Press & Media

Holladay, Utah — What started as a lifestyle blog documenting elevated experiences around the world has transformed into a mission to revolutionize traditional craftsmanship. Odyssey Mercantile LLC today announced the beta launch of CRAFT, an AI-powered iOS application that helps woodworkers save 30% on materials using voice commands and intelligent optimization.

“During our travels, we met master craftsmen in every corner of the world—from Japanese woodworkers to Scandinavian furniture makers,” said Brian Lopez, founder and CEO of Odyssey Mercantile. “They all struggled with the same problem: incredible skill held back by inefficient tools. We decided to bridge that gap with Silicon Valley innovation.”

The pivotal moment came in a Kyoto workshop, where Lopez watched a master craftsman with 40 years of experience lose 30% of his premium Japanese cedar to poor optimization. “When I showed him a prototype of CRAFT, his reaction was immediate: 'This would have saved me a fortune.' That's when I knew we had to build this,” Lopez explained.

CRAFT's standout features demonstrate its understanding of real workshop needs:

• Voice Input That Speaks Woodworker: Say "I need 5 two-by-fours, 8 feet each" and CRAFT understands
• AI-Powered Optimization: Reduces material waste by up to 40% using Gemini 2.0 Flash
• Real-Time Pricing: Updated daily from 500+ suppliers nationwide
• Offline Operation: Works completely offline once installed—perfect for workshops
• ROI Tracking: Average user saves 25x the subscription cost

Beta testing results have exceeded expectations, with testers reporting average savings of $200+ in their first month. Mike Rodriguez, a cabinet maker with 15 years experience, stated: “I was skeptical about AI in my workshop. Then CRAFT saved me $500 on walnut for a single project. Now I won't start without it.”

CRAFT is currently in beta with 53 makers already saving. The app will launch publicly on the iOS App Store in April 2025 at $7.99/month—less than the cost of a box of screws. An Android version is planned for Q3 2025, as the company focuses on iOS where woodworking professionals spend 5.4x more on tools and apps.