When I was in college studying to be an anthropologist, of one my professors told about his TA who just happened to be studying one of the local Mennonite groups and they were complaining when the wheels on their buggies and other stuff would break or go bad, they really didn't have any local carpenters who could or would help them. It was kind of a big issue in their communities.

He ended up doing a two year apprenticeship to learn how to hand make wheels and other instruments they needed. Before he graduated, he already had a very lucrative niche company and woodworking business selling his wares and delivering them to the families.

There is still a strong demand for well built wood furniture but most people never realize there are economies that rely on this stuff for their livelihood.