Wood – Out to Lunch – It’s New Orleans
In the new New Orleans economy we’re used to hearing success stories about exciting new tech businesses that make apps for your phone and other products that couldn’t have even existed a few years ago.
Alongside all this tech wizardry there are folks who are making things the old fashioned way – with hammers, nails, and glue.
Jon Dijkhuizen has a company called NOLA Woodworks that makes hand crafted wooden outdoor furniture – like swing seats and picnic tables.
Mandy Simpson has a company called NOLA Boards that makes hand crafted chopping boards.
Although neither Mandy nor Jon can look down the road at an exit strategy that includes selling their businesses for billions to Facebook, you might be surprised at the kind of success they’re enjoying. And not just here in New Orleans but further afield as well.
Peter Ricchiuti, Jon and Mandy discuss the surprisingly buoyant artisanal woodwork economy on this edition of Out to Lunch.
Photos at Commander’s Palace by Alison Moon.