Monte’s Woodshop
Intricately cut, wood designs
Monte Alberston, owner of Monte’s Woodshop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, started his own part-time woodworking shop when he was 18 years old. By the age of 29 he was able to keep it open full-time, and has recently celebrated 13 years of business in the woodworking industry. “I started woodworking when I was 12 years old,” Monte said. “Because of the increasing demand for the work I do, I’ve been able to transform a hobby into a thriving business.”
The Challenge:
Finding the right equipment for intricate wood engraving projects.
Upon first opening his shop in 1992, Monte immediately began receiving requests to personalize items and intricately cut wood pieces. At first he outsourced those jobs; however, soon realized he could add a valued service to customers, as well as save time and money, if he could perform those jobs himself. Knowing he needed his own engraving equipment, Monte set out to find the best system to fit his needs.
“I needed to make sure that I would make enough money with the machine to cover the payment,” he said.
The Solution:
While attending the Awards and Recognition Association show in Las Vegas, Monte came across several CO2 laser system providers. In addition to Epilog, Monte studied the company’s competitors well. After all of Monte’s questions had been answered, he determined Epilog was the provider that best met his needs.
“The Epilog produced more quality items than the other machines I saw. After I purchased the machine, it paid for itself quicker than I ever imagined. Its also expanded my product line from wood to leather, acrylic, stainless steel and glass.”
Since the purchase of his Epilog laser system, Monte has worked with the governor’s office of South Dakota and created a Laura Ingalls’ Little House on the Prairie replica for the White House Christmas tree, which he got to personally present to First Lady Laura Bush.
“I can now make things that have never existed before,” Monte said. “I’ve sold over one million dollars worth of lasered products, and have expanded my business to include two Epilog Lasers and three more craftsmen.”
Contact Monte’s Woodshop for your engraving needs.
