You reach a point where increasing production requires more, bigger and better things. I am also understanding what "handling your firewood too many times" means in productivity terms. I am a slow learner, but eventually come around to reason.
I'll be 61 this month and I have learned producing firewood in the summer months sucks. That is why I am way ahead going into the doldrums of summer. I am also ahead so my wife and I can take trips during low demand months. Nashville is an exploding population center of high worth and income people. I intend to meet the supply demanded by these folks.
Dont feel bad...I'm a slow learner too! Mine is a work in progress, but I'm getting better. Sweet set up you have with the stacks right on the driveway.
June is one of my slowest months for deliveries, but have three face cords going out over tomorrow morning through Friday. Cherry is a big seller in late Spring into early Fall. Ex
I have about three cords of cherry in my inventory. I keep one face cord in my driveway because it receives great sunlight and wind which turns it into an awesome bronze color.
Two ricks of white oak loaded in my 18’ trailer for tomorrow’s delivery. Amazed I get firewood orders when it is 90 degrees. I have asked a few customers over the years why they purchase firewood this time of year. They like watching flames.
Today’s delivery was to a fishing camp next to KY Lake. The dude that ordered the wood is a repeat customer from Nashville who tips me nicely. About 80 people are in the camp and are having a big smoker fish dinner tonight. Delivered a Rick of white oak and added a generous amount of cherry. Another big tip. Middle TN folks love firewood!
Averaged $280 a facecord last year and right at $280 year to date this year. I am 12k head of last year through June with two weeks to go. So firewood sales are booming. 95% is hickory and white oak with cherry and red oak making up the rest. Repeats and referrals are around 90% of my business. Have about 100 cords of inventory, so feel confident I can meet demand into next Spring without worry of running out of seasoned inventory. I am outside the normal price range of firewood for my area and the country in general. Great seasoned wood with accompanying service commands a premium in Nashville. My point is that you can sell firewood for more than the average Joe if you have the good stuff and back it up with great service.
My goal is to bank 100K gross this year. I have the seasoned inventory to make it happen, just need the customers to come through. Going into the nineties late this week, so production will slow down accordingly. Sucks to be old!
I am literally on a "shoe string budget" in the firewood business. Black Betty has been on hundreds of deliveries, but she can't be trusted not to spill her guts out any longer. So, she stays home and handles the kindling side of the production.
Hit it early and hard this morning producing barkless hickory. Have found I can usually remove hickory bark if I can cut a live or recently fallen tree. Seems to keep the Powderpost Beetles at bay and also help the wood dry faster. I sell this stuff for $300 a face cord and can't keep it in stock.
