Raise your hand if you know what a CNC Router is? It’s basically a wood-cutting tool (router) mounted to a big Etch-A-Sketch, controlled by a computer. You create a design on the computer (a lettered sign or some kind of picture) then you lay down a piece of wood and the computer moves the router and executes your design. It’s a great hobby, or it can even be a small business.
Not long ago these computer-controlled router tables became cheap enough for home hobbyists to own. Cheapie Chinese models are just a couple hundred bucks, and a decent pro-quality model maybe a couple thousand. But once you own the table, there is so much more to learn. There are lots of different cutting bits that mount to the router, and you have to know which one to use for different designs. Enter Garrett Fromme, the subject of this week’s story.
“I originally came to Madison to work for Grote,” explains Garrett. “I got an apartment downtown and started soaking up all the community has to offer, the lifestyle, gems like Thomas Family Winery. I’ve been a huge Madison fan since the first day. I had a CNC router and I was making some hobby projects, to give as gifts and what have you.
“But it became clear that there wasn’t a lot of good info about how to get the most out of these machines, and which bits to use when. So in late 2020 I started doing some how-to YouTube videos and offering some basic bit kits for sale. Turns out there was a thirst for that kind of content, and by 2021 I had 5,000 subscribers on YouTube watching my videos.
“I set up a little shop in the back of Chip Bizner’s frame store where I could film the videos, and I was running the bit sales operation off my kitchen table in the apartment. I named the business IDC Woodcraft and started promoting the brand. Keep in mind, this was just 4 years ago. Today I have 90,000 subscribers, 4 full-time employees and 5 contract workers. Our revenues are in the $2 million a year range now, and my goal is to take sales up to $10 million in the future.
“We stock about 80 different bits, many of which are my own unique design. We sell them individually and package them in kits to simplify things. Bits average about $30 each. In an average week we probably ship out about 1,000 packages all around the US and overseas.
“CNC routing is a fascinating hobby, especially for retired folks, although crafty younger people are enjoying it also. It’s an outlet for creativity and a chance to learn something new. You become a part of a community with a shared interest. And you are creating pieces that will be cherished and passed down, part of your life legacy. It’s very rewarding to help people achieve their dreams.
“From a business perspective, Madison has been a very easy place to set up and run a business. Entrepreneurship is appreciated and there’s almost no red tape. To be honest, Madison is not the ideal place for an e-commerce business that does a lot of daily shipping, but we make it work. This is my home now and I’m not going anywhere. I’m committed to growing this business here.
“We also have a strong charitable commitment at IDC Woodcraft. We donate a consistent portion of our profits to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, Disabled American Veterans, the local food bank, Missing Alexis Foundation and several more. It’s one of my favorite things about this whole venture.
“For me, at this stage of my life, IDC is about moving forward, trying new things, and building something lasting. I have no intention of retiring or going backwards ever. I’m creating new videos every other week (find them on Facebook and Instagram) and every single day is just so fun and challenging and rewarding.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
New Year’s Eve in Indiana’s Music City is exactly as you would expect … packed full of live music opportunities, all over town, but especially in the core downtown music district. Park your car and walk to 6 different venues, most starting around 9pm and running until well past midnight. If you prefer the hilltop you have 3 choices, including the always entertaining Rusty Bladen up at Clifty Inn. Rusty’s NYE shows are legendary, and he has a way of building the energy right up to the 12 o’clock hour! The weekend calendar this week is a little on the thin side, probably due to everyone blowing out all the stops on New Year’s Eve. Even the bands have to catch their breath sometime! That being said, Vintage Lanes is creating quite a following for their special Friday and Sunday evening shows, and there’s a special free music event at Red Bicycle Hall on Saturday, honoring the life and work of local artist Paul Hassfurder.
Leave a Reply