In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger interviews Cody McKee of Mountain Milling Co. They discuss the company's evolution from a lawn care service to a sawmill operation specializing in Eastern Red Cedar. Cody shares insights into the challenges of running a family business, the operational bottlenecks they face, and the impact of market trends on their sales. The conversation highlights the unique properties of Eastern Red Cedar and its growing popularity in various applications, as well as the dynamics of working with family in a business setting.

Cody McKee discusses the unique properties of Eastern Red Cedar, the challenges of distribution and business growth, and innovative solutions for waste management. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration within the industry and shares insights on navigating the debt trap in small business. The conversation concludes with a focus on the company's core values of kindness and service to customers.

Takeaways

• Mountain Milling Co. started as a lawn service in 2001 and transitioned to sawmilling with a Norwood sawmill in 2017.
• Eastern Red Cedar is prevalent in their area and considered invasive, but it's valued for its rot and bug resistance, making it a popular natural alternative to pressure-treated lumber.
• The family-run business divides key roles among members, with Cody handling marketing and sales while his brother manages finances.
• COVID-19 positively impacted the wood industry, boosting their sales due to increased local demand and favorable market conditions.
• The company prioritizes kindness and service over profits, focusing on building industry connections and avoiding debt traps for sustainable growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mountain Milling Co.
• 06:40 Family Dynamics in Business
• 13:24 Daily Operations and Responsibilities
• 18:32 Cedar's Advantages Over Pressure-Treated Wood
• 25:30 Collaborative Opportunities in the Industry
• 30:41 Building Connections for Business Success
• 35:42 The Heart of Mountain Milling Co.

The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger 

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You can connect with Cody at:

https://www.instagram.com/mountainmillingco/