Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Lamar.
Hi Danny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started AZ River Tables in 2020 after 36 years of building custom homes and remodeling, making dreams a reality for many clients. I grew up working around my Dad who built custom furniture for our family and friends.
After many years of creating and building furniture as a hobby, I have now decided to do what I love and create a business. I put my heart and talent into each piece of custom furniture and art. I love creating custom pieces for people that bring them joy. It is the best part of the job.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been a lot of bumps in the road. The biggest challenge has been learning how to market my business online and on all the different social media platforms. The other struggle is trying to figure out what kind of pieces interest people when I am building for an art show versus a custom order.
I am also learning which shows work for my business as there as so many it has been difficult. Another challenge is creating custom work that is competing online with people from other countries with often lower quality and price. Of course, there is the financial struggle of starting a business and all the expenses in tools and materials before you ever sell your first piece.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create custom furniture, mostly tables, using live edge wood and epoxy. I am known mostly for my ocean tables and theme tables. I create dining room tables, conference tables, headboards, benches, desks, coffee tables, and really anything that is made from wood. I am most proud of taking a beat-up, recycled piece of old wood and making it a beautiful piece of furniture for a client that they love.
What sets me apart from others is my theme tables. I put a lot of thought into the animation that goes into my tables. I also add LED light kits to any of my tables if the client wants them. The other thing that set me apart is that I spend time really understanding what the client wants and even do small mock-ups to make sure before I build their furniture. I also keep the client informed and involved during the whole process.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Be patient, it does not happen overnight. Learn social media marketing. Make time to use social media every day to get your product out there. Research to see which products are selling and why.
What I wish I knew was how important social media is in business these days. I also wish I knew in the beginning where to source my materials and a good price.
Pricing:
- Cutting boards and cheese slicers start at $50
- Custom tables start at $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: azrivertables.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azrivertables/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverTablesAZ
