The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things
The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of Making Things" is where craftsmanship meets business strategy. Hosted by Paul, founder of Philadelphia Table Co. and The Handcrafted Network, this podcast dives into the mindset, pricing, marketing, and systems that help makers turn their craft into a thriving business. Whether you're a woodworker, artisan, or creative entrepreneur, you’ll learn the strategies to build a profitable, sustainable business—because great craftsmanship deserves great business strategy.
The Handcrafted Podcast: The Business of making things
The Four Pillars of Enlightened Manufacturing: Building a Business with Purpose
Summary:
In this episode of The Handcrafted Podcast, Paul shares the ethos behind Philadelphia Table Company and the guiding framework he calls Enlightened Manufacturing—a values-based approach to running a profitable, ethical, and intentional business. After surpassing his original $1M revenue goal and experiencing a period of uncertainty, Paul worked with a coach to define a clearer vision and purpose for the company.
That vision is built on four interconnected pillars:
- Profit – Essential for sustaining the business, supporting employees, and funding ethical practices.
- People – Prioritizing work-life balance, listening to employees, and creating a collaborative environment.
- Product – Crafting high-quality, intentional pieces, even if it means avoiding cheaper, faster manufacturing methods.
- Planet – Reducing environmental impact, using sustainable finishes, and supporting causes like 1% for the Planet.
Paul explains how these pillars guide every decision, from choosing eco-friendly finishes like Odie’s Oil over toxic conversion varnishes, to resisting assembly-line production in favor of bespoke craftsmanship. He encourages makers to define their own non-negotiables and vision statements so their business growth stays aligned with their core values.
The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to join Paul’s community calls, access vision-creation tools, and send in questions for future episodes.