While we pay our authors for their contributions to Fine Homebuilding, writing about designing and building homes is at best a nice side hustle. Fortunately, money is typically not why our best authors reach out with ideas for articles in the first place. They write and email our editors with the hope of publishing their work simply because they want to share what they’ve learn with others.
Gary Streigler, one of our most consistent contributors, tracked down the Fine Homebuilding team at the International Builders Show (IBS) a couple decades ago with a handwritten list of article ideas and the dream of being on the cover FHB. It worked.
Gary’s been a consistent contributor ever since, publishing dozens of articles, videos, courses, and appearing on the cover, maybe more than anyone (we’d have to count; Mike Guertin may give Gary a run for his money on this one).
Gary’s enthusiasm is infections, but it is the way he simplifies trim carpentry tasks and balances a get-it done approach with handsome results that readers love about his articles. Whether he’s installing doors that need to operate perfectly for years to come or building a bookcase, Gary knows when to lean into production and when to slow down for the sake of a durable, high-quality finished product. In most building trades, that’s the name of the game.
Gary also readily adopts new tools and materials when they speed his process or level up the results of his work, so by watching Gary evolve over the years, we’ve also learned what’s new in the industry. Gary found us, and we are so glad he did. And by the way, Gary still hunts us down at IBS every year with his list of article ideas. It’s still handwritten and it’s unlikely he’s going to stop until we agree to publish everything on the list!
— Introduction written by Brian Pontolilo
We recently reached out to Gary to learn just a little bit more about him. Here are his answer to a few of our questions:
When did you know you wanted to work in your trade… not when did you start working in it, but when did you know you wanted to work in it?
Like most people, when I started carpentry it was a way to make money, but it soon turned into a passion. When I started out carpenters didn’t just do framing or trimwork. On a lot of jobs we did the foundation, roofing, even insulation and drywall. Although I was drawn to trimwork, I think it was good for me to know a little about the other trades.
Since I had walked a mile in their shoes it was easy to appreciate what they did and how we could work together. I am thankful for all the good carpenters who took time to explain and share with me. That is the reason I enjoy sharing as much of what I have been blessed to learn as possible through video projects, YouTube, and in person workshops.
What piece of advice would you pass along to the incoming generation interested in getting involved in the trades?
The best advice I received was from an older cabinet builder who was about to retire: “always do the best work you can even on the smallest job;” and from my father: “don’t be afraid to take on a job you haven’t done. If someone else figured out how to do it you can too.” That one lead to me taking on my first curved stair job and learning how to make curved casing trim.
When I started working, the builder was almost always the lead carpenter. From being on the job they knew a lot about what every trade had to do and when. Basically, they supervised the job while working on the job. I think this is still the best way to run a remodeling business.
Today I see a lot of schools training project managers on how to run a job with no training in how to build anything. I just think it’s hard to lead where you have not gone. For new construction, the old model only fits high end projects. But I think to be a good project manger, you should have done the work even if it’s for less than a year.
What skill came easiest to you and what have you struggled to master?
When I first started I could not imagine owning a business and making money on anything other than my labor. Early on, I was able to learn from the mistakes of others, but eventually I had to start paying for my own education. I also had to learn that I couldn’t and shouldn’t get every job.
First, if you are getting every job, you’re working too cheap. A few times a still, small voice was saying “look out” but I went ahead anyway. If you don’t feel right about a client, it doesn’t always mean they are bad clients, they just don’t need to be your client.
The best business move I made was getting someone to take care of the books and payroll (I still approved all the invoices and signed the checks). I wish that I had been more aggressive about promoting my business and following up on leads. I came to realize that just doing excellent work isn’t enough. If you aren’t following up and letting a potential client know you want their job, someone else will.
My Best Business Advice
Always treat others the way you want to be treated, be completely honest, express thankfulness to the people you work for and with, return your phone calls and messages, and smile. People love to do business with a smiling face.
Learn More From GaryWant to learn more about the essential jobsite tools that every carpenter needs? Sign up for FHB’s new eLearning course with veteran trim carpenter and tool junkie, Gary Striegler, Mastering Essential Jobsite Tools. In the course, you’ll learn: ➤ Why the miter saw, tablesaw, router, and benchtop planner are essential for trim carpenters ➤ Proper tool setup and why it’s essential for getting accurate results ➤ How to work safely with your power tools ➤ Basic uses and master advanced techniques of these essential jobsite tools ➤ How to use jigs that extend the potential of these fundamental jobsite tools Click here to register today |
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Keep Craft Alive is our campaign celebrating those who have chosen to passionately pursue a career in design, building, and remodeling. Find out more and show your support by visiting KeepCraftAlive.org, and use #KeepCraftAlive to share your passion for the cause.
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