Twisted Reality Design LLC | The Business of Blacksmith | Forum

Please find a link to a GoFundMe website and some explanation below.

 

 

Honestly I have been skeptical about these crowd-sharing platforms for raising money for different programs and thought this would be the last thing I would utilize in order to help establish a company; however I have determined that there are limited options for some people when it comes to doing something you love to do. Quite frankly, I would be shocked if I was able to even reach half of the goal that I randomly set.

 

I guess it's probably best to start off with a little background ... probably. Spent 14 years in university to earn three degrees (BS in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering; MS in Mechanical Engineering) and over a quarter of a million dollars in student debt; only to come and find out that I am better at teaching and passing on knowledge or doing research than working in an industrial setting. However it seems that unless you have a terminal degree in your field, you are not able to teach at a majority of the universities in the US. My social anxiety issues and Asperger's limit me integrating into an industrial setting; especially if that setting is mundane with nothing to challenge me. I had a good job teaching at a teaching university in Oregon until internal politics, changes in administration and a major change in my life resulted in me not receiving annual tenure contract for my last year before tenure review; then COVID hit.

 

In September 2021, I decided to move back to South Dakota to assist with family issues and better prospects working with a small consulting firm. The job at the firm lasted less than two months when my integrity got the better of me and I called out a colleague openly for sitting/ignoring customer information and needs; and outright misleading the client and delaying the project. As this person was the lead on several projects and I was the lowly intern, my employment was terminated. Knowing that the options are very limited in South Dakota, especially in the Rapid City area, for engineers; I decided to pursue something I enjoyed - woodworking and blacksmithing - and established Twisted Reality Design LLC.

 

Twisted Reality Design LLC is a company that specializes in the custom design of woodworking and blacksmithing projects as well as services the area with the trade supplies necessary. The company is planning on a 60/40 (internet/walk) client base and revenue stream; and will carry a set stock of standard items. The website is still in development and will be located at:

 

twistedreality.design

 

The company's focus on woodworking is to specialize in the rustic wood sources and uncommon to the area wood species; with strong interest in re-purposing salvaged wood. One of the sources for the wood selection is Cook Woods located in southern Oregon. Twisted Reality Design will be able to design table and counter tops to charcuterie boards; and will carry a supply of turning stock, knife scales and miscellaneous wood products.

 

On the blacksmithing side of the company, Twisted Reality Design will have a set stock of fully constructed knives and knife blanks (unfinished) and fit-and-finish kits. Other items are being developed for standard stock. Blacksmithing tools and supplies will also be carried; along with general machining tooling. Additionally the production of crucible steel, blister steel, and general smelting processes will be carried out. A lot of the production will be inspired from Scandinavia and the Laplands and Finland.

 

As always with both company’s aspects, custom design requests are always welcome. Trying to keep this sort so it doesn't get into the TLDR category. Please feel free to email me at [email redacted] for more information.

Twisted Reality Design LLC also plans on having an educational aspect to its business by inviting public individuals, groups and schools to attend workshops or events where passing on knowledge and hands on experience is essential.

 

So what does your donation go to? Well it goes to acquiring the equipment necessary to get the company up and running; and to also help cover the cost of leasing/renting a work space until the company is able to relocate to its own facility. What do you get in return? To be honest, I cannot offer much other than my thanks and the offer of a 15% discount on any purchase from Twisted Reality Design LLC. To add your name to the discount list all you have to do is email a screen capture showing proof of donation to [email redacted]; a response will be sent which includes the discount certificate.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Josh Millard

Owner Twisted Reality Design LLC