Crafting Change: Tommy Steel's Journey in Grassmarket Wood Workshop
All I knew was woodwork and there was a sort of a light bulb moment when I was working in a ypc, actually, and I saw children being treated the way they shouldn't have been treated, and that was a bit of a light bulb moment.
Imagine stepping into a workshop where every piece of wood tells a story of transformation. In this episode of 'Grass Cuttings', we sit down with Tommy Steel, the man behind the magic of Grassmarket Furniture. Just before his well-earned retirement, Tommy shares his journey from the corporate world to co-founding this flagship social enterprise. He talks about the profound impact a few hours in the workshop can have on someone's life, fostering a sense of ownership, pride, and belonging.
Over 16 years, Tommy has helped hundreds find purpose and community through woodwork. He also dives into the nitty-gritty of running a social enterprise, discussing sales, customer relationships, and the unique challenges they face. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to Tommy's dedication and the lives he's touched. Tune in to hear how the Grassmarket Community Project creates a nurturing environment for those overcoming homelessness, mental health struggles, addictions, and disabilities.