Meet Sam Rapp of RappWeldDesign in The Very North

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Rapp.

Sam, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started building metal furniture back in the alleys of Pacific Beach in San Diego. Welding has been a passion and a struggle trying to take it from just some art I do in the garage to a full business that can pay the rent. There have been times when it has gone well and times when it just hasn’t gone anywhere at all. Currently, I have been focusing on building up inventory and building an online presence. Now, with a bit of inventory, I will look into doing some market shows. Being a craftsman in the “learn to code” era feels like sailing directly into the wind, you’ve got to know exactly how to tack or be just at the right place at the right time.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
That list could be long. Lifestyle changes, going from being a single guy surfing and building out of a one car garage to being married and having kids. It’s really hard to simultaneously raise a family and hustle handmade furniture.

Ups and downs in the economy. Not too many people are buying expensive furniture when the market is tanking.

Trying to figure out how to ship 70-150lbs furniture and still make a profit is the current battle.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about RappWeldDesign – what should we know?
Like I said earlier, I’ve always had a passion for welding and art. I am a pretty practical person so I figured to put it all together and build metal furniture as no one else has done before. When I first started, people would say “no one is going to want metal furniture in their house”; Well, now, this type of Metal furniture is being sold at the big box stores. My furniture designs have changed over the years from super industrial to modern. I tried the rustic farm thing which is cool but I don’t know that I’m super sold on it. I’ve always liked mid-century, so I took my industrial roots and my admiration for mid-century and went with mid-century industrial. Lots of old car colors, 60s VW colors, 50 Chrysler, and 70s Chevy colors seem to be some of the favorites. My favorite projects are those ones off custom orders.

Nothing better than delivering a piece and seeing a client stoked. When people are happy to pay you, that is awesome!

What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
Staying ahead of the curve of different designs in the furniture industry is a lot of work in itself. I would like to be able to strike that balance of being able to stay in the game (pay the rent) and continue to build in the US and not be tempted to farm out to other countries.

Pricing:

• Tables $250-$650
• Desk $300-$1500
• Kitchen carts $200-$400
• Shoe racks $175-$350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rappwelddesign.com/
• Phone: 7609083072
• Email: rapp.sam@gmail.com
• Instagram: rapp_weld_design
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/RappWeldDesign/?ref=bookmarks
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RappWeldDesign

Image Credit:
Sam Rapp

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