Meet David George

Today we’d like to introduce you to David George.  

Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The idea for Motor City Axe blossomed almost 6 years ago when I discovered my late grandfather’s Kelly Axe and Tool hatchet when cleaning out his garage. My grandfather immigrated to Detroit in the early 1920s. With the same entrepreneurial spirit I embrace here today, my grandfather made a name for himself. Teaming up with his younger brother, the duo started a very successful dairy company called Melody Farms. 

That entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with my love for camping and the outdoors led me to start Motor City Axe. 

My vision was really to combine my love for lasting craftsmanship, a desire to work with my hands, and a passion for Northern Michigan. Each axe/hatchet is made in the USA and hand-painted in Detroit, MI. 

I initially launched on Etsy then transitioned to my own website on a small business Saturday 2018. Things have only grown from there! I now partner with Moosejaw, Bespoke Post, Manly Bands, and about 10 modern general stores across the country. We’ve also created white label axes for companies, they’ve been used as a company award and I even had the opportunity to get Michigan State’s football coach Mel Tucker an axe. 

In addition to our flagship designs (the ‘Up North’ is the top seller), customers can choose different patterns and colors for a truly unique design. While these axes are fully functional, I also see them used as display pieces and groomsmen gifts. Last year, my best yet, saw over 750 axes ship out. I am on pace to break that this year. 

In the hustle and bustle of the world we live in, a majority of people feel stuck. A pawn in the corporate world. Motor City Axe aims to help break the norm. Grab a hatchet, book a trip, and hit the trails. Reconnect with yourself and with nature. Create a story worth telling. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always bumps in the road, but with hard work, a solid support network, and persistence anything is possible. I initially sold 19 axes the first year of launch and was ecstatic about it! As I mentioned that number ballooned to over 750 in 2021. 

The Covid pandemic, while tough for many, actually provided me with the time needed to really focus on growing the business and making it a reality. I was able to secure my 3 largest partnerships, all of which are still active today. 

I also balance Motor City Axe with a full-time day job. I really only get to work on nights and weekends. So, between work, staying active (gym, sports), dating, and just relaxing it can be a lot. I did hire my mother at the start of 2022 to help take some of the workloads off my plate, so we are a true family business. She has been a huge help! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Motor City Axe we specialize in:

1. The restoration and refurbishment of old edge tools (axes, hatchets, cleavers, hammers). This includes but is not limited to cleaning and sharpening the blade, replacement of wood handles, and polishing the finished piece.

2. Hand painting on the wooden handles of both restored and new axes and hatchets. This creates a true one-of-a-kind tool that can be passed from generation to generation.

I am proud of the business in general. It has grown beyond what I thought it could be. I’ve very grateful to all those who supported me and urged me to pursue this. 

Others out there are refurbishing tools, but we bring a unique mix of both new and vintage offerings and the hand-painted aspect really helps to differentiate the brand. Customers can pick all their own colors and design and I brand names or initials on the handle really personalizing the axes. They really make for great gifts for Father’s Day, birthdays, graduations, Christmas, or groomsmen! 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
You can’t reach your highest level without taking risks. The worst someone can say is ‘no’ but the best they can say is ‘yes’. I try to embrace this mindset when approaching new wholesale partners. 

I am also in the process of pushing a new mini hatchet – it’s been very well received, but I needed to invest in the design in order to make it a reality. I’ve had a few preliminary conversations with new partners that could really be a game-changer. 

No reward without the risk. 

Pricing:

• $80-130 range depending on the size and customization

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.motorcityaxe.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motorcityaxe/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotorCityAxe/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MotorCityAxe