Travis Klavohn of Klavohn Studios: Crafting Legacy and Leadership in Cabinetry
Travis Klavohn is the owner of Klavohn Studios in Acworth, Georgia. His family has been in the woodworking trade for five generations, starting in Germany and continuing in the United States. Travis grew up building cabinets with his father and grandfather, learning the craft from a young age.
Before starting Klavohn Studios, Travis spent 27 years in the insurance industry. He always enjoyed woodworking on the side, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that he turned his passion into a business. A friend asked him to do a woodworking project, and soon he had contracts for kitchens and bathrooms, working out of his basement.
“If you bring joy to what you do, other people really, really, uh, that resonates with folks.” ~ Travis Klavohn
Travis says he didn’t have a big business plan when he started Klavohn Studios. He believes you need a real drive to create and enjoy the craft to succeed in woodworking. For him, the joy comes from turning a customer’s ideas into something real and beautiful.
He explains that cabinet making is a unique trade. It requires both strong technical skills and a certain personality. Cabinet makers need to know drafting, math, material science, and how to work with other trades like stone, plumbing, and electrical.
Travis looks for team members who have a true passion for beautiful work. He often hires people for small jobs first to see if they have the right drive and skill. Many of his team members are part of father and son partnerships, which helps keep the tradition and quality strong.
The community in Acworth is special because many cabinet makers and tradespeople work together. They share resources and help each other on big projects. This cooperative spirit is similar to old-fashioned trades where everyone works together by choice, not just for a paycheck.
Leadership is important to Travis, both in business and in his past political work. He believes the best leaders find joy in what they do and share that joy with others. This attitude helps attract customers and earns respect in the community.
Travis encourages others to find joy in their work and use it to make life better for themselves and those around them. He invites anyone interested in custom cabinets or fine woodworking to visit his website and see examples of his work. Travis is proud of his family’s legacy and the business he has built.
Travis Klavohn, Klavohn Studios Contact Info:
www.TravisBuilt.com
Travis@Klavohn.com
(770) 312-7441
Topics Discussed
- Family Tradition:Travis’s woodworking roots go back five generations, shaping both his skills and business values.
- Career Pivot:He transitioned from a long insurance career to start Klavohn Studios during the pandemic.
- Craftsmanship:Success in cabinet making requires technical skill, creativity, and a passion for excellence.
- Team Building:Travis looks for team members with a true desire to create beautiful work, often hiring through small trial projects.
- Community Collaboration:Local cabinet makers in Acworth often help each other, sharing resources and expertise.
- Leadership Philosophy:Travis believes leadership is about finding and sharing joy in your work, inspiring others by example.
- Contractor Marketing:He uses his website and personal connections to showcase his work and attract new clients.
Audio Transcription