About the Company

Brooklyn Butcher Blocks (BKBB) primarily specializes in handcrafted cutting boards made from premium woods such as walnut, maple, and cherry. The company gained early recognition through participation in local events like the UnFancy Food Festival and coverage in notable outlets, including the New York Times. BKBB's most popular products are the End Grain Walnut Butcher Block in various sizes and other bespoke cutting boards. Despite being a niche business with a limited product range, BKBB has built a loyal customer base by focusing on quality craftsmanship and offering excellent customer service.

In addition to BKBB, Wessell founded NilsWalker Designs (NWD) to house projects unrelated to the butcher block business. While BKBB is focused on a clear product line of cutting boards and kitchen-related items, NWD encompasses a broader creative scope, including furniture, books, and design work. The creation of NWD allowed Wessell to diversify his creative output while keeping BKBB’s focus narrow and strong. NWD serves as an outlet for more experimental designs and ideas that don't fit the BKBB aesthetic.

Idea Behind Company

The idea for Brooklyn Butcher Blocks came about when Nils Wessell, after relocating to Brooklyn in 2009, began experimenting with woodworking as a creative outlet. Drawing inspiration from his grandfather and uncle, both skilled in craftsmanship, Nils started making cutting boards and other wooden items. Though he initially worked as an apprentice with a knife maker, Nils soon discovered a passion for fine woodworking and began making butcher blocks for personal projects. Encouraged by his mentor Joel Bukiewicz and positive feedback at events like the UnFancy Food Festival, Nils saw an opportunity to turn his hobby into a business.

The company’s approach to design is influenced by New York’s architectural style, with a focus on modular, functional designs that maximize space efficiency. For example, the concept of modular cutting boards was born out of the need to produce multiple sizes from a single countertop slab, allowing BKBB to operate efficiently within its small workshop space. This modularity has influenced Nils’ thinking about product design in NWD as well, where components can be used across different types of furniture.

The idea behind NWD was also rooted in a desire to express more creativity in areas beyond woodworking, leading to a wider exploration of art, furniture, and other design projects. Nils wanted a platform that allowed him to explore these interests without detracting from the core focus of BKBB. By separating the two, Nils could continue to grow both businesses organically, each pursuing its own distinct goals.

Creating the Company

Nils created Brooklyn Butcher Blocks in 2010, working out of a small workshop in Brooklyn. Initially, the business grew organically as Nils made cutting boards and other items, gradually refining the process as demand increased. The breakthrough moment came when Nils was featured in the New York Times in 2011, which sparked more interest and solidified the potential for the business. Despite early success, Nils was cautious and didn’t fully commit to BKBB until 2013, maintaining part-time jobs during the initial years to support himself.

The process of launching BKBB was marked by incremental progress. Nils didn’t have a clear business plan at first but allowed the business to evolve naturally, taking one step at a time. Over the years, Nils learned important lessons in finance, marketing, and customer service. One key realization was the importance of debt, which he initially feared but later embraced as a necessary tool for growth. Additionally, learning how to say "no" and focus on the core products was a vital step in building the business.

In creating NilsWalker Designs, Nils wanted a platform for more creative expression beyond the scope of BKBB. NWD allowed him to explore ideas like modular furniture and other design concepts without diluting the brand identity of Brooklyn Butcher Blocks. This strategic decision ensured that each venture could thrive independently, catering to different aspects of Nils’ creative and business aspirations.

Launching the Business

The official launch of Brooklyn Butcher Blocks began in 2010 with a small public appearance at the UnFancy Food Festival in Brooklyn. At the time, Nils was juggling two part-time jobs while working on his business. It wasn’t until 2013, after significant exposure in the media and a steady increase in demand, that Nils was able to transition to working full-time on BKBB. Although the business had grown, Nils remained cautious about leaving his second job and relied on his own savings to fund the business during its early years.

A significant hurdle in the launch was creating a professional website. Nils initially designed the first website himself, but it was not up to par. Fortunately, his friend Jenn Sager helped redesign the site, significantly improving its appeal and functionality. Over time, Nils also embraced debt, recognizing its value for business growth and expansion. The most important lesson from these early years was the need to focus. Nils learned to narrow down the product offerings to a few key sizes and offer custom options, simplifying the process for both customers and the business.

Nils initially relied on word-of-mouth marketing and local events to grow BKBB. Over time, the brand gained recognition through media features and press coverage. By 2013, BKBB had become established enough to operate full-time, and Nils began to invest more in the website and customer service, crucial areas for long-term success. This foundation laid the groundwork for the continued growth of the business.

Earnings

Brooklyn Butcher Blocks generates annual earnings ranging from $220K to $350K, largely driven by the sales of its handcrafted cutting boards and kitchen items. The company has seen steady growth in both revenue and margins, with profitability from its first year of operation. Although the business caters to a niche market, its focus on quality craftsmanship, customer service, and strong word-of-mouth marketing has kept it profitable.

NilsWalker Designs is still in its infancy and generates only a few thousand dollars annually. However, Nils views this as a long-term project, similar to how BKBB started. The initial earnings of NWD are not a primary concern yet, as the focus is on developing and refining creative projects, such as furniture and design. Nils expects NWD to grow organically over time as the brand becomes more established and finds its own niche in the market.

While BKBB has reached a stable point with consistent earnings, Nils is also looking to expand further by introducing new products, such as kitchen islands. He also plans to explore new markets like San Francisco, based on recent customer feedback. Despite the challenges of growing a niche business, Nils has improved his margins and is focused on ensuring that both BKBB and NWD continue to grow in sustainable ways.