016 - Sustainability in Woodworking
with Michael Dalle Molle
Episode 016
Michael Dalle Molle is the co-owner of Good Wood, a custom design fabrication firm in New Orleans, LA. On top of creating beautiful high-end, custom furniture, the company prioritizes sustainability in their production and has a passion for engaging with and improving their community.
This week, we talked with Michael about why sustainability matters to him. He also shared some incredible, actionable steps that woodworking shops can take to reduce their environmental impact. He also shared advice about how to prioritize what matters to you, whether that’s sustainability measures or anything else.
We hope you enjoy this episode of the Push Thru Podcast!
Quick Cuts
Best advice or quote:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
- Teddy Roosevelt.
Personal habit/trait that makes you more successful:
Do not work over 60 hours per week, and always save time for yourself to disconnect from work. The work-life balance is absolutely key, and allows for some critical thinking to occur through different lenses than if you are constantly working and never breaking away.
What does the future of custom furniture look like?
The future of custom furniture looks SUSTAINABLE. This can mean a lot of things, but there is no doubt that the next generation of furniture buyers will want to know where things come from and how they got here.
One resource or app that makes you better:
“How I Built This” is a great podcast from NPR that highlights successful entrepreneurs and their journeys to success, and all the tribulations they faced along the way. It has been very insightful.
Favorite book or resource:
Rather than a book, I will recommend a podcast. Everyone who manages people should be listening to “On Being with Krista Tippett.” This podcast is incredibly enlightening and touches on sensitive topics about society and the intricacies of human nature. This is incredibly well-suited for owners and managers of businesses to get a better understanding of how we all tick - we all need our teams to be healthy, happy, and heard.
Show Notes
Business owner and sustainability enthusiast Michael Dalle Molle shares his path to custom furniture and his passion for sustainability and community engagement. Learn more about building a business full of people who share your passion and vision.
Links:
To get in contact with Michael Dalle Molle: http://www.goodwoodnola.com/
Follow Michael on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Mu17X1
How I Built This Podcast: https://n.pr/2OEUgg3
On Being Podcast: http://bit.ly/2Modsfa
For great articles on the Cabinet Industry: http://bit.ly/2lg7UpA
To learn more about Ultimate Cabinet Components: http://bit.ly/2lwT5Qw
To get in contact with Jeff Finney: http://bit.ly/2BZbzTZ