Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben May
Hi Ben, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I first started working at a cabinet shop when I was 18. My best friend had just started working there and told me I should check it out. Reluctantly, I went in for an interview and to my surprise, they hired me. I still remember my starting pay was $7.25 an hour. But while I was there I really became passionate about woodworking. I loved the creativity and satisfaction that came with building. I have worked in several shops since then (1999) but have been in business for myself for the last 10 years now. I started out in Destin, Florida in a warehouse in 2015. We moved to Spring Hill in October of 2018. There was a period of starting over that was difficult but things have been progressing very organically since then and I am happy with where I’m at as a business currently.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, haha. As I mentioned, I basically had to start over when we moved from Fl to TN. I picked up other woodworking related jobs including installing and project managing. And even getting on roofs for inspections. I hated every minute of that job (I don’t enjoy heights). But it was all to make ends meet while I was rebuilding in a new town and gaining a new clientele. I really had to rethink every aspect of what I was trying to achieve and cut out certain things that weren’t allowing me to be as efficient as possible. There was a lot of stretching and growing in that time for sure.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about BMD Interior Woodworking ?
BMD is short for “Ben May Designs”. This is the name I used for my business when I was first starting out. I realized that after getting multiple calls from people wanting architectural plans and ideas on where to put their sofa that I should clarify what I do in my name, haha. I shortened the name to BMD and added Interior Woodworking. That was an intentional add on because exterior woodworking is kind of a different animal and I really wanted to stay within the finished carpentry aspect of woodworking.
I would say most of what I do is built in cabinetry and shelving in living rooms or bonus rooms, etc. A very close second is kitchen enhancements where I go in and replace all the doors, drawer faces, drawer boxes, slides and hinges with new ones and add cabinets, decorative panels and such. These are the main types of projects that I get contacted for the most.
I am proud to have started this business in a very organic manner and watch it become what it is today. A mentor of mine once told me that if he had it to do all over again in his business, he would have started with only the tools necessary and with what he could afford, no big loans or overhead to stress about. This amazed me at the time because he had, hands down, the most impressive shop I’d ever seen, much less worked in. So, that comment has always stuck with me and has kind of become my mantra with this business. I don’t overextend myself when it comes to expenses and I try very hard to have balance between work and home life.
I really enjoy what I do. I’m not the kind of guy that is always thinking about creating new businesses. I love woodworking and I love getting into a creative headspace with my customers and ultimately, building something really cool. I consider myself fortunate to be able to do something like this as a career.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
A guy I worked for named back in Florida named Dave Larocca was a big influence for me. I alluded to him earlier but I learned so much working for him. He cared so much about precision, and accuracy, and organization. He really helped shape the way I think about woodworking and executing a great product.
My Grandfather taught me alot. When I was about 12 years old, I started working with him. He had rental properties that were always needing to be fixed up. If I was working on something and he saw that I was struggling, he would say, “Don’t let it beat you, Ben”. I still think about that when I run into a challenge. He was a special person to me.
My Parents have always been huge supporters of anything I’ve done but particularly woodworking. There are woodworkers in my family lineage and I think there’s just a sense of pride they feel to see their son carrying that on in some way. But yeah, they have always encouraged me to do what I love.
My Wife is my ongoing, daily support. It’s not always mountain tops in business and she has been with me through the valleys for sure. She deserves a lot of credit. She helps to keep me going.
I also have extended family that have been so supportive. Actually, my wife’s grandparents helped me get started initially with some upfront expenses. They really had alot of faith in me and I appreciate them for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bmdinteriorwoodworking.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmdinteriorwoodworking
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmdinteriorwoodworking
