The last days, I built some new racks and made a little firewood from some logs I had laying around (about one 1/2 cord, only machinery was my saw), and I enjoyed it. So I absolutely understand your passion for what you're doing. 'Unfortunately' my job is even more fun than making firewood 😁, so your way is not an option for me. However, great to see how satisfied you are with your decision! Merry Christmas for you and your family! Keep it up! Greetings from Germany, Johannes

[@ohiowoodburner]

Hearing from you Johannes is always a pleasure. I am so glad to have met you and knowing I have another friend in Germany. Joe

[@benbarnes2819]

You don’t need a degree sir, you have something better! A common sense approach to your business plan. Excellent information, thank you!!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I appreciate that Ben. Sometimes I feel like I am really doing great and the other times I feel like a big dummy! LOL. Seems to be a typical existence with self employment. Joe

[@bwillan]

Good tip on tracking your business mileage. As with all things, there is an app for that. MileIQ is one such app. The main thing is you probably can claim way more business mileage deductions than you though possible.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I looked into one of the apps BW but it looks clunky separating business and personal mileage. Dunno. I know for sure I hate adding up all the totals. Me and numbers don't get along LOL. Joe

[@njonebale7889]

great intel and motivation for many with those words, thanks for putting it out there, hope your getting double the normal cord price at least since you stacked it. a lot of my new customers ask if i can stack the cord up, i tell em sure, “ it will cost you double “, and they cry, and i just dump it on the ground and burn out! i can’t do it all, next thing you know i’d be in the house lightning the fire!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Restaurants are different bc the price is negotiated going forward. Residential I only deliver up to a half cord but usually 1/4 which is my sweet spot. I charge to stack but at least it goes quick. Joe

[@paulwood4769]

great stuff

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Paul. Joe

[@craigtupper103]

Hey Joe, does you’re wife/partner have a conventional job as a security for the highs and lows of a small business?

[@ohiowoodburner]

Hi Craig. My wife works at the local school as an aide. Her salary certainly contributes and helps with OWB as we position to be fully sufficient. We aren't quite there yet but I hope next year we can get closer. Joe

[@robinflory6109]

Spot on.....I'm thinking about doing the same thing. There is just not as much satisfaction working for someone else.

[@ohiowoodburner]

You got that right Robin. Joe

[@wcfpd2007]

I am just getting into the firewood world to supplement my other business adventures. I appreciate the stories and information that you put out here, it is invaluable. It is definitely noticeable that you are a businessman doing firewood, instead of a woodman doing business. Best wishes.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks K&K. I do think that I am a somewhat outsider to the industry. There are a number people with years of experience that know 100x more than me. I think the observations of an outsider are certainly valid and can bring good insight into the way things are. Kinda like a friend who gets into your car and tells you a wheel is out of balance. You own the car, drive it every day but you never noticed until and outsider tells you LOL. Joe

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank you for this information and Great Video Merry Christmas 🎅

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thank you Glenn for watching. Joe

[@jr-a-cat]

Merry Christmas to you and your family .How many drops of water went down your back ? That wood has nice hard and dry sound to it. Will have to stop in there and use the gift card I got so that they can burn some more wood .

[@ohiowoodburner]

It was like I got rained on JR. LOL. Best steak in town awaits! Great place. Serious, they have the best hot wings in town. Awesome. Joe

[@tonieveritt7045]

Morning Joe just wanted to wish u and your family a happy Xmas and relax 4 a few days have a good one talk soon

[@ohiowoodburner]

You got it Toni. Thanks for supporting the channel from the UK. We are all off until Monday and then a short week. Big snow storm coming tonight. Joe

[@mattmulpagano6152]

