Episode 231
From $5K Side Hustle to 7-Figure Woodworking Business: How Stoane Loundenslager Built Financial Freedom
Are you a hobbyist dreaming of turning your passion into real profit?
Too many creatives stay stuck, unsure how to scale their side hustle without burning out or going broke.
Stoane, founder of Wood and Stone, went from cleaning job sites to building a 7-figure woodworking business—all while staying true to his craft. In this episode, Jeff and Stoane dive deep into how you can start small, scale smart, and turn your passion into a profitable Freedom Day engine.
In this episode, he shares how he went from scraping together $5,000 and 20 hours a week... to leading a thriving business with million-dollar contracts, eight employees, and full benefits. If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion into a profitable business, Stoane's story will challenge, equip, and inspire you.
Key Takeaways:
• Start Before You're Ready: Why starting messy beats waiting for perfect
• Accounts, Not Jobs: How long-term relationships—not one-off gigs—built his 7-figure business
• Burnout Warning Signs: Stoane’s personal experience with overwork and the hidden cost of ignoring health
• Follow the Market: The difference between building what you want vs. what people are willing to pay for
• Scale Smart: Why hiring too fast can hurt you—and how to avoid expensive missteps
• Networking That Works: From lunch-and-learns to Woodcraft, Stoane shares where to find real leads (not just likes)
About the Guest:
Throughout his 20+ year career in construction, Stoane has had the opportunity to work on some magnificent projects. The majority of these projects focused on cabinetry, custom furniture and architectural features. From exotic wood desks for C-level Executives to Trade show booths featured at the Paris Air Show to many Homes, Offices, Hotels and Restaurants throughout the USA.
General Contracting: He has worked his way up from the production line in a cabinet shop, into custom furniture and fixtures, estimating, project management, shop management and now ownership. Through the years there have been a lot of wins and a lot of lessons!
Helping the Next Generation: Stoane has made it his Mission to help others skip avoidable hurdles. He consults with contractors on their business and teaches classes, across multiple states, around woodworking, carpentry and making money in the trades.narratives and real-world examples, readers are encouraged to embrace innovation and creative problem-solving as essential tools for overcoming obstacles.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/woodandstoane/
Fast Five Questions:
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "Get a job building for someone else. Then a second gig at Woodcraft or Rockler. Monetize every minute until I can get a bankroll to go back out."
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Hiring for resume over character. And real burnout—I hit a wall that affected my health."
3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss."
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "A bookkeeper—get one sooner than you think. And a Festool track saw. Game changer."
5. What is your definition of freedom? "Making decisions that are best for my family and having the resources to make them happen. I found I love what I do—and I want to help others, too."
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
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