Brett Neylan, Capital Hardwood and Supply

Starting a hardwood retail business from scratch with no industry background might seem impossible, but the right combination of strategic sourcing, mentorship, and community focus can turn an outsider into a successful niche player in just 18 months. In this episode of the Woodpreneur Podcast, host Jennifer Alger sits down with Brett Neylan, founder of Capital Hardwood and Supply, to explore his unconventional entry into the hardwood industry. Coming from backgrounds in outdoor apparel and bicycles, Brett shares how COVID sparked his interest in woodworking and led him to launch a hardwood retail business that now serves hobbyists, contractors, and institutional clients across multiple channels. You'll hear about Brett's strategic approach to sourcing high-grade kiln-dried lumber from rural sawmills while also embracing the urban lumber movement, his inventory management philosophy that keeps stock lean with species variety on a 60-day cycle, and how he's built a business model focused on dimensional lumber, live edge slabs, and specialty products like charcuterie wood. Brett discusses notable projects including a Catholic cathedral renovation and partnerships with schools for shop classes, demonstrating the community impact of local hardwood suppliers. This conversation explores the critical role mentorship and industry networking have played in Brett's rapid success, his growing e-commerce presence and integration with online marketplaces, and his multi-channel marketing approach using Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Brett also shares insights on challenges like inventory management and system integration, the value of partnerships with local sawyers and platforms like AncesTREE, and his vision for scaling beyond local retail through outside sales and expanded e-commerce. Whether you're considering entering the hardwood retail business, interested in inventory management and sourcing strategies, or looking for insights on building a niche wood business through community engagement and online sales, this episode offers practical wisdom from someone who's built a thriving operation in just over a year. Tune in to discover how Capital Hardwood and Supply is growing through strategic planning, strong mentorship, and a commitment to local wood economies and circular sourcing models, and don't forget to follow the Woodpreneur Podcast for more stories from entrepreneurs building successful wood businesses. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Brett's Background 03:22 Sourcing, Customers, and Notable Projects 11:12 The Power of Mentorship and Partnerships 22:24 E-Commerce Growth and Marketing Strategies 30:02 Business Challenges and Future Plans 38:05 Building Systems for Scaling 44:08 Final Thoughts and Contact Info The Woodpreneur Podcast brings stories of woodworkers, makers, and entrepreneurs turning their passion for wood into successful businesses - from inspiration to education to actionable advice. Hosted by Steve Larosiliere and Jennifer Alger  For blog posts and updates: woodpreneur.com See how we helped woodworkers, furniture-makers, millwork and lumber businesses grow to the next level: woodpreneurnetwork.com Empowering woodpreneurs and building companies to grow and scale: buildergrowth.io Connect with us at:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawmillsnearme/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpreneurnetwork/ Join Our Facebook Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/woodpreneurnetwork Join our newsletter: https://substack.com/@woodpreneurnetwork You can connect with Brett at: https://capitalhardwood.com/ https://www.instagram.com/capitalhardwoodandsupply/ https://www.facebook.com/people/Capital-Hardwood-and-Supply/61566233738504/?sk=about