Customer Introduction

My name is Ryan Drapela, and I'm the founder of Drapela Works and the YouTube channel, Cutting It Close. Drapela Works is where it all began—a company dedicated to creating personalized wooden gifts: cutting boards, charcuterie boards, piggy banks, docking stations. These are simple, meaningful pieces designed to be cherished gifts or keepsakes. Most of our products are small and shippable, sold primarily on Etsy, Amazon, and our own website.

I started this business at just 16 years old, working out of my parents’ horse barn. We were the kind of horse people who loved horses more than money, and I launched Drapela Works because I wanted to buy my first truck. It quickly grew into much more, funding my way through high school and college. By the time I graduated, we had already surpassed a million dollars in Etsy sales.

Fast forward to today: I'm 29, and we've crossed $10 million in wood product sales on Etsy alone. Our products remain simple at heart, but they've grown into something much bigger, supported by a dedicated team of about 20 full-time employees.

A few years later, I launched Cutting It Close, my YouTube channel focused on teaching CNC machining. This channel has grown to over 130,000 subscribers, and we now even supply CNC users with materials and bits—the very same ones we use every day in our shop. It's rewarding to see how both sides of my work connect: one creates finished products, and the other empowers others to do the same. Today, between both companies, we have around 25 full-time people, all focused on CNCs, lasers, and 3D printing, turning creative ideas into reality.

Which Thunder Laser machine do you use, and how has it changed your workflow?

My Thunder Nova 51 has become an absolutely essential part of my business. I rely on it daily for a diverse range of tasks: engraving walnut cutting boards, precisely cutting 1/8" acrylic for our piggy banks, and crafting wooden thank-you cards from Baltic birch. Every single order we ship includes one of these cards with a handwritten note—we've sent out tens of thousands over the years. It’s a small touch, but the Nova 51 has been instrumental in scaling this personal connection, helping our customers feel appreciated and encouraging their return.

What do you like most about Thunder Laser?

Having started with Epilog lasers, I can genuinely say that the reliability of my Thunder Nova 51 has been outstanding – I haven't even needed to use Thunder Laser's service, which speaks volumes when you're running machines eight hours a day. Reliability is paramount in high-volume production, and my Nova 51 has been rock solid.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the open-end design. We frequently work with full sheets of acrylic or Baltic birch, and the ability to fold down the front and slide in an entire sheet saves an immense amount of time. It eliminates the need for manual pre-cutting, streamlining our workflow significantly.

The fume extraction system is also incredibly well-designed. The integrated fan blade on the air duct is a simple yet often overlooked detail on other lasers. Thunder makes it effortless with its effective attachment.

Compared to my previous Epilog lasers, which were about three times as expensive, my Thunder handles production just as efficiently, but with significantly more affordable parts and zero breakdowns. This powerful combination of reliability, productivity, and smart design has made me a firm convert to Thunder Laser.

How did you decide to keep your products simple, and how has that contributed to your success?

I don't know if "simple" was a conscious decision as much as it was an instinct for what works. My guiding principle for any new product is clear: if I cannot clearly tell what it is from a photo, I won't make it. In the world of online sales, presentation is everything, and simplicity naturally became our core approach.

This philosophy is why I've always focused on cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other straightforward wooden products. I love woodworking, but I'm not trying to invent something new; woodworking has existed for thousands of years. Instead, my focus is on identifying what's already selling and then making it a little bit better—through superior craftsmanship, better photography, or a more personal presentation. Simple products consistently sell because they are easily understood and appreciated. If something is too complicated, it’s probably not made of wood. Our model is straightforward: find a product that sells, make it better, take great photos, and sell it. Simple, but incredibly effective.

what advice would you give someone who is wanting to start a laser?

Overcome the Fear: Production is Manageable. Don't let fear hold you back. Production is often the easiest challenge to overcome; you can always adjust pricing or processes as you grow. The trickier parts are often overlooked: taking compelling photos, providing excellent customer service, and truly understanding what people want to buy.

Find Proven Demand: Then Innovate. Many beginners try to invent new products or spend excessive energy convincing people why their invention is special. That's a high-risk, high-effort approach. Instead, start with something that already sells. For me, that was cutting boards and other simple wooden items. There’s already a proven market; your goal is to do it better, whether through superior quality, photography, presentation, or engraving.

Prioritize Value Over Price on Platforms Like Etsy. Don't worry about competing on price without knowing other sellers' situations. Price your products based on what makes sense for your business. Dedicate time to your photos—they are what truly sell. A great product combined with an excellent customer experience, like sending handwritten thank-you notes, will make the biggest difference over time. The laser makes production easy; the real challenge is creating a compelling experience for your customers.

What's the next step? Is it expanding products?