Meet Pete Mossman | Craftsman & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pete Mossman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pete, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I remember when I got my first job as an entry level carpenter in 2013. Not too long into it, I had friends who would ask “do you ever think about starting your own company?” Up until about 2020 the answer was always a quick no. I would hear people talk about self employment like it is a prison, that you are stuck in, that robs you of all free time and family time. That didn’t interest me at all.

It wasn’t until Covid-19 hit and I committed some of my extra free time into selling handmade wooden goods, cutting boards, coasters, and other decor. The encouragement from others amazed me. So many people showed their support through encouraging words, sharing expertise and purchasing products.

This hit a peak at my first craft fair, a year later. I almost sold out of everything that day. There was barely any down time between people introducing themselves, buying goods and new friends telling of their woodworking journeys.

What stood out to me most that day, was that people want to support local businesses. Not only that, but hard, handmade work is a surprise to people now-a-days. This really led me to believe that if I ended up starting my own company, that people would support it. The idea that supporting a smaller business is supporting someone’s family means a lot these days.

Now we are almost 2 years in and I have hired on my best friend, someone I’ve known and trusted for years. I can’t believe the support we have received. Sometimes I still catch my mind drifting back to “if this doesn’t work out, what is my backup plan?” But I realized we have come a long way from that. I want to thank the clients, family and friends that have been so supportive around me. It truly has taken a village to get Mossman Made where it is today. We can’t wait to see how this continues!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets Mossman Made apart from others is the personal nature of our company. This also is what excited me the most about our projects, getting to know our clients.

This is pretty uncommon in the remodeling industry to have a relationship with everyone working on your home. Usually because it’s large crews of a few people for each trade. But because we are a smaller company (currently 2 people) we all get to now eachother well.

While not everybody values this priority, we see some people really buy into it. Especially because more people are working from home these days, having an enjoyable relationship with the crew working on your home matters a little more these days.

Along the way, I’ve really been challenged to keep this business smaller. Of course more growth usually means more money, but I don’t think that’s always best for everybody. I like that we stand out because it is just Aharon and I showing up to the job site day after day. We both feel like it is easy to set a project expectation and exceed it when we are both selling the job and performing the work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I picked up running when Covid closed the Gyms in 2020. Since then I found out that Columbus Running Company does a “training run” every Saturday morning @8am. It is the best way to get exercise and make new friends at the same time. I love those people over there!

I also have been a big part of my community church for over a decade- Dwell Community Church. I can’t say enough good things about how positively influential my small group has been on my life over such a long time.

My wife and I also love Northstar breakfast, Arepazo and Harvest pizza as a couple of our favorite restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people that need mentioned in the progress of where I have come from.

First, despite the lack of value I had for it at the time, I wouldn’t be here without my high school; The Graham School. Because they were an internship charter school, they allowed us to explore potential careers we were considering. Long story short, I graduated high school with 2 career paths that I wanted to explore more and Construction is where I ended up. Shoutout to TGS and all the teachers I had there who made a difference!

Next, my first mentor: Tom.
Tom was the first boss I had in the remodeling world that trusted me enough to give me responsibility. It took some time for me to start developing skills, but he kept teaching. I wouldn’t have kept my feet in construction if it wasn’t for Tom’s friendship and mentorship, thanks Tom.

Then there is Dan:
Dan also was a mentor to me for years. The unique thing about Dan wasn’t just his willingness to teach, but to learn. He let me ask questions, iterate on processes and develop on new ideas. Without Dan’s humility, I wouldn’t have been able to grow in my hands on experience in the skilled trades. Thanks Dan.

Then, of course, my wife, Emily:
She is the one who really believed we could start this company. She is the one who pushed it into a reality instead of a dream. Emily is so supportive and constructive at the same time. You know when they say, “behind every great man, there is a great woman” and that’s my wife Emily. Thanks Emily

Instagram: @mossman.made

Facebook: Mossman Made LLC

Image Credits
Photos by Kelly Insinga