Meet Chad Schimmel | Pen Maker, Woodturner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chad Schimmel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chad, what do you attribute your success to?
Hard work and perseverance are the first two things that come to my mind when I think about this. I had multiple iterations of trying my hand at having my own brand and business that didn’t pan out all the way. If I had let that deter me I would not be where I am today. I have heard advice about failing and that the trick is to keep trying again until you find what works. I definitely have done that and continue to do so in my work now. Doing so helps me perfect techniques and processes, which allows me to have a product that is consistent in its value.

I think that there is also something to be said about a balance between doing what you want artistically and listening to market feedback. This is true especially because lots of folks will have things to say about how or what you should be doing and staying true to your own creativity is important, but you can’t do that to your detriment.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So my niche is in unique and specialty pens, from every day use to high end collectors items. I like to make things out of unique items such as historic wood, vintage stock and bond certificates, watch parts, and custom metal work. I also dabble some in jewelry, knife smithing, and home furnishings although what I am mainly known for is my pens. I was featured once in Pen World magazine for my watch part pens which was a fun highlight in the early years of building my brand. I also love to share with others what I have learned along the way, and have built a decent following of makers and other pen enthusiasts on Youtube, where I share maker tutorials about my processes. I have also had the opportunity to teach in person classes both here locally and at some big conferences which I also really love and enjoy!

I would love the world to know that if they work hard, persevere, take in feedback, and hone their craft to make it better, that there is a market out there for them! Often artists work from the perspective that they have to be a “starving artist” but there is a lot of money out there to be made, and having an abundance vs scarcity mindset has helped me a lot. For example, some makers will mark their art down to the lowest price just to make the sale. I just don’t do that. Not that I have never given a discount, but that I value my work, time, and expertise that goes into every piece that I produce. Valuing in my work helps others also see that value and compensate me for it.

That being said I also think that being generous is an important part of an abundance mindset. As I type this I am sitting next to a framed note that I got from an 10yo at an art show who was admiring my pens and loved to draw, He wanted to spend all his birthday money on one, but didn’t have enough. So I made him a super good deal and he came back weeks later to give me a handwritten note with a silver coin from his coin collection. He was inspired and so was I. I keep it framed on the wall as a reminder that artists and makers of all ages need to lift each other up and share the wealth!

Being self employed isn’t always the easiest, but it has been so worth it, Even when I was working at a 9-5 while growing my brand at the same time. I put in A LOT of hours, but it was so worth it and paid off when I was able to be on my own. I am so grateful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh this is a fun one! If they like outdoor activities there are some things that can’t be missed! Kayaking at Canyon lake or the salt river, mountain biking at Usery or Hawes, Hiking in the Superstitions as well as Camelback (because it is so unique) are a few that I would recommend. If one wants the outdoors but at a slower pace, maybe the drive through Tortilla Flats to Apache Lake and back to the city is a good one, and we love walks in the Riparian Preserve and Veterans Oasis Park. If they want more city in their trip there is downtown Gilbert which has some great restaurants and a cool vibe. Stop at TOPO for a soft serve, you won’t regret it! Wilderness Brewing is also a favorite spot to eat and have beer!
If they are looking to leave the Phx/Gilbert area Bisbee, AZ is super fun as well as anything up North- Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams and the Grand Canyon of course!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is such a great question, as all of us are a culmination of the supports and encouragement that we have had throughout our lives. For me I think about my dad first. He was an amazing artist and when I was a kid I hung out with him at his shop. I saw the way that he sometimes struggled to make a living from his art and that along with his and my moms encouragement and support I have had a strong drive to make it work for me. He was an amazing artist and I have his old shop sign and lots of his paintings hanging in my shop. My mom Anita continues to be one of my biggest cheerleaders.

I would also give a shout out to the Boy Scouts and scout master Jim who supported me through the process of getting my Eagle scout, which taught me a lot of the values of hard work and community that I carry with me today.

I also have great support from my wife Amy and all my friends who support me in so many ways!

Website: https://impeccablepen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schimmelpens

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/schimmelwoodworks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chadschimmel

Image Credits
Carrie Calderon