About Solo in the Shop

Woodworking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father’s tools were my first introduction to the craft, and over time, what started as a personal passion turned into something much bigger. After 35 years as a UI programmer, I felt the pull toward something more hands-on and real. I started making custom tables for a handful of clients out of a small lakeside shop in New Hampshire, and as word spread, I took the leap—founding New England Table Company and turning my side project into a full-time business.

Running a solo woodworking business has been one of the most rewarding (and at times overwhelming) challenges of my life. There’s the craftsmanship, of course—but also the marketing, customer service, pricing, production planning, and all the other hats we wear when we work alone. That’s why I created Solo in the Shop—originally as a podcast to document my journey and share what I was learning with other makers doing the same.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you’re here.

— Ronald