Joe I just found your channel a few weeks ago and have been enjoying all your content and tips. I too have a Mon-Fri desk job and make firewood on the side for a hobby which I wish I could do full time. I am always searching marketplace for free wood or down trees that I can pickup and process into firewood. This past summer was the 1st summer that I had some extra to sell so I just listed on market place for $20 a wheelbarrow full and it all sold in the matter of weeks. My only issue that keeps me from expanding is that space I am working with. I live in a suburban neighborhood and cant get my truck into my backyard so every load in and out I have to move by hand/wheelbarrow so it's not very efficient. None the less I still love doing it but I just wish I had the space to expand. Guessing I am up to about 14 face cords all split and stacked and more waiting. Looking forward to your next video!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Remember Matt, every problem has a solution. If you are tight for space how bout going to bundles and selling small qty at very high margin? More money, less work, less space needed. Also, you could try buying firewood off another supplier so that the wood stays at their place until you come get it. Just some quick brainstorming! LOL. Joe

[@mattmulpagano6152]

@@ohiowoodburner both very good ideas! Thanks so much for the input! Slowly making it my mission to get something going.

[@samthorson5302]

Great video Joe! Keeping your customers happy as always, do you get a lot of sales by word of mouth?

[@ohiowoodburner]

Hi Sam... I do get about 20% referrals. The overwhelming majority come from my web site and FB page on a Google search. Websites are key. Joe

[@Deutschehordenelite]

Do you have contacts to recommend lawn or tree services to? Maybe you can collaborate and refer business to them and vice versa.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I have none. I was only using that as an example. I do refer some of my customers to other wood suppliers simply bc they are looking for bargain level wood. Joe

[@johnrosier1686]

There is something huge to be said about taking pride in the product you are delivering and the service that you are providing.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks John. I had always felt that if I were going to put my name into a business that I would work to make it exceptional! I keep trying! Joe

[@coreym5072]

Joe do you do all your restaurants with your super splitter? Or the japa? I suppose depending on longs

[@ohiowoodburner]

I use the Japa for everything. Very few logs need resplit coming off it. I now use the SS for logs I buck. Joe

[@bigbluegpr]

Joe, I really enjoy your videos and I just want to say that I have a lot of respect for you. Merry Christmas!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks so much for the kind words GPR. I'm glad you enjoy the vids. Joe

[@lucmennen378]

Hi Joe. I really like your movies on youtube.. I was thinking. Can you put your tractor and a pallet/bigbag/iron basket on your trailer and a pallet/bigbag/iron basket on your ford truck? Then you can deliver realy quick at the restaurant. with your tractor

[@lucmennen378]

Then you put 3 pallets under the woods shed . En you dont have to stack everything. Sorry my english is not very good. All the best form the netherlands . Bye

[@ohiowoodburner]

Bedankt voor de reactie Luc. Ik heb grote tassen overwogen, maar ik ben niet bereid ze nu te gebruiken. Ik moet bedenken hoe ik ze ook kan uitladen. Hallo uit Ohio, VS.

[@jennystroh4343]

Thank you. Just took the leap into owning / operating a small business and yes its scary looking into the unknown.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Wow Jenny that is awesome to hear. It sounds like experienced the same scary unknown I have LOL. Please subscribe because I will be posting more of my experiences. Joe

[@thelogfather5002]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom! I appreciate the effort you put into your content.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Glad it was helpful Jeff and thanks for the kind words. Joe

[@WilliamsonRidge]

Hey Joe, that was a lot of good info great video!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Glad you liked it WRO! I am always worried I make no sense but so far so good. I hope you are well. Joe

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

I realize prices are different from region to region, but around where I live, dealers charge in a very wide range. Can you give me a ballpark number what you are getting for a full cord of mixed hardwood, well seasoned? What about a face cord (ricks, as they are known in some areas)....1/3 the price, or a little higher?

[@ohiowoodburner]

Sure... While I don't sell cords to residential I shoot for $550-$600 per cord when I'm all done with small deliveries. Joe. My rule for firewood is a 1/3 of a cord is not worth a 1/3 of a cord. It is worth much more. Just like a 20 oz Dr Pepper costs more than a 2 Litre bottle. Joe

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

@@ohiowoodburner Yes, I absolutely understand. The reason I ask is that around here a lot of guys simply charge by the cubic foot, whether it's 128 cu. ft or 42 or whatever the bed of their pick up truck measures. Quantity discount seems to be a foreign concept. I appreciate your response. Keep up the good work.

