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Greg Reichmann of The Polished Edge joins me to talk about something that almost every sharpening business struggles with: charging enough.

Greg started sharpening as a side business while working full-time as a mortgage loan officer. Today he has built a thriving reputation in Connecticut, earned more than 160 five-star Google reviews, and recently made a simple change that dramatically increased his revenue without working more hours.

In this conversation we discuss:

• How Greg built his sharpening business from scratch
• Why he decided to raise his prices
• Premium pricing versus the race to the bottom
• Building a retirement business you enjoy
• Google reviews and local SEO that consistently bring in customers
• Why helping your competitors can actually strengthen the entire industry
• Farmers markets, restoration work, and finding profitable niches
• Creating a business that grows with you for decades

If you've ever struggled with raising your prices this episode is for you.

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In this update, I take you behind the scenes in my sharpening shop while working through a batch of commercial kitchen knives and sharing what's happening inside the Guild of Professional Sharpeners.

In this video you'll hear about:

• Recent Guild group call discussions on scissor sharpening, vendor accounts, Twice As Sharp wheels, and dry ride line systems
• What we learned during our lead detection presentation with Eric from DetectLead
• Upcoming guest speakers, office hours, and future Guild events
• My upcoming podcast with Greg Reichman on how to make more money doing what you already do
• Why demand for professional sharpeners continues to increase
• How I'm growing The American Edge through knife and accessory sales
• A look at my current workflow for restaurant knives, serrations, scissors, and packaging finished orders
• Some closing thoughts on building a sharpening business with intention and staying focused on what really matters

If you're interested in starting a sharpening business, improving your sharpening skills, or connecting with a community of professional sharpeners, I'd love to have you join us.

🔗 Guild of Professional Sharpeners
https://guildofsharpeners.org

🎙️ Knife and Tool Sharpening Podcast

🔪 The American Edge
https://americanedgesharpening.com

If you enjoyed the video, please consider subscribing and leave a comment letting me know what topics you'd like to see covered in a future episode.

Stay sharp!

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This month, I'm flying solo.

Instead of a guest interview, I wanted to share what's been on my mind after a busy summer running my sharpening business, leading the Guild of Professional Sharpeners, and experimenting with new ideas.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why I'm changing the way I use AI and why I don't want it replacing my authentic voice.
• How AI can make your work better without doing your work for you.
• Selling premium knives and tools as a way to genuinely improve your customers' lives.
• Why quality products are easier to stand behind than cheap alternatives.
• Lessons from recent Guild guest speakers Buzz and Jerad on building thriving sharpening businesses.
• The surprising opportunities that still exist in sharpening, whether you work locally or by mail.
• Why every sharpening customer is also a potential product customer.
• Passing along credit card processing fees and other small business lessons that protect your profits.
• The value of community, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with people who are already succeeding.
• Updates on Guild membership, discount programs, and our growing scholarship initiative.

If you've been thinking about growing your sharpening business or simply trying to build a business that reflects your values I hope you'll find something useful in this conversation.

Learn more about the Guild of Professional Sharpeners at guildofsharpeners.org.