TorresVault Documentation

You've loaded an old revision of the document! If you save it, you will create a new version with this data.

====== ============================= ======

====== HONOR & OAK WOODCRAFT – WIKI PAGE ======

====== ============================= ======

====== 1. Overview ======

Honor & Oak Woodcraft is a veteran-owned woodworking business located in **Sanford, NC**. The company specializes in small-batch hardwood cutting boards, charcuterie boards, personalized crafts, and local-pickup furniture.

The brand emphasizes:

* Marine veteran craftsmanship
  * High-quality hardwoods
  * Small, shippable items
  * Larger furniture for local pickup only
  * Slow, sustainable growth

----

====== 2. Logo ======

(Insert your logo here)

----

====== 3. Business Structure ======

===== 3.1 LLC Formation =====

Honor & Oak Woodcraft will operate as a **Single-Member LLC** in North Carolina.

==== Steps to form: ====

- File **Articles of Organization** with NC Secretary of State
  - Cost: **$125**
  - Processing time: 1–2 days online
  - Choose: “Single Member LLC”
  - Save confirmation documents in the wiki under /Business/Legal/

===== 3.2 Operating Agreement =====

Recommended (not required).

* Defines ownership
  * Describes business purpose
  * Helps with banking
  * Add PDF copy once created

----

====== 4. Federal Setup ======

===== 4.1 EIN =====

Apply online via IRS (free).

* Link: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-ein-online
  * Needed to open business bank account
  * Prevents using SSN on business paperwork

===== 4.2 Business Bank Account =====

Required documents:

* LLC approval
  * EIN
  * Operating Agreement
  * Personal ID

Recommended banks:

* Navy Federal (if eligible)
  * Local NC credit union
  * Truist / Wells Fargo

----

====== 5. State Requirements (North Carolina) ======

===== 5.1 Sales Tax Registration =====

You must collect sales tax on:

* Cutting boards
  * Small accessories
  * Furniture (local pickup)

Register at NC DOR:\\ https://www.ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/business-registration

===== 5.2 Local Pickup Requirement =====

Furniture over certain sizes:\\ **Local pickup only from Sanford, NC.**

----

====== 6. Veteran Certifications ======

===== 6.1 VOSB (Veteran-Owned Small Business) =====

* Free certification
  * Adds legitimacy
  * Useful for grants
  * Good marketing tool

Apply: https://veterans.certify.sba.gov

===== 6.2 SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) =====

You qualify due to **90% VA Disability**.\\ Benefits:

* Access to SDVOSB-only grants
  * Enhanced credibility
  * Future federal contracting use

----

====== 7. Brand & Identity ======

===== 7.1 Brand Values =====

* Honor
  * Integrity
  * Craftsmanship
  * Patriotism
  * Heritage woodworking

===== 7.2 Color Palette =====

* Deep green
  * Oak brown
  * Brass gold accents
  * Vintage cream tones

===== 7.3 Fonts =====

* Serif for header/branding
  * Clean sans-serif for website

===== 7.4 “Veteran Made” Badge =====

Used across:

* Website
  * Packaging
  * Stickers
  * Social media

----

====== 8. Product Lines ======

===== 8.1 Small Shippable Products =====

* Cutting boards
  * Charcuterie boards
  * Custom engraved boards
  * Small décor shelves
  * Holiday items
  * Marine-themed boards (optional)

===== 8.2 Local Pickup Furniture =====

* Entryway tables
  * Coffee tables
  * Benches
  * Small desks
  * Accent furniture\\ (Sanford, Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville areas)

===== 8.3 Custom Work =====

* Sizes
  * Wood species
  * Personalized engraving

----

====== 9. Pricing Reference ======

==== Small Items ====

^ Item ^ Price ^
| Cutting Boards | $50–$150 |
| Charcuterie Boards | $65–$120 |
| Shelves | $30–$80 |
| Engraving | +$15–$40 |