[@philliplucion3628]

Stanley make a great pair of cut resistant gloves try em out I got a pair they are worth the money

[@ohiowoodburner]

Interesting. I will Phillip. Hope you are well. Joe

[@jwstocker1979]

Joe, just curious, why haven’t you put the Grey F-150 in the OWB company name and deduct all transportation expenses instead of taking mileage?

[@jasone9]

My accountant says taking mileage throws less red flags. Keep a detailed mileage log and it works out great.

[@ohiowoodburner]

I don't have a good answer for you. The gray truck has been our family truckster for about 8 years. It has been the best truck I have ever had and it had every opportunity to let me down when I first started OWB and it remained loyal and hard working. I just never got commerical plates for it...I don't use it that much for deliveries but usually bc I don't feel like unhitching etc etc. Joe

[@jburch1544]

"All in" is the key to a new start up business as you stated. Going to the lake or playing golf would come second to you, this is why you are on a good path to success. Thanks for more good insights

[@ohiowoodburner]

There is an excellent video on KZbin by Eric Thomas called "No Net." Check it out. That was my story when I started taking things serious. Joe

[@haroldanderson2781]

I enjoy stealing one liners from different people. Yours is the answer is always yes. If you have people asking for different services, maybe you can carry business cards from people you endorse. I’m smelling finders fees!! Great video!!

[@ohiowoodburner]

I have a stash of about 4 different businesses in my armrest Harold LOL. I'm expecting that they still have mine as well. lol. Joe

[@donwert5039]

I find that when I give out my business cards to people I hardly ever get referrals and I get some other guys and different trades big jobs and they never give me a finder's fee that's just the way people are in North Carolina there cheap

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Joe - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. Watching the rain dripping from the wood store roof made me think you could have been in any yard in any town in Ireland! My operation is now much smaller than yours but I still ensure that I too complete my paperwork everyday to ensure that my mind is free to think about firewood and workflow efficiencies.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Hey Big Rodders! After 22 years in the corporate world where my world revolved around paper work I am not very good at it even when it comes to my own desk. I guess I am rebelling. LOL. Joe

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Joe - it's Big Rodders in Ireland again. I know exactly how you feel. I pushed a pen for 32 years but was always behind with my personal paperwork where little hills turned into huge mental mountains. In the corporate world I mentored dozens of businesses and saw the impact of paperwork neglect so when I registered as self employed I made sure I kept on top of the paper chores to free my mind of worry and reduce pressure. Also, I now enjoy keeping records of throughput and timings, which assist in deciding on optimum processes around the yard.

[@christianroux2607]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you. Merry Xmas

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks for the kind words Christian. I hope you are well. Joe

[@JohnWhite-si4xc]

That is how we do with a business that we deliver to when i deliver a cord i get paid for the cord the time before and so on

[@ohiowoodburner]

That is what puts emphasis on the invoice, invoice #'s etc John. It gets confusing sometimes what is getting paid for etc. Always important to have the receiver sign the invoice. Joe

[@hardwoodharry6364]

Hey Joe Happy Christmas to you and your family great info as usual

[@ohiowoodburner]

Same to you Harry! Joe

[@cvmikeray2]

Joe, great video. Picked up a clean white F150 yesterday. Going to order letters and logos next.

[@stannelson2582]

For a second I though that you where a joe super fan. Lettering up your own truck with his logo lol. But then I figured it out lol

[@cvmikeray2]

@@stannelson2582 Ha!!! Yeah, my logos.

[@ohiowoodburner]

You are on your way PM! Joe

[@harveyroad6]

You're going to find yourself giving motivational speeches to entrepreneurs.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Mike. I'm not a formally educated business person but I do have a wealth of knowledge from the school of hard knocks! Joe

[@harveyroad6]

@@ohiowoodburner ok so then you got your masters in real-world micro economics.

[@billsaflarski824]

Marry Christmas and happy new year Joe and family

[@ohiowoodburner]

Same to you Bill! Joe

[@EvanSCF]

Hello Joe! I just recently bought the name to my firewood business and I am going to start expanding my business with delivery. I am really liking the videos because I am learning new things to expect when in the firewood business dealing with customers!

