Client Story: Beechwood Tiny Homes
Client Name: Doug Smith
Business Name: Beechwood Tiny Homes
Business Website: beechwoodtinyhomes.com/
Industry: Home building
Location: Fitzwilliam, NH
SBDC Advisor's Name: Julie Glosner
SBDC Client: 3 Years
Tiny House Nation, Tiny House, Big Living, Tiny House Hunters… name just about any tiny home show, and chances are high that Doug Smith has seen it!
Owner and Founder of Beechwood Tiny Homes, Doug Smith and his wife have always had a fascination with tiny homes. It went well beyond entertainment for them as they started dreaming up a tiny home of their own and decided to take on the project of building it.
The vision came to life as a mere sketch on graph paper, and three years later, Doug had built a NOAH-certified high-quality home. At the time, it was just a hobby project, not a formal business, but that first build ignited something much bigger.
Doug found himself laid off from his company, due to an emergent acquisition in his corporate IT job, and had to consider his next career move carefully. He’d started several businesses in the past and knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur again.
A hobby turned business plan
Doug began researching franchises and looking over various possibilities for a new venture. He was aware of the SBDC’s business advising and education programs and contacted them right away to serve as his sounding board and strategic partner. He started with an advisor in 2022 who guided him through extensive market research. His advisor helped him realize that his fascination with tiny homes could be more than a passion project or hobby; this had the potential to become a viable business!
With a background in construction and a love for the simplicity and flexibility of tiny homes, Doug decided to go for it.
The SBDC supported Doug’s initial startup as he structured Beechwood Tiny Homes as a C Corporation and leveraged resources such as ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups) to invest in the company.
"What I like about the SBDC is the many valuable resources available. I haven't even begun to touch on all they've done to help guide and support the growth of my business." - Doug Smith
Building intentionally with the support of the SBDC
Doug credits much of his growth to the resources he’s gained through the SBDC and working with his current advisor, Julie Glosner. Doug shares his exceptional gratitude for Julie as an invaluable guide offering honest feedback, positivity, clarity, and direction throughout Doug’s journey.
The SBDC has helped him with:
- Formulating a business plan
- Budgeting
- Hiring and cash flow projections
- Marketing and analytics (Small Business, Big Solutions Program)
- Legal assistance and contracts (LeAF)
- Accessing new funding
- Ongoing education and resources
- Doubling his sales in a single year
- And creative solutions for any challenge Doug comes up against!
For those coming behind or alongside him, Doug’s advice is to, “Use every resource available!”
Committed to quality
A veteran-owned business, Beechwood Tiny Homes brings a commitment to discipline, precision, and excellence to every home they build.
Beechwood Tiny Homes serves clients throughout New England and specializes in custom-built tiny homes on wheels, foundation-based tiny homes, and model tiny homes. Their clients choose Beechwood Tiny Homes for style, quality, affordability, sustainability, and flexibility.
Doug works closely with his clients and takes a consultative approach, asking thoughtful questions and listening carefully to ensure every home is tailored to their lifestyle and needs.
As Doug says, “Every tiny home should be as unique as the person living in it.”
Not typically an impulse purchase, there’s a lot to consider before building a tiny home! Doug encourages those who are curious about the process to sign up for his “Tiny Home Journey Checklist” on his website.
A vision for growth
As he continues to grow, with the guidance of the SBDC, Doug wants to bring on a full-time employee in the near future. In addition, he has plans to purchase his own facility and upgrade his manufacturing equipment.
When not working, Doug stays active in his community as a three-term chairman of the local planning board. He’s also a homesteader, nature-lover, and deeply committed to his faith community.