Today, we’d like to introduce you to Damian Beveridge.
Hi Damian, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey into building and crafting began with my brother, who introduced me to various projects like constructing dog houses, decks, and even a backyard fort. This early exposure sparked my interest, leading me to enroll in engineering and architecture classes during high school, which deepened my fascination.
During college, I found solace in woodworking, particularly in small projects like carving tikis in my spare time. The culmination of my skills and passion came when my girlfriend, now my wife, and I decided to relocate to Oregon. There, I conceived the idea of building a home bar to sell and generate some extra funds for our move.
Surprisingly, the process of crafting that bar filled me with immense pride, igniting a shift in my career aspirations. Despite studying aviation management, the satisfaction I gained from creating the bar spurred me to pursue a job in a local cabinet shop in Oregon upon graduation. From the ground up, I began with tasks such as building face frames, sanding cabinets, and making deliveries. However, my determination and eagerness to learn propelled me forward, eventually earning me a promotion to the cabinet design position.
After a few years, my wife and I decided to return to Florida, where I found myself uncertain of my next career move. It was during this period of transition that the narrative of buying a house and undertaking its remodeling journey unfolded. Through this experience, I discovered a newfound passion for furniture building.
With the arrival of our baby boy, I realized that prioritizing time with him was paramount. This realization prompted me to seek a way to work from home. Combining my love for furniture building and the desire to be present for my family, I embarked on a new venture with my wife’s support: starting Bev Works, a business specializing in custom-built furniture.
From humble beginnings in our garage to now operating out of a spacious workshop beside our home, I’ve found fulfillment in crafting furniture while cherishing moments with my family at a moment’s notice.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a new business inevitably involves navigating through challenges and learning experiences. I’ve encountered a few bumps along the road, but I see them as valuable lessons that have shaped my journey. One particular ordeal stands out – a client refused to pay after the installation was finished, presenting me with my toughest challenge yet.
For months, I wrestled with the situation, contemplating possibly resorting to small claims court to resolve the issue. However, I’m thankful that it didn’t escalate to that extent. Eventually, the client fulfilled their payment obligations, albeit belatedly. This experience prompted me to reevaluate and strengthen my contracts to safeguard against similar scenarios in the future.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Bev Works?
Bev Works is a custom furniture design studio in the heart of Jacksonville, FL. I’m meticulously curating a collection of furniture pieces set to debut on my website by year’s end. Currently, I am crafting small batches and one-of-a-kind pieces, including free-standing furniture like tables, coffee tables, and sideboards.
However, the work that I am know for most is my slab dining tables, each table is meticulously constructed from a single tree. This holistic approach, where the top, legs, and stretchers all hail from the same source, imbues each table with an unparalleled narrative, making it a centerpiece rich with history.
What truly distinguishes Bev Works is my commitment to a personalized manufacturing process. I firmly believe in bringing clients along for the journey, sharing progress through photos and videos, and fostering a collaborative experience from inception to completion.
My goal is to run my business around the philosophy that furniture is more than mere decor; it’s an extension of one’s home and personal narrative. I heard a quote once, although I’m unsure of the author, “Every piece of furniture has a story, a purpose, and a place in our lives. They are the silent witnesses to our joys, struggles, and moments of reflection.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with me, and this ethos guides every creation at Bev Works. I aim to craft pieces that not only adorn spaces but also serve as silent witnesses to life’s myriad moments – joys, struggles, and reflections.
Any big plans?
In the next few years, my main focus for Bev Works is to expand our offerings by introducing multiple furniture collections on our website. Alongside this, I hope to one day be able to furnish entire homes with our bespoke pieces, providing clients with cohesive and stylish living spaces from room to room.
However, as I pursue these professional goals, I am equally dedicated to maintaining a healthy balance between work commitments and family time. Success isn’t just about business achievements; it’s also about cherishing precious moments with my wife and son. If I find myself unable to strike this balance, I will have to rethink and restructure the business to put them first.
In essence, my vision for Bev Works is not only to create beautiful and functional furniture but also to lead a fulfilling life that encompasses both professional success and cherished family moments.
Pricing:
- Dining Tables $4,000 – $6,000
- Coffee Tables $800 – $2,000
- Sideboards $2,000 – $3,500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bev-works.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damian.bevworks/
