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Introduction
Meet Nick Slobodian, an accomplished carpenter, landscape architect, and portable sawmill operator. Nick runs Alta Vista Home and Garden 🏡 landscape construction and operates a portable sawmill in Santa Cruz 🪚. He teaches woodshop at the Idea Fab Labs makerspace to the next generation of hands on builders and hobbyists in Santa Cruz, CA 🛠️.
How Nick got into the Trades
Nick's journey began with a love for farming and building. He initially went to college at UCSC, where he pursued environmental studies. However, he soon craved a more hands-on education. He gained hands-on experience through apprenticeships and gradually built his own successful business.
Tips for Aspiring Carpenters and Woodworkers
Nick encourages aspiring tradespeople to explore various opportunities within the trades, like electrical work or plumbing. He finds joy in seeing landscape projects come to life, where he can showcase his carpentry skills alongside other elements like concrete and electrical work.
Being environmentally conscious is important in the trades as materials and practices evolve. Nick believes in making a positive impact through eco-friendly building practices.
He advises young individuals to invest in themselves by taking trade-related courses. Community colleges and organizations like Idea Fab Labs offer great resources for skill development.
The trade industry offers a multitude of opportunities, and Nick encourages aspiring tradespeople to keep an open mind. He suggests exploring fields like electrical work, plumbing, and project management, realizing that there's a place for everyone within the diverse facets of the building industry.
For those starting their journey, Nick recommends investing in oneself from an early age. Whether it's ceramics, woodshop, or any trade-related course, the opportunity to learn valuable skills shouldn't be missed. Community colleges, city resources, and organizations like Idea Fab Labs provide excellent avenues for skill development and growth.
Nick's story exemplifies the power of pursuing passions, embracing opportunities, and continuous learning. He inspires others through teaching and his successful ventures in carpentry and landscape architecture.
