Exploring Small Business w/ Elaina Adams

EXPLORING SMALL BUSINESS with Elaina Adams

Almost everyone can remember what it's like to play with Legos as a kid or, in some cases, as a childish adult. You start with a grand vision of a structure and end up with, what's in your mind, a full-blown masterpiece that rivals the Taj Mahal. In most cases, it takes time, creativity, and a lot of freaking patience to build any semblance of something worth bragging about. Now imagine trying to do it on a much larger scale. Welcome to the insane world of carpenter Robby Zimmermann.

It all began when Robby's dad, Bob, built a skateboard ramp in the fifth grade. By the time Robby graduated middle school, they had created an entire half pipe. Obviously, Robby's build-ajourney didn't stop there. Wanting to take his carpentry skills to the next level, he enrolled at Ball State University to study architecture. Now, most architects aren't carpenters and vice versa. That's arguably where the insanity comes in. By embracing both, Robby has taken his analytical and creative mind and carved out a career that not just anyone can do. Not even close.

Robby kicks off his concepts by first creating a digital 3D model. He walked me through the process when I stopped by his workshop a few weeks ago, and let me tell you, it is an art form in and of itself. After the model is finalized comes the blood, sweat and tears - the process of physically building something. For example, Robby, a single father to his three-year-old daughter, Ellie, made her a sweet playhouse last summer. He used recycled wood from his childhood playground to construct the frame and then worked a bunch of other magic to see this cozy little cottage to fruition. The finished product, which took two months to complete, might be nicer than my apartment. I'm not even kidding. After seeing how much Ellie loved her new home, Robby decided to continue making children's dreams come true with woodworking. "It can totally transform a child's social experiences," he says.

Robby's latest project is a princess castle bed - once again for daughter Ellie. It comes complete with three battlements and a massive, winding stairway leading up to a loft where Ellie can live out her fairytales. Robby, if you want another kid, sign me up. I'll get the adoption papers ready.

Listen, no 500-word article can articulate just how much work Robby puts into his craft and how beautiful his creations really are. So be sure to check out his Instagram @builderboyrob to keep up with this inspired craftsman. It is also the best way to contact him if you find yourself in the market for a playhouse, princess castle bed, or just about any other structure that you can imagine. Tell him I sent you and be sure to mention that I'm still waiting for him to sign those papers.

ROBBY ZIMMERMAN CARPENTER