Meet Ray Villares | Designer / Craftsman

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

Hi Ray, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I have had a collection of businesses over the years. One thing I have learned is to start small, learn and calibrate quickly. It’s not about overnight success. It’s about finding one aspect of the business that will give you enough lift to get you off the ground. It’s about keeping the emotional connection to the brand tamed so you can remained hyper-focused on optimizing the business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am equal parts entrepreneur, marketer and craftsman. After a 25+ career owning and working in the digital agency space I begun Bearfare as a creative outlet. It hasn’t been easy for sure. Doing a half dozen functions is a stretch for anyone but doing it within an industry that is new to you – that’s a lot. I overcame the challenge but surrounding myself with others who could augment my skills as a craftsman and allow me to focus on the design, marketing and operations side of the business. This helped me to leverage my unique skills (uncommon within woodworking) and keep the business moving forward.

Running a profitable handcrafted goods business in the United States is not easy these days. You need to have a unique product that won’t be found anywhere else. Lumber costs are high, wages are increasing and so much is imported these days that making margin feels next to impossible. it’s a hustle every day. With Bearfare, there was A LOT to learn along the way and, thankfully, our partners were there to guide and mentor. Every part of the business needed to be honed just right including lumber selection and production techniques. Even the shipping boxes needed to be carefully though out.

This business was started by a career marketing executive who was sick of the corporate world. I wanted to get out of email and into an environment where I could be creative and bring something quality to folks who appreciate handmade items in their homes.

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.
Colorado has no shortage of things to do – I have a spreadsheet I share with friends who visit. I love Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs. A distillery tour at Stranahan’s is always fun.. Dinner at Stuebens never disappoints. A show at Red Rocks and high-end cocktails at Union Lodge No.1 downtown is great fun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Bearfare wouldn’t exist without the help of various freelance partners who assist in sourcing materials to woodturning pieces. One woodturning partner stands out for sure. Ron Grill from Denver Colorado. While we use a collection of woodturners, Ron, who is retired, has always been a dependable and indispensable resource for us. His passion for the trade shows in every piece he makes for us and he is always eager to help – even during the trying holiday season.

Website: shopbearfare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearfare/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearfare

Image Credits
Jeffrey Rupp The Denver School of Photography