Meet Morgan Holpuch | Custom Woodworker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Holpuch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I initially started a general construction company when my wife and I lived in Portland, Oregon. I have worked for many contractors in years past and was never fully happy with the way that they treated employees. It felt as though they were treated as tools, rather than who they actually were as people that contributed to the work and function of the industry.

For my personal life, I also wanted to have a little more flexibility in my schedule as our family was growing at that time with the birth of my son. I enjoyed having some leniency to do things with them and be there to support my wife, Meg as she was finishing her schooling.

When we moved out to Steamboat 6 years ago, I started to work for a General Contractor as a site supervisor and it was great, but I always knew that at some point I wanted to break out and do something on my own again and really refine my skills with woodworking, as it’s been something I’m passionate about in all my construction experience. I have always loved making a vision come to life through building furniture and creating different pieces out of wood.
I found an opportunity to start my current company and was very excited with the idea of creating my own business once again; being able to design and execute very functional pieces of furniture and cabinetry, custom created to each individual client.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked many years as an employee and there have been times in those years that it was just not enjoyable. I wanted to take those experiences, figure out why they weren’t enjoyable, and become the boss/owner of a company that I wished I had. I try to avoid the mistakes from the past that made working conditions not great, so that everyone that works with me feels respected and appreciated. I really try to include everybody in the process of a project and continually practice open communication, so if there are ideas that others have that can make things better or more functional, we can share and grow together. By doing this I have learned so much about my employees, as well as different perspectives that really help the company as a whole. My hope is that by having an open mind about things, I can continue to grow and be somebody that people want to work for and with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Depending on the season we’re in, our activity choices can vary! In the winter-time, we love the classic and always wonderful Steamboat Ski Resort. We love to ski, we can take the kiddos, warm up by the fire pits, and it’s beautiful out there! In the summer-time, we enjoy taking people camping. One of our favorite spots to spend time at is the Flat Tops wilderness, which is less than an hour south of us. If it’s just time to get out and explore for the day, we have so many great trails nearby for hiking and biking. Although we do have many great spots to grab a bite to eat, I’d have to say picking up a sandwich from Cruiser’s is always a must!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one person as so many have truly made such a large mark on my life, helping me grow and learn and evolve. I have to initially shout out my wife who has constantly been by my side, supporting me in the process of starting and growing two businesses and all the challenges that can present. Though she is not as familiar with the woodworking world, she is always a great sounding board and critic when building new
innovative projects.

As a personal influence, I’d have to say a wonderful old employee and friend of mine back in Portland, Ernie Reynolds. He has such a passion for life and is extremely talented with his carpentry skills. He taught me a lot about patience, being meticulous and not letting the little things really bother you. With him as an employee I also learned a lot about how to be a guy that people wanted to work with versus someone they just showed up to work
for; where to set boundaries and when those boundaries could be broken. I have an immense about of respect and gratefulness for him and his work ethic.

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