Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Richardson.
Hi Joseph, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
J. R. Design Co. was created after my wife, Lauryn, and I moved across the country from Boston, MA., to Austin, TX. After working for years in other furniture wood shops in Boston, I took my knowledge and experience, and JRDC was born. It wouldn’t have been possible without being able to lean on my degree in Banking & Finance, along with my early career in business sales. Craftsmanship is in my blood. In 1942, my great-grandfather started a small box-building business to support the Second World War. Since then, three generations of my family have built their living in woodworking, carpentry, and design. However, it took me a few career paths to find my way, starting first in Investment Finance following college, along with business sales and a little retail! My shop is an actual labor of love. I’ve been passionate about woodworking since I was a child, and now it’s my pleasure to craft and create unique pieces.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growth has been slow and a struggle. I started my business in a difficult time, due to nobody’s fault – my first year in business was when Covid hit. Society was closing itself into its homes and hunkering as I was trying to gain exposure and get my name and product out there.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What separates me from every other woodworker and furniture maker are the details. Quality and function/practicality are my highest priorities in anything I build. What some consider upgrade options (ex: soft-close drawers/doors) I consider standard. There are many competitors, and my fine details and higher-quality finishes differentiate me from the masses.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I utilize bookkeeping apps like Quickbooks to help track my finances – documentation and organization are paramount.
For the business side of things, I utilize bookkeeping apps like Quickbooks to help track my finances – documentation and organization are paramount. For the actual creation and building I often utilize resources such as:
John Bullar’s – Complete Guide to Joint-Making (2013)
Fine Woodworking’s – Joinery (2016)
Fine Woodworking’s – Practical Furniture Design (2009)
Christophe Pourny’s – The Furniture Bible (2014)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jrdesignco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.r.design.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRDesignCompany
