Not many instructional video series can boast the longevity of more than two decades and charitable contributions in the tens of thousands. Nestled in Flint Hill, The Wood Whisperer is an unconventional business made possible by the imagination and creativity of a husband and wife team, Marc and Nicole Spagnuolo. What they've achieved since their start in 2006 is remarkable, especially considering they began during the dawn of social media.
Starring in hundreds of YouTube videos, Marc passionately explains (to almost two million followers) how he tackles projects and uses tools in a way that makes it feel easy and inspiring. Marc immediately feels like a friend, and viewers can see right away why his followers have stayed interested. Throughout the course of The Wood Whisperer's existence, their family has moved twice, settling in St. Charles County.
For Marc, he says a reprieve from corporate life to the wood shop each night and weekend called louder and louder until he made the leap to create content for The Wood Whisperer full time.
In fact, it was Nicole who gifted him a woodworking class with one of his idols. That class changed everything for Marc. The couple launched The Wood Whisperer in 2006 originally as a marketing tool to help their customers understand what went into a custom piece of furniture. Back then, YouTube was just picking up speed, and they were the first woodworking show on the platform.
"I don’t think anyone else in our space can say that they've been posting content for almost two decades. We’re basically ancient in internet years," Nicole jokes.
Fast forward to 2025, the YouTube library features 700-plus free instructional videos. If woodworking interests you in the slightest, this is your sign to start a new hobby or expand your skills.
For those interested in more than dabbling, The Wood Whisperer Guild offers more extensive courses, 70-plus to be exact, with professional instructors, support from Marc, detailed video explanations and even printable plans. Woodworking school can cost students thousands of dollars, but The Wood Whisperer Guild makes it accessible and affordable with courses at a fraction of the price.
“We’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of the internet and social media. Watching it grow and transform has been amazing," explains Nicole.
Inspired by a friend and fellow woodworker, Marc and Nicole say they also began Woodworkers Fighting Cancer to rally the online woodworking community around a common cause that affects so many. They explain: "We want woodworkers and non-woodworkers alike to be inspired by what our community is doing and perhaps even join us in the fight."
Support from the Spagnuolos' community has raised more than $100,000 for various cancer charities. This year, they're continuing the efforts by fundraising for wounded veterans with the Purple Heart Project.
Marc states after the leap to full-time woodworking instruction, "nothing has been the same. What started as a fun side project has taken over my life and career, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While we evolved as a business one thing was clear: this was our future."
"We’ve had a front-row seat to the evolution of the internet and social media, and it's been an exciting ride."