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

Hi Gus, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When thinking about risk I try and boil it down to a list of choices and potential consequences. It’s the unknown that’s terrifying, so the more I can sketch out what a decision could look like in reality the more comfortable I feel. That also allows me to prepare, to a certain extent, for any outcome. I try and view decisions less as a right and wrong and more as different paths with different outcomes. Each path comes with its own benefits and drawbacks and leads to new paths to choose from. The ability to change and adapt to situations is what allows small businesses to thrive. Pivoting a giant corporation overnight would be impossible but small businesses have the agility to do that. We have to learn to embrace that ability and find comfort in it when faced with a tough decision. Few choices are permanent – we can always pivot.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At my shop we make custom furniture and cabinetry. I think what sets us apart is the relationship we build with our clients during the design process. Its important to me that every detail is covered to make the piece fit the form and function of the client. It certainly hasn’t been easy getting to where we are. Its been a long road with lots of hard work. We are growing faster than we can handle at the moment and trying to balance quality with production is always a challenge. We are constantly trying to improve our systems and have better communication with clients and employees.

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 owe everything to my partner Meg Darnell. She is always there to support me through every decision and tough time and I couldn’t do it without her. I would also like to shoutout everyone who has ever hired me for a project. They are the real reason why I’m here and their continued faith in making their projects come to life is humbling.

Website: www.onetawoodworks.com

Instagram: @onetawoodworks

Image Credits
Kristin Karch

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