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks and good luck with your new business. Honestly the customer experience with me has been awesome. I have met a bunch of nice people and interesting people too. Joe

[@kristybarkley4361]

@@ohiowoodburner I notice that you always describe your business as a firewood delivery service. To me that is the key mindset to success in your industry. View delivery as a service and deliver that great service: good morning, nice home (restaurant, campground) How would you like this stacked, what kind of wood do you prefer?, I have some great maple can I reserve it for your next delivery? All those things that are covered in your videos that you do inherently are really the key to success. As a potential customer I will always choose the business that puts my needs at the front of their service. Always. Take pride in the quality of your product and produce quality firewood and then give superior service. All those guys on Craigslist with truckloads of crappy firewood will get the price shoppers and you will get, and keep, those customers who value quality and service equally with price. Don't try to sell the cheapest firewood, sell the finest service!

[@ohiowoodburner]

@@kristybarkley4361 Great post Kristy. You pretty much summarized OWB in one paragraph! I'm glad to know that there are others out there that see things the way I see it. Joe

[@joshmiller8663]

Merry Christmas joe to you and your family.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Same to you Josh. Joe

[@bradhanson4803]

Very good joe I like listening to you peaceful

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Brad. I never have been a hyper person. I spent a lot of time on the baseball field as a pitcher and I think it trained me to stay calm. Joe

[@mvblitzyo]

Great motivational speech !

[@ohiowoodburner]

Thanks Joe!

[@jasone9]

Uh oh Joe, more snow coming and cold as heck on Friday.

[@ohiowoodburner]

That is the word Jason. I am getting ready! Joe

[@aldiminico6513]

MERRY CHRISTMAS JOE🎅🏻

[@ohiowoodburner]

Same to you Al! Joe

[@dieselmike7513]

what size dump trailer is that one your hauling wood with

[@ohiowoodburner]

Hi Michael... It's a 6x10

[@dieselmike7513]

@@ohiowoodburner thanks that what i was thinking seems to work really good

[@traviscover590]

I like your new videos this morning you did a really good job Merry Christmas to you guys and happy New Year's to you guys too buddy you did a really good job this morning good job buddy how is your wood stove going buddy

[@ohiowoodburner]

Happy holidays TC. I'm glad to have met you this year and wish you and your family well. Joe

[@traviscover590]

Thank you buddy we love your videos my son watch you all the time me too maybe someday weekend see you guys son buddy

[@traviscover590]

Maybe me and my wife and my son my baby girl we can come up see you sometime buddy

[@traviscover590]

Did you see me on live tonight marry Christmas too you guys buddy

[@danbrophy3785]

Merry Christmas, Joe.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Same to you Dan! Joe

[@lanceharsh7025]

Merry Christmas 🎅

[@ohiowoodburner]

Same to you Lance. Joe

[@joshmiller8663]

Joe was that the Eastwood mall.

[@ohiowoodburner]

Yes it was Josh. I'm from the northern tip of Mosquito Lake and service all the Mahoning Valley. Joe

[@iceflameproductionz]

Hey joe. I love beech firewood. my favorites are ash, maple and beech in that order. I do my own logging and beech trees have no real value other than firewood, and my wood lot is just full of beech. I also get jealous when I see those log loads of ash those loggers send you. I log up a bunch of ash but can never get enough ;)

[@ohiowoodburner]

I love all three. The ash I have been getting lately has a lot of lichen on them and that makes for crumbs etc. Beech smells awesome. Thanks for your comment Ice. Joe

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Iceflame - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. I envy you your source of constant beech supplies. I have to deal with Tree Surgery waste, which is multi species and generally rubbishy & dirty. I do get limited amounts of Ash and somewhat more of Beech, which I prefer to split as ash is slightly more stringy and resistant to part. My favorite splitting wood is Sycamore, which splits similar to Beech but less likely to explode when you hit pressure points and it burns well. Also, over here, with Ash Die Back ravaging growing trees you are not permitted to use them for firewood and they have to be destroyed on site. It's possible that Ash will go the way that Elm went after Dutch Elm disease hit in the 1970s.