Meet the Makers is a series of interviews to help you get to know the people who are building our makerspace.
Chris, what’s your role at YuKonstruct?
I’m a Director (Treasurer), and member.
How did you get involved with YuKonstruct?
I’ve been working in technology commercialization for about 15 years now. So when I moved here two years ago, I gravitated towards (co) space. I attended a few talks there and at some point I heard about the makerspace. It was the first I heard of such a thing. I went to a Tuesday Open House last fall, and became a member soon after. My primary interest was the wood shop, as I could make use of some of the equipment as I was completing my fence.
What do you like most about YuKonstruct being up and running?
YuKonstruct makes a set of tools and skills accessible. I didn’t grow up using mitre saws and table saws for example, & there hasn’t been a lot of people in my circle of friends with these tools or ability to use them. YuKonstruct provides access to expensive equipment, to training, and to mentors.
What do you want to build at YuKonstruct?
I have a few upcoming projects. Next summer I will be building a shed and I expect I’ll be spending some time at the wood shop. Over the winter however, I expect I will take advantage of my new CNC router expertise and build some custom shelving for my crawlspace, and perhaps my office.
What advice do you have for other makers and entrepreneurs in the Yukon?
My advice is focused more towards the entrepreneur than the maker. Your product is not as good as YOU think it is. Your employees will not likely be as committed to your idea as you are, unless you compensate them accordingly.Your product is not as good as you think it is. Your employees will not likely be as committed to your idea as you are, unless you compensate them accordingly.
Establish a Board of Advisors or Directors to help you in areas where you lack strength.
Focus. Strategy receives a lot of attention, but execution probably matters more.
Watch your cash with fervor. Your business can survive a lot of bumps if there is cash. You won’t survive without it.
Do what you are good at and find partners to complement your skills, but be sure to establish your working relationship on paper. Insist on shotgun clauses with co-founders as you may have irreconcilable differences.
Leave a Reply