How much $$$ is Bjorn worth?

Lazylightningny

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This is not to denegrate Bjorn at all. I really admire his work and the amount of time he has put in learning the art.

I'm just wondering how much money he's worth. I was looking at his spring nursery walkthrough. Holy Crap! He has an amazing nursery! Put together in just 2 or 3 years. So I'm wondering how much money it took him to put it together. He bought a piece of property in Tennessee and turned it into an amazing garden filled with world class bonsai. I'm guessing at least $2 million.

Any better guesses?

 

Arlithrien

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I enjoy his content. He is young, hip, very knowledgeable, and on the cutting edge of the hobby. But is he wise? He certainly has a lot of potential.
 

Lazylightningny

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Is there really that much value in Bonsai? I’m sure you can make a pretty penny, but can it make you a millionaire?
I'm not saying how much money he can make as a bonsai professional. I'm wondering how much money he needed to put all that together.
 

Mikecheck123

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Bonsai seems like the opposite of a get rich quick scheme.

I think the economics are similar to being a personal injury lawyer. You need a steady stream of run of the mill, small dollar slip and fall cases while trying to reel in a big fish.

But in this case the small fish are $25 and the big ones only $3000.
 

Maloghurst

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Aside from all his intensive workshops. He does tours of japan each winter with up to 30 people with him and his wife. I’m sure it’s not cheap. His styling is sought after all over the world. He’s been making YouTube video for along time that actually pay fairly well. Then of course the nursery.
I don’t reallly care how much he is worth though.
 
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WNC Bonsai

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Since completing his apprenticeship he has been busting his butt doing conventions and presentations all over the world. Ne hs clients whose trees he manages for them, and has a very popular schedule of classes at his new venue. However Van e is right about how this epidemic has shut him a d other bonsai professionals down overnight. I am really surprised we haven’t seen a lot more videos coming from him to try and keep the mortgages paid.
 

River's Edge

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But in this case the small fish are $25 and the big ones only $3000
Cannot recall the last time I saw a real serious show quality Bonsai sell for $3000. I wish I could purchase one of Bjorn's show quality trees for $3000 . Perhaps a semi serious piece of raw untouched yamadori !
Not sure how much anyone's net worth is and really not an important question in my mind!
I do know based on my experience with the young man he deserves every success he achieves through his effort, determination and quality of character. One of the many positive people who make this Industry better.
 

Forsoothe!

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The problem some people are missing is the cost of running a business. Land isn't cheap and has to be paid for. You rent that money from the bank for a mortgage payment for 15 or 30 years. You have to be routinely open for business, even when you are in Timbuktu teaching a workshop, so your wife is working, too. Being on the road is necessary to maintain your image, but it ain't fun and you can't maintain your stock while you're in Butte collecting trees. The trees are perishable and need to be maintained in salable condition. It's a business like any other and if your stop working at it for a vacation, the work just piles up. There are no easy ways to make a lot of money, or even just a living. There are two clichés regarding work and hobbies: When you love what you do, you'll never work another day in your life. On the other hand, when your living depends upon what you do everyday, it takes the fun out of a hobby. The truth lies somewhere between the two.

Wanna make a million in bonsai? First, get yourself two million...
 

Arlithrien

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Looking at what he can produce, I would say he has realized his potential
I meant more as a personality rather than an artist, but even as an artist still. He has a growing following on YouTube, comparable to Peter Chan and Niegel Saunders. But he is half their age which means he has a lot more room to grow. He is the future of the hobby.
 
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