Customer Introduction

Our journey with Thunder Laser started when we were still running our business as a small hobby in our basement. Initially, we used a Glowforge, but we quickly ran into several limitations. The machine was too slow, had a small cutting area, and produced messy cuts, which made it difficult to meet the growing demands of our business. That’s when Jesse Schneider introduced us to Thunder. He told us, “They are built like tanks, and the support and community are unreal.” Those words stuck with us, and we decided to make the switch.

Since upgrading to Thunder, we’ve experienced significant growth. We started with one machine, and now we operate four 51s, our original 35, and a Bolt Plus. With a team of 12, we've been able to expand our capabilities, and our store officially opened in August 2024. Thunder's reliable machines and exceptional support from the teams in China, the USA, and Canada have been key to our success.

We can’t recommend Thunder enough. It’s been a game-changer, giving us the power to take on bigger projects, and allowing us to grow in ways we couldn’t have with the Glowforge.

What inspired you to buy a laser?

As our business began to grow, we quickly realized we needed a laser machine that could keep up with demand. Before choosing Thunder, we were using a Glowforge, but it came with several major limitations. It was too slow, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, and that forced us to turn down orders simply because we couldn’t produce fast enough. The work area was also too small for some of the products we wanted to make, including our sign letters, and the cut quality often came out messy. Altogether, those challenges meant long hours, added stress, and limits on how much we could grow. We knew it was time to invest in a machine that could support our business instead of holding it back.

Why did you choose Thunder Laser?

Jesse from Schneider in Regina Beach gave us some advice that really stuck with us. He told us that Thunder machines might not be the prettiest on the market, but they’re built like tanks and backed by exceptional support. That was exactly what we were looking for.

We needed a machine that was durable, dependable, and ready to handle the demands of a growing business. Just as important, we wanted to know that if we ever needed help, there would be a strong support team behind us. Thunder’s reputation for reliability and customer service made the decision an easy one.

How did Thunder Laser help you overcome those challenges?

“When one door closes, another window opens.” Bringing Thunder into our business changed everything. With its larger working area and faster production speed, we were able to take on new opportunities, expand our product line, and create more efficiently than ever before. It also gave us the freedom to explore new products, like ornaments, which quickly became something we truly love making.

Back when we were still working out of our basement, we received an unexpected message from Hockey Night in Canada and CBC asking if we would be interested in becoming a licensed seller. It was an incredible opportunity and a major turning point for our business. Today, we still create official CBC and HNIC merchandise and ship our products to customers around the world.

How has your business grown or life changed since buying a laser?

What started as a hobby in our basement has grown into a thriving business with 12 employees, and Thunder Laser has played a major role in that journey.

With four Nova 51s, our original Nova 35, and a Bolt Plus, we’ve been able to increase production, take on larger projects, and deliver high-quality products with greater efficiency and consistency. Just as important, Thunder’s ongoing support and strong community have helped guide us every step of the way.

What do you like most about Thunder Laser?

Thunder Laser machines have been incredible for our business — durable, reliable, and consistently high-performing.

Beyond the machines themselves, Thunder’s support and community have been a huge part of our growth. Their expert advice, responsive troubleshooting, and constant encouragement have made a real difference throughout our journey.

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

Our biggest advice is simple: stop focusing so much on selling and get excited about what you create. Don’t overthink every post—share your passion, talk about the joy of making something new, and let people connect with what you genuinely love. Find your niche and own it. For us, we’re proud to be our city’s personalized artwork and gift shop.

Life is short, so do what you love. Being a maker should be fun, and success shouldn’t be defined by other people. It should be measured by how much you love what you create.

At the heart of our business, Danelle is a true maker. If she were doing this on her own, she would probably still be creating from home simply because she loves it that much. On my side, I’m passionate about business and marketing, and that’s where I’ve focused my energy as we’ve grown. In fact, I haven’t personally made anything in three years. That’s one of the realities of growth—if you want to scale, you may not always be able to stay focused on the creative side. Growth comes with risk, change, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

And that’s okay. Some of the happiest and most successful makers we know are the ones who still have a full-time job and create because they genuinely love it.

As for Thunder, if you’re on the fence, don’t be. They’ve played a huge role in our success—not just through their machines, but through their support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.