Ep. 53 - Inside The Workbench Collective: The Business of Woodworking

Can bourbon and scotch peacefully coexist on the palate of a true connoisseur? Join us on the B-Team Podcast as we entertain this spirited debate with our first inbound guest, Charley Preston from The Workbench Collective. Laugh along with us as we share tales of guest recruitment challenges, involving Rob Nelson’s amusing avoidance of his own rolodex, and celebrate Charley's enthusiasm and his bourbon-toting entrance. We swap stories and flavors, comparing the prestige of scotch with the inviting embrace of bourbon, all while pairing these delights with cigar tales that set the mood for a delightful tasting session.Navigate the ups and downs of family life, homeschooling, and woodworking with us as we share personal anecdotes from the pandemic parenting trenches. Charley reflects on life with his wife Jessica and their four lively kids, blending humor with heartfelt insights into homeschooling in Alaska. With nostalgia for old-school woodshop classes, we champion hands-on learning that sparks creativity in students who might not flourish in traditional classrooms. From woodworking to weight loss, our conversation embraces the "dad bod" and the artistry of crafting, all while championing trial and error as the ultimate teacher.Our conversation takes a surprising turn as we discuss the unexpected allure of relocating to Arkansas from Alaska. Overcoming initial hesitations, one finds a home in Arkansas’ rolling hills and vibrant community, staying for over a decade. We explore traditional craftsmanship's role in modern maker spaces and talk about The Workbench Collective's new location in Springdale. Offering memberships to a fully equipped woodworking shop, this initiative provides tools and classes for aspiring craftsmen. Cap it all off with a lively discussion on Matt's new fashion statement—a baby blue hat—and you have an episode full of humor, wisdom, and community spirit. Cheers to creativity and camaraderie!