The Laser Lounge Podcast at Pate Ranch

Welcome back to the show, everybody! Today, we are pulling back the curtain on a technology that completely bridges the gap between standard customization and ultra-premium, high-dollar craftsmanship. We are hanging out live in the shop today with Brandon from IKONICS Imaging. We're breaking down the actual business of sandcarving. Who's buying it, how shops are making real money with it, and what the learning curve actually looks like when you move past lasers and start carving with depth. Brandon, welcome to the mic! https://ikonicsimaging.com/ https://gs2awards.com/pages/shop-ikonics-sandcarvers

In this episode of The Laser Lounge, we’re talking about friction — the hidden inefficiencies, waste, confusion, and unnecessary steps that quietly cost your small business time, money, energy, and customers. I’ll share a quick update on what’s new with Pate Ranch, lessons learned from running a growing maker business, and best practices that can help add value to your own shop. Then we’ll dig into what friction looks like behind the scenes: quoting issues, proofing chaos, file disorganization, inventory problems, shop layout headaches, too many product options, and the kind of busywork that makes you feel productive while actually slowing you down. We’ll also talk about customer-facing friction — the things that make it harder for people to buy from you. If your offers are unclear, your ordering process is confusing, your pricing is vague, or customers have to work too hard to figure out what you do, you may be losing sales before the conversation even starts. The goal is simple: make your business easier to run and easier to buy from. Because customers are not just buying a product. They are looking for a solution — unique customized products, high quality, reliable service, and confidence that you can handle the details. If you run a laser business, maker shop, or custom product business, this episode will help you spot where time, profit, and customers may be leaking out of your process — and how to start leaning things out one step at a time.

Sales are not dead, but the customer is changing. In this episode, James and I are talking about the K-shaped economy and what it means for makers, small shops, and creative business owners trying to sell right now. Some buyers are still spending. Some buyers are tightening up hard. And that means the “mushy middle” is getting harder to survive in. If your products are not clearly positioned as premium, practical, giftable, useful, or worth the money, they may be getting skipped over. We’re talking about perceived value, product positioning, when to rebrand versus discount, how to rethink your product line, and why B2B may be one of the smartest pivots makers can make right now. This is not a doom-and-gloom episode. It’s a “pay attention and get sharper” episode. Because sometimes the economy is part of the problem… but sometimes your product positioning needs to get its hair done and stop showing up in pajama pants. Hope Yoder Embroidery School: https://hopeyoder.com/product-category/courses/in-person-workshop/

James is back from Houston to kick off 2026 with some "real talk." We start by pulling back the curtain on our own 2025. What worked, what broke, and the numbers behind our business. Then, we dive into the "K-Shaped Economy." The middle class "impulse buy" is disappearing, and the gap between survival and luxury is getting wider. If you sell handmade goods, this isn't just theory, it's your new operating system. We break down what this economic shift means for makers and why 2026 is the year you either pivot or get run over. No fluff, just survival.

In this episode, I sit down with Alison Todd from GS2 Awards for an inside look at their award-making business, the story behind it, and how they bring recognition to life through custom designs. We also discuss their role as a wholesale blanks supplier, the educational classes they offer for makers, and their position as official distributors for Trotec Laser USA and IkonicsImaging. https://gs2awards.com/

In this episode, we’re breaking down the Maker/Laser Business Plan Template—section by section—and showing you how to actually use it to shape your business, not just fill in the blanks. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or unsure about your next move, this is your roadmap. No expensive course. Just a clear, tactical breakdown of the plan every maker needs—especially if you want to stop spinning your wheels and start building with purpose. We’ll walk through: ✔ Why each section matters (and what most makers skip) ✔ How this plan helps you price better, market smarter, and operate cleaner ✔ What to include if you’re pitching to a client or applying for funding ✔ Why clarity beats complexity every time Whether you’re starting from scratch or tightening up your current operation, this episode gives you the foundation to run your shop like a business—not just a hobby.

Today we’re digging into a conversation that every maker, laser owner, and creative entrepreneur needs to hear — the difference between a scrappy side hustle and a real-deal small business. I’m your host, Alisha Pate, and James is here with me at the ranch as we break down the mindsets, the money, the misconceptions, and the messy middle of it all. Is personalizing a blank really worth what we charge? Dang right it is — and we’re going to tell you why. Spoiler alert: if you’re still treating your shop like a hobby, that may be exactly what’s holding you back. This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors: GS2 Awards & Trotec, Haotian Laser, and Phantom CNC — trusted names powering makers like you. Let’s talk shop — and let’s get real.

Thinking about leveling up your shop with a big-ticket item like a UV printer? In this episode, I break down how I decided to pull the trigger on a major equipment upgrade—and what you need to consider before you do the same. From crunching the numbers to sizing up demand, we’ll explore the must-knows for making smart, regret-free investments in your business. Tune in for real talk from the shop floor!

