Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Czepiel.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
During summer and weekends between ages 13-15, my step father would allow me to help clean up debris from roof repairs and ultimately jumpstarted my extensive construction background. My uncle built custom homes and is where my summer job became a mission to understand every aspect of custom home building. I’ve always possessed the ability to learn quickly and over a single summer I excelled from a laborer into a skilled asset in the custom home building field. After about 7-8 years of construction, the 2008 economy crash forced me into having to find a new way so In 2009 I joined the Army seeking a way to find more purpose/value in myself. During my deployment I was tasked to operating vehicle x-ray machines to locate contraband and explosives. Once returning, I found myself searching for a career that i could enjoy and tolerate. I tried being a core winder (making the coils for mega-transformers), Toyota technician, Interior installer for Gulfstream G650 jets, then found that my military x-ray experience gave me a route into NDT (Non-destructive Testing), after only a two year span of industrial experience i gained Level II certifications in 5 inspection methods. Tired of continuous travel, I accepted an Aerospace NDT position in Savannah where I my attention to detail allowed my knowledge expansion leading to becoming a self taught process/Quality engineer, then pushed myself to learning CAD programs, Mechanical engineering, project management, Quality management, then 2020 COVID had me sitting wondering what is next. This is where my Custom Woodworking / Cabinetry business unfolded. Refusing to just sit and wait, I decided to build myself a hobby shop in my backyard, then quickly was told i am too good at woodworking not to do it as a business. I was gifted my LLC from my best friend and have in business since November of 2020.
My wife and I have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. They have been my backbone though my journey in business and life. I am a Disabled Retired U.S. Army Veteran, I sustained a back injury in the military that resulted in being Medically Retired.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been several bumps along the way! Learning the different materials and wood species has been a challenge, but an enjoyable process.
Funding was and still is a challenge, I started with a budget cordless tool combo and returned profits into the business to slowly obtain proper tools and equipment.
During my largest build and busiest point in business, I almost lost my life to an extremely rapid infection behind my left eye. i was hospitalized for 15 days and underwent 3 surgeries. I was fortunate enough to only loose partial vision in my left eye. Ultimately, there was a new learning curve to figure out but it luckily does not affect my working vision only upper peripheral.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My grandfather was always very attentive and would tell me “If it is worth doing, it is worth giving 110%” that has stuck with me and is reflected in every one of my projects. I take great pride in my projects no matter how big or small the build or profit. Each project begins by personally hand selecting raw materials, meticulously inspecting each piece no matter if it will be painted, stained or just a clear or oil finish. My company slogan is “Hand crafted for your lifestyle” and is reflected in every piece or project. My focus is Quality over quantity and always is at the forefront of every project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.FlawlessWoodworks.com
- Instagram: @flawlesswoodworks
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/flawlesswoodworksllc
