Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Cunningham.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Fellowcraft Woodworks was formed in November of 2015 with nothing more than a few tools in my small home garage, but with a vision held in mind backed by passion and purpose! That vision was simple… to add value to homes while building a business that adds value to life. It’s that purpose that continues to be my focus and is why I do what I do.
“We create cabinets & furniture that add value to life”
Our formula for this is simple…. work backwards! We start every project by first identifying the desired outcome. In other words… we let the client define what “added value” means to them and then tailor each piece to suit those unique qualities. Our ability to translate each client’s vision with craftsmanship that’s backed by a lifetime warranty leaves our clients satisfied that the value they received is far greater than the cost they gave for it.
At the end of the day, people wants to feel as though they got a good deal…. a good return on their investment. I’ve noticed that, for me, what makes something a good deal at the end of the day never comes down to simply how low the cost was not primarily how much the product delivered. I’ve purchased plenty of cheap things that turned out to be junk and also bought quality that, even though delivered a lot, still cost too much. But it’s when I’m left with an impression that the product I purchased gave me more in use value than the cost value I gave for it… that’s a great deal!
That’s how we measure our success… did we provide what’s valuable to the customer? Being centered around this primary purpose is what I believe has allowed us to expand from my home garage into the 5,000 square foot space where we operate today. And I also believe it’s responsible for placing us in the right place at the right time for the numerous opportunities we’ve had to collaborate with like-minded organizations and non-profits for creating value that contributes to an even greater good.
We’ve been fortunate to partner up with game changers in our local community such as FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) as well as No Longer Bound Recovery program for men and their furniture shop. I’ve actually had people refer to NLB Furniture as my “competition.” But I don’t see it that way. What I want for me, I want for all. I love what I do. I love creating. Being able to partner up with other creators is just icing on the cake. I have a different perspective than probably the majority of business owners. I do t focus so heavily on competing or beating the other business. I don’t think it’s necessary in today’s market.
I believe there’s a better way, and I believe it’s the heavy competing that brings products’ value down. If the majority of my focus is on what the “competition” is doing and I strive to “win”… I will naturally start producing comparable products but compromising quality for the sake of offering a little bit better of a price point. That’s the point when products become far less valuable than the cost given for them. I couldn’t do that and sleep at night. Plus there’s nothing new or fun about that. I’d rather collaborate with you than compete with you. It’s more fun that way, and it results in more value that is created. More value for everyone.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If you find an entrepreneur or business owner that everything worked out smooth according to their plan and projections and without challenges and obstacles… I’d love to talk to them! Starting a business is not easy. I think if it were more people would do it. Now, I don’t think I have any special qualification that sets me apart as someone who should or even could start a business… Well other than being crazy enough to take a huge risk and go all in on something that only you can see. That’s not necessarily a quality… other than maybe being insane.
I sometimes wonder how many other people started their business being completely ignorant about business. I guess no matter how much you know, you’re never really ready for something you’ve never done before. Like, is anyone really ready to have a kid? You may think you are and say you are but then when it happens you realize you really don’t know what you’re doing, and how could you? You’ve never done it before.
So I’ve just had to learn my way forward. I don’t know that the so-called “struggles” or challenges ever end. But that’s life. But I have found that little by little, I’ve learned to relate to them in a different way and with a different perspective. I’ve learned there’s more value to, instead of viewing something as a failure, see it as a necessary an unavoidable lesson to be grateful for… because every time I figure out what not to do, I know a little better what to do next time.
I still have challenges. Even very big ones recently. But I believe there is always a solution. I try to pay attention to what I’m paying attention to. If I’m thinking problem, I see the problem. If I’m thinking opportunity and solution, and don’t give up, I eventually discover there is one or sometimes several. Whatever we look for is what we find.
Please tell us about Fellowcraft Woodworks.
I think what sets us apart, according to the feedback from our clients, is we say “yes.” We are a custom shop. There are so many shops that are “custom” or even have “custom” in their name. But I think it’s human tendency to get into a groove or routine of doing what we always do or have always done. The feedback we get is that a common response from other cabinet makers to customers’ request for something unique or “outside of the box” is either, “we can’t do that.” Or simply, “we are not going to do that.”
I like doing something fresh. Every job is custom. Every kitchen we do is tailored unique to suit the client’s requests and taste.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would’ve gotten a professional advisor or mentor within my field a lot sooner than I did…. or right at the start. I would not have hired friends. I love them and still do. But it doesn’t work relating as supervisor or boss to employee and vise versa when you have a history or previous friendship prior to the work relationship.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3600 North Pkwy Ste 104
Cumming, GA 30040 - Website: FellowcraftWoodworks.com
- Phone: (770) 369-0869
- Email: andrew@fellowcraftwoodworks.com
- Instagram: @fellowcraftwoodworks
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