„Just the slightest measuring fault at the beginning will result in the error exponentially increasing at the end“ – Kyle Stumpenhorst, specialist in custom post frame structures, in an interview with STABILA

A conversation with the sympathetic US American about the importance of exact measurements, his entry into the industry as a craftsman and the pros and cons of social media. With more than 600,000 followers (YouTube and Instagram) Kyle is one of the world's biggest influencers in the tool industry.

Kyle, have you always wanted to become a craftsman?

Actually the idea of becoming a craftsman had never entered my mind. I was always into tech and computers. I thought I might become a computer programmer but I just couldn’t stand the office life and I found great satisfaction working with my hands on my own home. So, that´s when I changed direction.

What advice can you give to young craftsmen?

The main thing, if I could go back to my younger self when I was starting, would be the same thing I would tell most people: ask as many questions as you can, do not be afraid to go ahead and try something new, even though you will inevitably make mistakes. But I have often learned more from these mistakes than from anything else.

Kyle Stumpenhorst mit STABILA Wasserwaage

Why are accurate measurements so important?

For me exact measurements on the jobsite are all important, specifically at the start of the project, because everything you do starts there and if you are off just the slightest amount at the beginning you will be off exponentially at the end. This can never be the desired result.

Which STABILA tool is a must-have on your construction site?

For me the most important tool is my 8 foot STABILA level. We deal in large measurements and large timber and so I am not a 3 foot STABILA level guy. I like the bigger levels. The bigger the better (laughing).

What was your biggest project so far?

To date the biggest building we have ever built was 92 feet wide and 256 feet long, so it was quite large. We were just a couple guys and we did it in about 5 weeks. It was a very big project.

What are the pros and cons of social media?

I think that social media is all about what you make of it. It can be either more pros or more cons. For me social media has been a pro, because I use it as a tool to increase the value of my business and to learn from so many other tradespeople that have more knowledge than I do. As far as cons go, social media can of course be used incorrectly to judge others or in turn be criticized by them. I think it can become very negative. But if you are on the path of looking for growth and education, social media is all pro.

Kyle Stumpenhorst Innenausbau

Which dream would you like to fulfill yourself?

I am not the biggest goal-orientated person, which is propably the main thing that other people will tell you. I just try to live each day. Whatever I am feeling most passionate about, that’s what I try to do. So my biggest dream or goal would be to never look back and think: Why did you do that or why didn’t you try to do that? Always do what you love and be passionate about it and this will eventually make you very happy.

Kyle Stumpenhorst bei STABILA

If you would like to know Kyle even better and you are interested in his work as a craftsman, there are numerous possibilities.

YouTube: @RRBuildings
Instagram: @RRBuildings