The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2006-10-18, Page 11• News With competing markets, business. is a gamble nowadays, says Houle From Page 10 And, to see if he's up for the chal- lenge, Houle is completely rebuild- ing his own kitchen, carving the cabinets and corbels for under the counters. "This is going to be my model kitchen," he says. "If you're a carver why riot go into something that's useful," Houle adds, noting that the wood- carving business has become more difficult in recent years, especially since more homes are being built without detail carving inside. "Carving is a tough business. I've come in at the tail end where it's changed from heavily -carved furni- ture to simpler carvings," he says. Houle also adds that like many other businesses in North America, woodcarving has been hurt by glob- al competition. "Nowadays it's a gamble," he says, noting that similar work from China can be purchased for eight times less the price than in North America. He adds that many carving com- panies in the U.S. have had to fold in recent years and that there is now a excess of carving_ equipment for sale on the market. Houle also says with the develop- ment of digital scanners, the num- ber of opportunities for wood- carvers is becoming less each year. "The next 20 years will be more of a struggle than the last 20," he says. However, that's not to say Houle regrets getting involved with the woodcarving business. In fact, it is the total opposite. "Woodcarving is a lifetime process. As you grow in it, you get better at it," he says. "I don't judge success by the amount of money you make. Success is being happy with what you do in life," adds Houle. Houle's carvings can be seen at www.woodcarvingmaster.com f t . A�lti l � , The Huron Expositor • October 18, 2006 Page 11_ �xoz�cE HYDRANT • . FLUSHING WILL TAKE PLACE during the daytime in Vanastra the week of OCTOBER 23", 2006 Thank -you AMERIC , WATER SERVICES Phone: 519 527-1004 If you are unemployed or on El ACCESS Professional Resume Development Interview Preparation Job Seekers & Coaching Club Call today for more information 519-524-2515 519-482-1700 519-235-0471 519-527-0305 519-357-4995 Jeff Heuchert photo Elizabeth and Dave Houle pose on the upper floor of their workshop, inside their Seaforth home, with many of the prod- ucts Dave creates, including duck decoys, finials, urns and table legs. Have a story Idea? Call Susan or Jeff 527-0240 Ar 4p. �� v va SJ FRUZLJEY AUTO REPAIR REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES - BIG OR SMALU Air Conditioning • Tune Ups • Brakes • Safety Checks Computer Diagnostic Equipment • No Drip Rust Proofing Steve Frttzley Licensed Mechanic Over 14 Years Of Experience Servicing All Makes And Models, 54 Goderich St. E. Seaforth 519-527-0797 ROTH DRAINAGE LIMITED Quality Workmanship Since 1948 • Farm Drainage • Excavator & Backhoe Service • Municipal Drainage • No Obligation Quotes • We Install Bruce Tile Call Dennis or Gerald for our 2006 Booking Program. Gads Hill Clinton 519-656-2618 519-482-5950 1.800.494.2618 1.800.641.4857 ; Goderich Clinton Exeter Seaforth Wingham This protect M funded In pert by the Goverment of caned. Canada � Gaiser Basals Insurance Brokers Inc. ANNOUNCEMENT Jon Gasser, of Gasser Kneale Insurance Brokers Inc., would like to take thfs opportunity to welcome... Kelly O'Leary, our newest Broker to the Clinton office, specializing in Agricultural and Commercial Insunmce. Please tall Kelly for any of your insurance needs at 1-888-482-9747 gkins@cabletv.on.ca 44 Ontario St., CLINTON 519-4813401