Starter Company Plus Spotlight: Richard Savage

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Each year, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia brings on board 20 businesses that are looking for assistance with starting, growing or purchasing a business. The Starter Company Plus program offers these entrepreneurs extensive training, mentorship, networking opportunities and the chance to receive a micro-grant of up to $5,000. Get connected to Barrie's business support network by taking the first step with the Starter Company. Eligible entrepreneurs can inquire about an application package at smallbusiness@barrie.ca.
 

What started out as a small carpentry business has grown into a business that is so much more than carpentry. Over the 10+ years Savage Carpentry, owned by Richard Savage, have been serving their clients and community while setting out to do business better, they created the philosophy that it starts with the experience of their clients.

New homes are not typically built with accessibility or adaptive living features and Richard is looking to fill this gap to assist those wanted to age in place. Savage Carpentry believes they can make a massive impact in our community, and the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia has no doubt after leading him through the Starter Company Plus program. 

Read on to learn more about Savage Carpentry and see some of the projects they have done.

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Richard Savage Headshot

What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?

The best part about being an entrepreneur is having no limit on your roles and responsibilities. You can create whatever kind of business you want and are only limited by your imagination. Combining that with the flexibility of being able to create your own schedule makes it exciting and enjoyable for me.

What inspired you to start a business?

When I started the business, I had no children I knew one day I wanted kids, however, and I saw how much the time commitment of work was getting in the way of so many families. I set out to create a business that would give me the freedom and flexibility to be around for my wife and future children. 

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Richard Savage Children

What services or products do you offer?

Complete home renovations, adaptative living solutions, and project management are the three branches of service we offer. With a full team of engineers and designers, we can help you create a space that you can enjoy for many years to come.

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Savage Carpentry Deck Build
 

Why did you focus on adaptive living as your niche in the carpentry world?

I wanted to put my energy into focusing on one area instead of a variety of areas. With the cost of aging increasing, and more people wanting to stay in their homes throughout retirement, I wanted to be the person to help support people through that process. Ultimately, our work allows people to stay in their homes for as long as they can.

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Savage Carpentry Interior Build

If you could build your dream home anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Ireland. My dad was born in Belfast so it would be awesome to build and own a home there. 

What is unique about your business?

We rely on subcontractors and only perform the carpentry “in house” ensuring every task is being completed by a professional that specializes in their industry.

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Savage Carpentry House Build

What is your favourite way to spend a day outdoors?

Spending the day at the beach with my children or heading to the cottage.

What is the most fun piece of equipment you get to use and/or what would it be if you had unlimited funds to spend?

A Telehandler. It is like a forklift and can drive anywhere. The forks can be extended 40 feet into the air. If I owned one, I could build an entire house and move materials around with ease. 

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Savage Carpentry Tools

What crazy activities do you dream of trying someday?

Fishing in the ocean. My wife and I love visiting the east coast and I would love to try fishing out there some time.

What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?

I hope to network with other small businesses as well as improve upon my existing business to ultimately help improve the experience my clients have living in their homes.

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Reach out to Savage Carpentry to request a quote and get started on the processing of enhancing your home for the enjoyment of you and your family:

Website: www.savagecarpentry.com

Email: savage4carpentry@gmail.com

Instagram: Savage_4_Carpentry

Facebook: Savage Carpentry


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