What is your name?
Brandon Hilt McManus
What is the name of your business?
No. 41 Supply
Where can customers follow your work?
Instagram
How did you end up in Buffalo? Are you a Buffalo native?
Not a native – my husband was transferred here for work.
How did you become a ShopCraft member?
I was invited by Christa at the Queen City Market.
In what way(s) is your work and/or lifestyle environmentally friendly?
Whenever possible, I always use reclaimed/repurposed wood.
Describe your creative process in as much detail as possible:
Ideas just sort of pop in my head randomly, whether I am driving, at work or laying in bed. Creating a piece involves a lot saw dust, plenty of splinters and lots of loud noise from power tools. But, when I am finished, something beautiful is made from otherwise rough, raw materials.
What does it mean to you to be a member of an artist collective like ShopCraft?
It makes me proud. I still haven’t wrapped my head around the idea that people like my work. I feel so proud that I took a chance at something unknown and that its been so well received.
How do you order your wings?
Hot! (and sometimes smoked)
What is the most meaningful thing a customer/client has said to you about your work?
My business is still very young – any compliment I receive still comes as a surprise and is very meaningful.
If you could share a piece of advice with people who think they are ‘not creative’, or don’t think their art is ‘good enough’, what would it be?
Just try. I never thought of myself as an ‘artist’ or ‘creative’ but one day I just decided to make something for my house. I liked the way it turned out and just decided to take a chance.
What about Buffalo inspires you?
I love the renaissance that’s happening – amazing restaurants, shops, businesses and developments are popping up everywhere. Anytime someone visits from out of town, they are surprised by how ‘cool’ Buffalo is. Its really fun being a part of that.
What is your super power?
Pulling out splinters out of my fingers, lol!
What is your favorite charitable organization?
SPCA
Tell us a joke:
Warning, its really bad. How do you get a hipster to eat a hot dog? Put it in a man bun.
What is your most prized possession?
My dogs!