Welcome back to The Laser Lounge at Pate Ranch, the podcast where we talk all things laser engraving, making, and running a successful business in the maker world. I’m your host, Alisha Pate, and today we’re diving into a topic that can make or break your business—opportunity cost. Every decision you make in your shop—whether it’s taking on a new custom order, buying a new machine, or spending time learning a skill—comes with a hidden cost. What are you giving up by saying ‘yes’ to one thing over another? Are you making choices that actually grow your business, or are you stuck spinning your wheels on low-value work? In this episode, we’re breaking down how opportunity cost plays into pricing, time management, and business growth—so you can make smarter decisions that move you forward instead of holding you back. Let’s talk about what’s really costing you money in your business… and how to fix it!

"Welcome to today's episode of The Laser Lounge Podcast! I'm thrilled to have a special guest joining us — Jeff Stockton, an expert in the art of firearm engraving. With years of experience, Jeff has mastered the craft of transforming firearms into true works of art, blending precision, creativity, and tradition in every piece he engraves. Today, we'll dive deep into the world of firearm engraving, exploring the techniques, challenges, and stories behind his incredible work. Whether you're a seasoned engraver, a laser enthusiast, or just curious about this unique art form, you're in for a treat. Let's get started!"

Welcome to "Targeting Success: Strategies to Win Over Your Next Client" with James Pate! In this session, we'll dive deep into the art of client acquisition. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this livestream is designed to equip you with proven techniques and fresh insights to help you identify, attract, and secure your ideal clients. Together, we’ll explore targeted strategies that go beyond generic marketing, ensuring you can confidently connect with the right clients, build lasting relationships, and ultimately drive your business forward.

We're excited to have a special guest from the woodworking and laser community. Amanda Schwarz, recently added a UV galvo laser to her workshop, and we're here to dive into her journey with it. We'll explore how this addition has impacted her workflow, efficiency, and ultimately, her bottom line. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, you won't want to miss her insights and experiences. Join us as we discuss the transformative power of innovation in the workshop!

Mae Armstrong and I will be interviewing Erik Engström from FlowPaper. If you are not familiar with this tool it is excellent. Mae and I are both using this feature with our B2B clients. This is something you will want to see and a new great way to communicate with your client your shop offerings. You are going to want to watch this one lizards. https://flowpaper.com/ https://flowpaper.com/demo/#brochure

Excited to announce a live working session with Mae Armstrong tomorrow! She's a total rocktstar and whipped up a FREE Adobe Express template specifically for us laser enthusiasts (no need to reinvent the wheel!). We'll be diving deep into creating a killer catalog from scratch, then taking it to the next level with a special Flowpaper add-on. This is a hands-on project, so get ready to learn and create something awesome together! Want to unlock even more features sing Flow Paper? Erik from Flow Paper just dropped a sweet deal for Laser Lounge members – 40% off a subscription! Just complete your online order, shoot them an email, and they'll give you a refund after the purchase. Easy peasy! See you all tomorrow for the laser catalog extravaganza!

Welcome to 'Glowing Creativity: Crafting Neon Laser Signs' Join us as we delve into the craft of making laser engraved neon signs. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Jenna Musgrave, a seasoned artisan in neon sign making, sharing her expertise with us. From design concepts to the delicate balance of art and technology, Jenna will guide us through the intricate process of bringing visions to life through laser engraving techniques. Whether you're a seasoned creator or an aspiring enthusiast, get ready to ignite your passion for neon sign making with Jenna Musgrave on 'Glowing Creativity: Crafting Neon Laser Signs'.

We will have as special guests two hat guru's and talk about the do's and don'ts for making a perfect hat. We will also talk about the upcoming trends in materials and hat selection. This is a great opportunity to listen in and hear some useful tips from two successful hat companies. You don't want to miss this one.

Come listen to Mae Armstrong and I chat about what material and uses we like for each different laser. We will cover the 2D UV, 3D UV, Fiber and both CO2's (Galvo and Gantry). We will dive into some of the differences and what we both like or dislike about each for certain materials. Leather, wood, glass, metal, acrylic etc.. Neither one of us are affiliates for these companies and we will not be talking about the brands themselves. We will be talking about the technology behind them.

James and I talk about our learnings of adding a new tool to our shop. We currently run 8 lasers and we recently added a CNC. We talk about some of the learning and buying process. Come take a listen. https://www.phantomcncsystems.com/pate-ranch

Howdy Lizards. We will have Michelle Mortman on a livestream on Friday to talk about working with influencers to highlight your products. She will highlight how to engage them, package your products for them to unbox and much more. Michelle has over 24 years of professional experience in strategic change management and also as a thought leader who helps clients achieve their goals and vision. She also has many years of running her own side business and a lot of experience working with influencers. Let's welcome her in the lounge and see what she has to share.

Do you want to hear how to make better social media posts - Insta & TikTok. Posts that resonates more with the younger gen? We will have Reagan in the house to show some things that grabs the viewers. She has also been explaining some new apps and tools to make your posts easier. She stays more on trend with what is happening in this space so while she is home for the holidays we are going to get her on the podcast and see what she has to say.