A Career Focused on Creation

A life lived well can be filled with amazing possibilities, unforeseen turns and unimagined opportunities. Originally a professional musician, Marcus considered a life in the music business. Though experiencing success as a drummer, in life, real-life choices had to be made. “Even though I love music, I had to consider the whole picture and where my life needed to be in the long run,” Marcus continues, “I wanted to make drumming first, but it is cabinet making that was and is the true balance in my life.”

A love of woodworking was fostered early in Bashore’s life. “ My grandfather was my true inspiration. He had a woodworking shop in his Pennsylvania basement. As children, we would go to our grandparent’s house for a week or two. It was then that I enjoyed pounding nails into wood.  My first project was a cross. It was simple to make, and it made a simple statement. Even today I have two boxes Grandpop helped me make. One I currently use to store personal effects and the other box stores model race cars.”

It was two years after high school when he considered incorporating carpentry into his life in a professional sense, and supplementing his other love of drumming. He had been working summer jobs at a local amusement park and helped build some of the main attractions which included a funhouse that was featured on the Discovery Channel. It was then that someone suggested a trade school and the thought intrigued him. “I always enjoyed working with wood, so it was an easy decision to attend trade school and learn something I knew I could use for the rest of my life. I love building something I can use or give away.” says Bashore. “I completed one year of trade school in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which was compiled of masonry, foundations, rough framing, and exteriors work. That summer I moved to the Jersey shore (south of Atlantic City) and completed another trade school course at Cape May County Vocational Technical Center. In 1976 I received a diploma in carpentry and cabinetmaking.”

“Living in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, I joined a contractor and helped build approximately 30 homes. At that time you were either a framer or finish carpenter. I soon discovered I really enjoyed the finer details of the trade. I liked hanging doors, applying moulding, installing cabinets and that sort.” Meanwhile, the opportunities that presented themselves continued to lead Bashore down a path of professional woodworking.

A 1980 move to Encinitas, California, led to another favorable circumstance presenting itself. “Within two years I found a cabinet maker working out of his shop less than a mile from my home. He would call me every morning and say "Do you want to work today, dude?"  After a while I used to think it was funny because "Yes, I want to work today, dude." That started a great friendship, and he taught me his methods of cabinetmaking. I worked for him for about five years.” Eventually he knew it was time to move on and make the bold move of self-employment. “I quit the week before Christmas, but somehow I knew my decision would be blessed. It was just the right time.”

One of the biggest areas of concern for self-employed woodworkers is the business end. “My first few years in business were a bit challenging. I soon discovered that I needed some schooling, so I went to a local community college and took two courses: business management and personal finance.” Bashore stresses that it is important to be realistic and enlist the help of other professionals when necessary. “You have to be honest with yourself and know your strengths. For instance, my taxes are complicated, so I have a professional tax man. If you don't like handling the phone, then hire someone to run your office even if it’s for a few hours a week. My wife helped me in the past, but she has her own business, so she helps when she can. If you have trouble communicating or struggle with sales, you can read a book or go to a seminar.”

Another recommendation Bashore makes is investing wisely in your business. He suggests investing in tools that will last and ones that can save time. As a one-man operation, time and efficiency are everything to Bashore. “What I have done is invested my money into machines that help me be more productive. My most recent purchase was a Laguna Tools Bandit H2 Edgebander. It's the best investment I've made to date. I’d been dreaming of and researching edgebanders for many years. I knew Laguna was the right choice for me. This year at the Las Vegas woodworking show I had a demo just as I did two years previously. The next morning my wife walked the floor with me, and we talked about a new machine purchase. She was concerned that it was not in our budget and that it might take us over the top and cause undue financial pressure. As we approached the Laguna tool area, I tepidly asked for another demo. The owner of the company was next to us along with a sales representative.  The technician explained the machine and ran a demo for us, and my wife's jaw hit the floor. She was completely amazed because she knew how I struggled to edgeband with a hand iron. Well, in an astounding move she pulled out her credit card and used her monies to start the transition to a beautiful relationship with Laguna Tools.”

There is no doubt that owning your own business can be stressful, and the success of many businesses depends on surrounding yourself with a supportive team of people. Employees who see themselves as vital and valuable can bring an irrepressible energy to the job. Family support also plays a huge role. “My wife, Heather’s support in my business is very important. That's why I like putting her on the phone with my clients; she believes in me.”

  “In this fast-paced Internet-driven society, it is essential to utilize the Internet as a tool to drive your business. My website is invaluable to me. I am a one man-shop and I do it all. Phone clients, measure jobs, calculate bids, purchase materials, build all projects, stain and lacquer, deliver and install all projects. Yes, sometimes I have a helper when the install needs it, but otherwise it's all from my heart. My website is my showroom to potential clients.” Bashore suggests taking pictures of your work and showcasing it in an online portfolio. Keep the content fresh and updated so potential clients know you care about your work and see that you have built a reputation of high-quality craftsmanship.

No business can succeed without striving to maintain good business practices. “Honesty should be your first priority. Never promise something you can't deliver. Do not overcommit or step into a project over your head. Be very careful when bidding. We bid short at times, but your reputation is your business. I have learned to communicate with my clients effectively and have always kept my word. If it's concerning pricing or the agreement of an installation date, your word is your business. If you underbid a project, complete it and move on to your next project. Learn from your mistakes. My project out the door and installed is flawless; it has to be. No short cuts, no compromise, if anything I upgrade at no charge before I skimp.”

Not only is making a living woodworking completely possible, if you are diligent in your business practices, your profession will not only flourish, but take you on an amazing journey. Had Marcus tried to guess, it would have been difficult to imagine what pleasures his job would bring him. His work can be seen in three issues of San Diego Home and Garden Magazine in award-winning homes. Another highlight of his career has been the opportunity to be a part of the September 26, 2004, season premiere of Extreme Makeover Home Edition . “It was so gratifying to be part of something so meaningful. It touched me in a way that I cannot easily explain. It is great to be a part of changing lives even in small ways and being part of something lasting.”

At the very heart of the love of the craft for Bashore and most woodworkers is the joy in the process of creating something of lasting impact. “Every detail is visualized with countless hours of foresight, exactness, precision, and dedication. I sometimes stand in awe at completion and ponder this heartfelt course my craft has taken me on,” he says. Is it possible to make a living in woodworking? Absolutely, and the payoff is more than financial. The highest compliment the craftsperson enjoys is the knowledge that his/her work is useful and enduring, speaks across the ages and makes even the smallest difference in the world.