Miniviews series - No. 2 with John Malecki

You’ve landed on the second installment of the Maker Miniviews (mini, two question interviews) series. Learn more about these maker interviews and view a list of all Miniviews.

Woodworking, metalworking, custom pieces, and more! John Malecki and team have a deep passion and true talent for creating amazing work.

Check out this interview with woodworker and former NFL player, John Malecki.

John, what inspires you, as a maker, to craft things by hand every single day?

"I come from a family built on the backs of old fashioned hard work. I have a college degree and I played professional football before this. So to apply those skill sets to my life as it is now, I had to take inspiration from what I knew. So what inspires me now, is the fact I have done all of these things in my short time here on earth…. and I taught myself this skill set and it now pays my bills.

I do what I do in order to show the everyday person that they can be whomever they want to be. It does not matter how young or old, if you have formal training or if you’re some average Joe. You can be who you want to, make what you want for yourself and for your life. I would add, my inspiration is in the fact that we have a society that seems to think of “work” as something boring and not enjoyable. I get inspired to show people that it can be different, it does not have to be like that.”

For other makers looking to start a business, which path would you recommend?

a) Providing a service/custom client-based work

b) Providing digital media, inspiration, and tutorial videos/articles online?

"Well, this is different for me considering that I do both. I market strictly on social media and also have videos, blogs, plans, inspiration and tons of digital content. I also provide service and custom work.

In 2016 there is no differentiation between the two. You have to be a “media” company before anything. The world gets its information in ways that have never existed before, and the internet provides opportunity that never existed before. Everyone can become more educated while educating others.

My advice to someone wanting to start their own workshop or business is laid out in my blog at JohnMalecki.com, but I would start by finding your passion and voice. Then putting it out there for people and keep feeding it. It’s a beautiful time to be in business, there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of in this new world of marketing and eCommerce.”

John and crew’s handmade creations, made with emphasis on their love for industrial design are making rounds in Pennsylvania and beyond. Beyond that, John’s digital marketing efforts and social media channels are on-point.

As he notes (and I completely agree and second that) that in today’s age, any company must be active in online digital marketing and media. I think it’s amazing how people can connect with such ease, learn and teach, and share their stories and passions. One look through John’s blog, website, Instagram feed, or YouTube videos make it very apparent that this man is very passionate about what he does.

"It’s a beautiful time to be in business, there is a lot of opportunity to take advantage of..." — John Malecki

John has built an impressive following, one that you should be a part of if you aren’t already! Check it all out on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Thank you for inspiring others with your words and work, John!

Thank you all for reading this article, now get out there and make things!