Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig McPherson.
Hi Craig, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started CNC Wood Cutters because I’ve always enjoyed building things and solving problems. What began as a passion for woodworking and creating unique projects quickly turned into an opportunity to help local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations stand out.
In the beginning, I focused on custom wood signs and CNC-carved products, but I soon realized that my customers needed much more than just wood products. Over time, I expanded into laser engraving, UV printing, awards, promotional products, branded apparel, and custom event displays. My goal became providing one place where customers could bring an idea and leave with a finished product that helped grow their business or celebrate their organization.
Today, CNC Wood Cutters works with businesses, schools, real estate companies, nonprofits, sports organizations, and community events throughout Oregon and beyond. One of the things I’m most proud of is that we don’t just make products—we help bring ideas to life. Whether it’s creating a custom award, developing a new fundraising game, designing event branding, or producing promotional products, every project starts with listening to the customer’s vision and finding a creative solution.
Looking back, the biggest reason we’ve grown is by building relationships, standing behind our work, and constantly looking for new ways to help our customers succeed. That’s what continues to drive the business today.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, I started by self-funding everything. Every machine, every software upgrade, every new tool, and every expansion came from money I earned and reinvested back into the business. There wasn’t a big investor or large loan behind the company—it was built one project at a time.
One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is balancing growth with cash flow. You have to invest in equipment, materials, marketing, and technology long before you see the return. There were times when I was working long days, nights, and weekends just to keep moving forward while continuing to deliver the quality my customers expected.
Another challenge is wearing every hat. You’re not just the owner—you become the salesperson, designer, production manager, customer service representative, accountant, shipping department, and janitor. It can be overwhelming, but it also teaches you every part of your business.
Even through those challenges, I’ve always believed in reinvesting in the company and focusing on building long-term relationships instead of chasing short-term profits. Every obstacle has taught me something, made the business stronger, and helped us become more efficient. Looking back, the struggles were worth it because they’ve shaped both the company and me into what we are today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CNC WOOD CUTTERS?
At CNC Wood Cutters, we believe every project tells a story. Whether it’s recognizing an employee’s achievements, helping a nonprofit raise money, celebrating a community event, or creating a custom gift that becomes a family keepsake, our goal is to create products that leave a lasting impression.
What started as a passion for woodworking has grown into a full-service creative manufacturing company. Today, we specialize in custom awards, signage, laser engraving, CNC routing, UV printing, promotional products, branded apparel, event displays, and one-of-a-kind custom projects. If a customer has an idea, we love the challenge of bringing it to life.
What sets us apart is our approach. We don’t simply take orders—we partner with our customers. We take the time to understand their goals, ask questions, and create solutions that are both functional and memorable. Many of our favorite projects started as a simple sketch on a piece of paper or a conversation across the table.
Innovation is one of the things we’re known for. We’re constantly looking for new materials, new technology, and creative ways to help businesses and organizations stand out. Whether we’re designing a custom fundraising game, a donor recognition display, corporate awards, or branded merchandise, we enjoy creating products people haven’t seen before.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the relationships we’ve built throughout our community. We have the privilege of working with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, sports organizations, and community groups that are making a positive difference. Supporting those organizations isn’t just good business—it’s something we genuinely care about. Through our Community Partner Program, we’ve helped nonprofit organizations save thousands of dollars on the products they need so they can invest more back into their missions.
Our reputation has been built on craftsmanship, creativity, reliability, and customer service. We treat every project as if it represents our own brand, because in many ways, it does.
If there’s one thing I’d like readers to know, it’s that we’re much more than a wood shop. We’re a creative partner that helps people celebrate achievements, promote their businesses, strengthen their brands, and create memorable experiences. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing an idea become reality and knowing it made a positive impact for our customers and our community.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything—you just have to be willing to learn. Finding a mentor doesn’t always mean having one person guide your entire career. I’ve learned something from every successful business owner, customer, supplier, and community leader I’ve met.
My advice is to get involved in your community. Join your local Chamber of Commerce, service organizations, attend networking events, volunteer, and support local nonprofits. Some of the best business relationships I’ve built started by simply helping someone else without expecting anything in return.
When you’re looking for a mentor, don’t focus on finding someone exactly like you. Find people who are successful in areas where you want to grow. Ask thoughtful questions, listen more than you talk, and be willing to apply what you learn. Most successful people are happy to share their experiences with someone who is genuinely interested and willing to put in the work.
Networking has been one of the most valuable investments I’ve made. I’ve found that people do business with people they know, trust, and enjoy working with. Building those relationships takes time, but they’re worth far more than any advertisement you can buy.
Finally, never stop learning. Read books, attend workshops, learn new technologies, and stay curious. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new. If you approach people with humility, a willingness to help, and a genuine interest in building relationships, you’ll naturally find mentors along the way—and someday you’ll have the opportunity to mentor someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cncwoodcutters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cncwoodcutters/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cncwoodcutters
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-mcpherson-76018038/
