What do you do?

We manufacture rustic furniture (80% of business) and reclaimed barn doors, cedar log railings, and kitchen cabinetry.

What inspired you to start your business?

In 2003, I purchased the business and took it from a small manufacturer in Pequot Lakes and made it into a national success.

What's special about your business?

We are made up of 70+ people building and producing furniture which is the largest in the country, premium quality, best value, and most diverse of that on the market.

What have been the high and low points of being a business owner?

The low: the 2008 economic collapse as I had just expanded into a new production facility. The recovery from that was slow. The highs: Acquiring Wooded River in 2011 to add a new product to make us more relevant in the industry. Another high was assembling a top-notch management team; a large group of employees has been here for 12+ years. Another high was realizing that we have added around 350 jobs to the local economy—directly and indirectly.

What is your relationship with SCORE? SCORE client What influenced you to seek help from SCORE?

I was taking on more responsibility than I should have and yet I wanted to learn more. I heard a radio ad for SCORE, so I called and they paired me with Dick Jordan.

How SCORE helped.

Dick was good at forcing me to make some key decisions. Dick gave me the confidence to really roll up my sleeves to learn the manufacturing side of the business in order to build up my management team.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a small business?

Have a clear plan going into it.

Pictured below: Top: Owners, Brandon and Jill Andersen

Bottom: Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company production floor

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