Chase (IG: @hdistair)
Welcome to this week's #weldershowcase - we had the opportunity to sit down with Chase from @hdistair and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly showcase (100% FREE) please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. These showcases are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
Enjoy and Grind On!
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Name: Chase Business Name: Hardwood Design, Inc (HDI Stair) Location: Exeter, Rhode Island Socials: IG: @hdistair FB: @hdistair Websites: www.hdistair.com Specialties: Custom stairs and balustrades |
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? My father founded Hardwood Design over 35 years ago and he started bringing me into work as soon as I could pick up a broom. I’ve been working at the shop for over 10 years now and I’m only 24.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? I stay motivated by thinking about the beautiful pieces of functional art we are designing and building every day. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool is the CNC – although I don’t personally program or run it, the things we can do on the CNC would blow your mind! My second favorite shop tool would have to be the Carl Angel V, the best manual pencil sharpener on the market. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? This is a tough one because of all the different stair projects I’ve been lucky enough to work on. The most famous one would have to be the big white stair with the ribbon wall that we did with Seadar Construction and Steven Harris Architects. |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? Not sure what this one means – if I could have any job I would be a stair builder at Hardwood Design! |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
Don’t think we’ve used your products before but would love to try. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
We would love to collaborate with you on your next big stair project!
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
My advice would be to pick something you love doing instead of chasing a higher paycheck, especially if what you love involves working with your hands. We spend so much time at work, find something that gets you out of bed in the morning and causes you to lose track of the day. |
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Our next big shop upgrade is probably going to involve upgrading our CNC setup to 4 or 5 axis. If that doesn’t work out, we may add a jacuzzi in the center for the guys in the shop to relax during the day… |
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Chase! Your stairs are amazing to look at, you guys do a phenomenal job!!