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Apprenticeship - growth and lean mfg
Join Our Exciting Apprenticeship Program
Let's find the perfect place for you in this unique apprenticeship program!
This summer, we have an exciting opportunity to elevate our small furniture-making business with your help. For 18 years, I’ve been crafting custom hardwood commissions exclusively from local downed trees. Early on, my accountant suggested that it took too long to make each piece. However, I was determined to do it differently—beginning with downed trees, milling, and waiting years for the slabs to dry prior to a month in the kiln. This process has become more of a spiritual journey than a business, and I wasn’t willing to make any sacrifices.
Before We Begin
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to review our Mission Statement and website to understand our philosophy and commitment to quality.
Our Growth Plan
Over time, a few changes have occurred:
Unexpected Market Reach: I never expected to enter the highest end of the market. Doing custom work for corporations, universities, and museums, in addition to luxury homes, was not my initial plan.
Process Enhancements: While I’m not getting any faster at this process, I’ve found tweaks that should allow us to grow while sticking to our principles. These are mostly set up and ready to go.
Reintroducing Small Orders: As these changes were made, it became harder to find time for small orders for average people (like many of my friends). I’m hoping to bring back a simple line of furniture, maintaining the same stringent standards but at a more reasonable price.
Line of Furniture: For the first time, we’ll be able to build more of a “line” of furniture that we will attempt to keep in stock. This will allow us to speed up delivery schedules from 8 weeks plus (if we can take the order), to a couple of days—just enough time to reinspect, box, and ship.
This summer, with your help, we might just have a good shot at becoming one of the 500 fastest-growing companies.
1. Lean Manufacturing (Our Wade/Way)
We’re embracing a “micro production” process. While it’s not the mass production model pioneered by Henry Ford and evolved in Japan, China, and now Austin, our approach retains the unique artistry of each piece. Every item will remain a one-of-a-kind work of art made from local downed trees.
Over the past year, I’ve studied ways to expedite our production without sacrificing quality. In fact, our goal is to improve quality. Currently, it takes too long to make each piece, limiting the number of orders we can accept annually. Additionally, the average homeowner finds our furniture unaffordable due to the extensive hours required for each custom piece. Now, we are gearing up for what I call micro production, along with a couple of other exciting programs. Rest assured, our loyal clients can still expect custom pieces that may take months to complete, like the solid walnut timber desk shown above.
2. Where You Fit: Social Media and Marketing
With efficient production all set, now comes the fun part—where you come in. We need your skills in social media and marketing to spread the word and fill the pipeline with new clients who appreciate our dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
What We Offer
This apprenticeship is an opportunity to:
Learn: Gain hands-on experience in a small business setting, from production to marketing.
Contribute: Use your skills to make a tangible difference in our growth and success.
Grow: Develop your professional skills in a supportive and creative environment.
Apply Now
Join us in making a difference through our unique furniture-making process. Together, we can elevate Robin Wade Furniture to new heights while staying true to our mission and values.
Ready to get started? Apply today and let’s create something extraordinary together!