How Robin Johnson Built a Joinery Business After Failure and Rebuilt for Growth

Robin Johnson reflects on one year of Yours for the Making and the journey behind building his business, Johnson Bespoke.Starting in his father’s workshop, Robin developed a hands on approach to making from an early age. He went on to study surf science, where he learned critical thinking, before working at Quiksilver and gaining insight into retail and customer behaviour. After a period in teaching design and technology, he made the decision to leave and start his own business.In this episode, Robin shares the reality of building a creative business from scratch. He talks through early struggles with pricing, inconsistent work, and poor financial management. He explains how losing a major project during COVID forced a reset, and how focusing on joinery and controlling costs allowed the business to recover and grow.He also reflects on hiring key people, building a skilled team, and setting a clear direction for the company. This is a direct account of building a business through mistakes, pressure, and long term thinking.Key Topics CoveredOne year of podcasting and lessons from creative guestsEarly exposure to making and learning through experimentationStudying surf science and developing critical thinkingWorking at Quicksilver and understanding retail behaviourTeaching design and technology and working in private educationStarting Johnson Bespoke and early business challengesFinancial mistakes and lessons from COVID disruptionWhy focusing on joinery improved profitabilityHiring key people and building a strong teamScaling a creative business and working with global designersLong term ambition to build a leading joinery companyPersonal growth through podcasting and reflectionEnjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms.Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.Key Moments:00:00 One year of podcasting and purpose of the solo episode01:14 Early making experiences and learning through experimentation03:25 Studying surf science and developing critical thinking07:16 Teaching design and technology and working in schools12:04 Starting Johnson Bespoke and early struggles15:15 Taking on major projects and facing COVID disruption19:04 Financial mistakes and learning to manage numbers21:41 Hiring Richard Muddyman and scaling the business26:35 Building high end joinery and working with designers31:42 Podcast growth and building a personal brand36:12 Advice to his 18 year old self and mindset