The Story of Matthew Peech: Why He Created Woodworking Kickstart
How I Turned My Passion Into Woodworking Kickstart: My Journey to Helping Beginners Learn Woodworking the Right Way
When I first started woodworking, I never imagined it would grow into a full community of makers, students, and beginners learning with me around the world. My name is Matthew Peech, and I’m the founder of The Maker University and the creator of Woodworking Kickstart—a step-by-step woodworking course built for beginners who want to learn woodworking with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
This is the story of why I created it, and why I believe anyone can learn this craft with the right guidance.
Join Woodworking Kickstart: https://www.themakeruniversity.com/course
From Registered Nurse to Woodworking Mentor
Before woodworking became a huge part of my life, I worked as a registered nurse. I loved helping people, but the long shifts and emotional stress took a toll. Woodworking became my outlet something peaceful, creative, and grounding. I started building small things on the weekends, sometimes with my kids, sometimes late at night when I needed a break from the noise of everyday life.
When I began sharing my projects online, I had no expectation that people would respond the way they did. But suddenly, I was getting message after message:
“Where can I learn this?”
“Do you teach woodworking?”
“Can you show beginners how to start?”
The more people reached out, the more I realized just how many beginners felt lost, overwhelmed, or stuck. I knew exactly how that felt, I was once in their shoes.
Why I Created Woodworking Kickstart
When I first started woodworking, there weren’t many beginner-friendly resources that explained things clearly. Most tutorials assumed you already knew what you were doing. A lot of courses were too expensive, too complicated, or too advanced for someone who just wanted to start with the basics.
So I set out to create the course I wish I had:
Simple, clear lessons
Step-by-step video instruction
Real projects that build real skills
Affordable and accessible
Supportive, not intimidating
Woodworking Kickstart was built for people who want to learn woodworkingthe right way without feeling overwhelmed or alone.
My Teaching Philosophy: Make It Simple, Make It Approachable
I believe woodworking should be fun, rewarding, and accessible. That’s why my teaching focuses on:
Clear explanations
Minimal tools required
Skill-building projects
Affordable materials
Real-world techniques
Encouraging creativity at every step
You don’t need a fancy workshop or expensive machines to get started. I didn’t have those things either when I began. What you do need is good guidance and that’s what Woodworking Kickstart is designed to provide.
The Power of Learning Through Projects
Instead of overwhelming beginners with information, I structured the course around projects that teach skills naturally. Each project introduces a new technique, tool, or concept, helping you grow step by step. You don’t just watch, you build. You learn by doing.
And the best part? You gain confidence with each project.
The Community Behind The Maker University
One thing I never expected was the sense of community that would form around this journey. Inside the private group, students help each other, share progress, ask questions, and encourage one another. I’m there often, answering questions and offering guidance, because helping beginners succeed is truly my passion.
I want you to feel supported every step of the way something I didn’t have when I was learning.
Why Beginners Love Woodworking Kickstart
Woodworking Kickstart is for:
Complete beginners who want a clear starting point
DIYers who want to improve their technique
Parents building projects with kids
People who want a relaxing, hands-on hobby
Anyone dreaming of turning woodworking into a skill or side business
Most importantly, it's for people who want to build with confidence and truly understand why things work not just follow instructions blindly.
My Mission With The Maker University
At its core, my mission is simple:
Help beginners build more than projects help them build confidence, skills, and purpose.
Whether you want to create furniture for your home, start a small business, or just develop a meaningful new hobby, woodworking has the power to change your life. It changed mine in ways I never expected.
Ready to Start Your Woodworking Journey?
If you’re a beginner who wants a supportive, structured, and achievable way to learn woodworking, I’d love to guide you through it.Woodworking Kickstart will give you all the tools, knowledge, and confidence you need to start strong.
You can learn more and begin your journey here: https://www.themakeruniversity.com/course
