After inheriting his father’s small woodshop business, Tom Dockham wanted to grow it into a bigger and brighter venture. In aspiration of these goals, Tom created White Pine Furniture, a “ready-to-assemble” furniture company. 

Tom knew that in order to reach these desired business goals, he needed assistance from business professionals. After reaching out to numerous other agencies for assistance with no avail, Tom seeked the help from the Michigan SBDC where he was connected with business consultant Lincoln Crocker. Together, Tom and Lincoln came up with a set of financials to present to online marketplaces like Wayfair, Walmart, and Amazon. Within a year, Lincoln was able to assist Tom in creating a business plan, obtaining grants, and making White Pine Furniture present in name brand marketplaces. 

"SBDC and Lincoln Crocker have taken my small shop to the next level,” said Tom Dockham, owner of White Pine Furniture. “With his guidance and experience in manufacturing along with the help of many other SBDC staff members, we are on course for a record production for 2020 even in the midst of this Covid-19 we have met goals beyond my dreams."

Eighteen months after coming to the SBDC for assistance, Tom’s company started to show profit. After many teleconferences where negotiations were arranged with name brand marketplaces like Wayfair, Walmart and Amazon; Tom was starting to achieve his goals! 

Since launching, White Pine Furniture is up to four employees including Tom. The company offers many different furniture designs with plans to add on to its impressive marketplace portfolio soon. Visit White Pine Furniture online at whitepinefurniture.com to see the products they make and sell.