The Mentor with Mark Bouris 6,200 NSW Businesses Went Insolvent in 2025: Lessons From When It Doesn’t Work Out with Dean Boyd (Episode #512)
Jan 12, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Dean Boyd, founder of Living Timber Co. and furniture maker, shares his journey from crafting unique pieces in his parents' garage to navigating the challenges of rapid growth and eventual liquidation. He opens up about the pressures of scaling a business too quickly, the burnout he faced, and the crucial lessons learned. Dean emphasizes the importance of mental health, accountability, and treating failures as stepping stones. With newfound clarity, he reflects on future ambitions and plans to embrace a slower, more sustainable path.
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Use Process Content To Build Demand
- Use social content to teach and attract customers; early daily process videos built Living Timber Co's audience.
- Maintain that creator-led marketing as you scale or delegate it deliberately to preserve brand authenticity.
Voluntary Liquidation Decision
- In late 2025 Dean placed Living Timber Co into voluntary liquidation and closed the business two weeks prior to the interview.
- The liquidator did not try to sell the business and the company was wound up voluntarily.
When Supply And Rates Collide
- External factors (timber supply limits and rising interest rates) reduced margins while demand for high-end custom pieces fell.
- Industry supply constraints and macro rates combined to squeeze a niche manufacturing business at scale.
