Meet Jonathan David | Custom wood worker

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

Hi Jonathan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
There are multiple factors that contribute to Palletwoodguy’s success – quality workmanship, excellent customer service, building value and trust with clients – but the most important factor for the past 5 years for me has been trust in God.

The skills, the tools, and the business knowhow are all necessary, but I’ve realized that, ultimately, it’s been God that has helped my small business not only survive the past few years, but expand and thrive!

I know it’s a strange answer coming from a business where strategizing and hard work play such a large role, but it’s absolutely true. In the early years, I’d have months where I’ve done everything I could and still looked like we were going come up short on rent. Always, there’d be a project come in at the last minute which would cover everything. I’ve had to trust that my provision comes from God. He brings the clients and I work hard to take care of them.

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 do custom woodwork. I consider the items I specialize in as the “Fun Stuff.” I focus on floating shelves, fireplace mantles, barn doors, and accent walls. I build and install these from scratch. The walls were what launched my business.

I think what made my craft successful early on was my attention to detail and with how quickly I was able to refine my systems for installation. I started out installing reclaimed wood walls with wood from broken down pallets. This was at a time where the look was extemely popular, but there were so few specialized in installation in the DFW area. I think that helped a ton.

I’d never say the journey was easy, but at the same time, it wasn’t overwhelming. I’d say that the aspect of my business I’m most proud of is that I’m not happy with the work until my clients are. I refuse to do rushed work or leave something less than excellent. Keeping the quality standards high has kept my clients happy and coming back.

One thing I’ve learned on the journey on becoming an expert with these specific projects is how important it is to advise the client. I’ve often had clients ask me to do something in a way that would wind up less than ideal. I’m not afraid to explain that a few tweaks would yield a better result that they will be much happier with in the long run. Sometimes you have to listen to what clients NEED rather than what they WANT.

All of these lessons have led my business to be more successful in meeting clients needs. Palletwoodguy exists to beautify people’s space. I believe everyone should love the space they’re in. I’m grateful to provide clients with pieces that enhance their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a couple restaurants that my wife and I absolutely love that are only in the DFW. Coopers in the Stockyards is our favorite spot for great smoked BBQ. We love hitting 7th street to Velvet Taco for their amazing gourmet tacos.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d say that my Dad is the whole reason I’m able to have any competency in woodworking. He’s always been a Do It Yourself guy when it comes to projects. When I was younger, he showed me the basics of woodworking – using simple hand tools to shape and make wooden projects. Honestly, I don’t think I was very good then.

I would always watch Dad closely whenever he’d work on a project, from fixing the car, to pouring concrete, to building an addition to the garage. I’d watch and learn.

When I had decided to take up woodworking, even thought I didn’t know all the skills, I had the confidence to try my hand at it because of watching and helping him all those years. I felt as if there wasnt much I couldn’t figure out thanks to his influence.

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