==== Furniture (Local Pickup Only) ====

^ Item ^ Price ^
| Entryway Tables | $150–$350 |
| Coffee Tables | $200–$500 |
| Benches / Desks | $200–$600 |

----

====== 10. Shipping & Pickup Procedures ======

===== 10.1 Small Item Shipping =====

Carrier options:

* USPS Priority
  * UPS Ground
  * PirateShip discounted rates

Packaging:

* Kraft boxes
  * Bubble wrap
  * Kraft paper inside
  * Branded thank-you card
  * Optional sticker on the box

Costs:

* $8–$20 nationwide

Insurance:

* Always insure to sale value

===== 10.2 Furniture Shipping =====

**Honor & Oak does NOT ship large furniture.**\\ Policy:

* **Local pickup only** (Sanford, NC)
  * Optional local delivery for a fee

Customer instructions:

* Bring truck/SUV
  * Blankets recommended
  * Will help load

----

====== 11. Production Workflow ======

===== 11.1 Weekly Schedule =====

Evenings (2–3 hours):

* Cutting
  * Glue-ups
  * Sanding
  * Engraving
  * Oil/finish
  * Packing shipments

Weekends (8–12 hours):

* Furniture builds
  * Final sanding & finishing
  * Photography
  * Website updates
  * Inventory restocking

===== 11.2 Tools (Current & Future Upgrade List) =====

Current:

* Table saw
  * Miter saw
  * Planer
  * Router
  * Sanding equipment
  * Clamps
  * Finishing supplies

Future (funding dependent):

* Larger planer
  * Dust collection
  * CNC upgrade
  * Bandsaw

----

====== 12. Financial Overview ======

===== 12.1 Startup Costs Already Covered =====

* Workshop setup
  * Tools
  * Website domain
  * Packaging supplies

===== 12.2 Funding Needed =====

Range: **$5,000–$15,000**

Used for:

* Hardwood inventory
  * Tool upgrades
  * Branding/website
  * Shop safety improvements
  * Packaging
  * Local market fees

===== 12.3 Year 1 Revenue Projection =====

* **$18,000–$42,000**
  * Margins: **35%–55%**

----

====== 13. Grants & Funding Sources ======

===== 13.1 Veteran Grants =====

* StreetShares Foundation
  * Warrior Rising
  * Hivers & Strivers
  * SBA Veteran Advantage

===== 13.2 NC Grants =====

* NC IDEA Micro Grant ($5,000)
  * NC Rural Center programs

===== 13.3 Business Discounts =====

* Lowe’s & Home Depot 10%
  * Rockler
  * Woodcraft
  * Grizzly Tools
  * Uline packaging discounts

----

====== 14. Long-Term Strategy ======

===== Years 1–2 =====

* Build customer base
  * Produce 20–40 boards/month
  * Increase furniture pickup orders
  * Attend/local craft fairs

===== Years 3–5 =====

* Move to dedicated workshop
  * Expand product lines
  * Offer seasonal limited drops
  * Build signature collections

===== 5+ Years =====

* Option to transition to part-time or full-time
  * Local storefront or woodworking studio
  * Hire part-time help

----

====== 15. Documents to Store in Wiki ======

Create a folder:\\ **/business/honor-and-oak/**

Place:

* Business Plan
  * LLC formation documents
  * EIN confirmation
  * Sales tax certificate
  * VOSB/SDVOSB certifications
  * Insurance policy
  * Logo files
  * Packaging templates
  * Photography assets
  * Vendor accounts
  * Grant applications

----

====== 16. Notes & To-Do Items ======

==== Immediate To-Dos: ====

* Form LLC
  * Apply for EIN
  * Register for NC Sales Tax
  * Open business bank account
  * Apply for VOSB & SDVOSB certification
  * Create business email (done)
  * Add brand assets to Wiki
  * Prepare local pickup instructions
  * Upload business plan PDF

Edit summary