Woodworker needs employment advice!

[Barrett Miller]

Hello all!

My name is Barrett Miller and I was wondering if I could ask for advice. This is my first posting...

My wife and I moved to Raleigh from northern CA last June... I'm a 30 year old, amateur woodworker, furniture designer and maker and somewhat new to the woodworking industry in the Triangle area. I've been assisting Bayley Wharton with his furniture making business, “Furniture By Design” in downtown Raleigh, for the past six months. Bayley and I just spent the month of January relocating his woodshop and company to Mount Airy, NC.

Seeing as how my wife and I were not planning to move to Mount Airy, I'm looking to network, get advice and assist other custom furniture makers around the Raleigh area. I'm extremely passionate about furniture design, Japanese woodworking, building furniture of all types, and interior architecture...

Anyone have any ideas on where I should focus my efforts?
Is anyone in need of an ambitious, hard working shop assistant?

My experience in the industry thus far has led me to develop quite a dependable work ethic, while staying very adaptable and self-motivated. I am proficient on many large woodworking machines, small shop tools, and a variety of finishing techniques. I do have a small background in design, architectural drawing, art and art history, but no formal degree.

I am extremely eager to continue working for great craftsmen so I’d be glad to discuss my qualifications and woodworking background.

I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, advice, etc. I can mail, email or fax my resume if anyone is interested.

Thank you.

Barrett Miller
(919) 332-0497
bnatural@hotmail.com

[DaveO]

Welcome, I can't offer much advice. But there are quite a few professional ww'ers here that should chime in soon with some of their contacts. I wish you luck, you're doing something that I wish I could. I also want to welcome you to the area, I hope you are enjoying your relocation, and I look forward to your input in the forums. See you around!!!

Dave

[Steve D]

Barrett,

Good luck with your pursuits. Another option to consider with your skill set is Historic preservation. There are contractors that specialize in that area and it requires skills beyond typical finish carpentry. Just a thought.

[Travis Porter]

Welcome. Y&J furniture in Durham I believe on Geer street used to do a lot of custom furniture. I'm not sure if they are still there or not. You may want to check some of the furniture refinishing and restoration outfits. Several do major repair work and it may be enough to get you started.

Good Luck