Transforming a Laser-Cutting Hobby into an Award-Winning Business

Finger Lakes Laser offers precision laser cutting and engraving services for a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, and metal. Catering to both personal and commercial projects, they provide customized solutions with high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their services are ideal for creating unique gifts, promotional items, signage, and intricate designs tailored to customer specifications.

Assistance Provided

Matt Jones started Finger Lakes Laser in 2019 mostly as a hobby. But within a year, his business had taken off through word of mouth and he was named business of the week by Finger Lakes Times. Since then, Matt has worked at building his hobby into more of a business. It started small and Covid played a role in slowing things down. But Matt used his equipment during this time to help the local community by making masks and 3D printing fabric for them – and didn’t charge anyone for his work. He believes firmly in giving back and helping the community in any way he can. Covid was just one example. He also makes patches for his son’s baseball team and sponsor the team as well.

Matt has increased his business through using his website and Facebook page. He worked with SBDC advisor Kellie Greene in 2023 to enhance his marketing strategy. In 2023 he attended his first craft show which was highly successful and increased his sales online. He has also done some corporate clients including Cayuga Lake Wine Trail who commissioned him to make their cutting boards that were laser engraved as well as Aveco for their stainless steel tumblers with their logo.

Just as things were starting to get really busy towards the end of 2023, Matt’s location where he did his business had a major fire and was a total loss. All of his equipment and work was gone and he had to refund several clients right at the busy Christmas holiday. But in a true entrepreneurial spirit, Matt made the decision to rebuild. He had come too far to quit. He is now building back bigger and better than ever. His new shop is just about ready and he has purchased new equipment that is bigger and offers even more options than before.

Finger Lakes Laser makes everything from Christmas ornaments to stainless tumblers, awards, cutting boards, personalized gift items and even jewelry, which Matt hopes to expand with his new equipment. While 2023 ended in flames, 2024 is his comeback year and Matt hopes for it to be an even better year for Finger Lakes Laser as he positions himself for a strong future. He recognizes that bumps in the road will happen as an entrepreneur but how you respond is what determines success or failure. He is determined to succeed.