PRO Cabinet Maker

From Workshop to Showroom: Exploring Automation, Outsourcing, and Industry Growth

In episode 18, we give the hosting reins to Randy Niewind, president of Randy's Cabinets and Woodworks and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Samuel Oprea, CEO of the Kitchen & Bath Design Group in Atlanta, GA. Samuel shares his inspiring journey, from his family's move from Romania to the U.S. to launching a small cabinet shop in 1996 that grew to 80,000 square feet before the 2008 recession. He discusses the critical role of automation and robotic systems, the impact of having a showroom for client education, and the advantages of outsourcing wood doors. Samuel also highlights the value of industry collaboration and education through the Cabinet Makers Association.
 
PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

The Next Chapter: Navigating Succession Planning and Business Strategies

In this episode, Ken Kumph, founder and president of Premier Builders in Georgetown, MA, takes over hosting duties. He chats with Matthew Schroeder, wealth advisor and director of financial planning at Great Point Wealth Advisors. Together, they dive into the intricacies of succession planning, offering valuable advice for younger professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. From establishing standard operating procedures to gaining a comprehensive understanding of business financials, they share practical strategies to enhance business performance and ensure long-term success. Tune in to gain expert insights on valuating your business and implementing effective business practices in today's dynamic market landscape.

Unveiling the Trends: A KBIS Recap

In the season 2 premiere, James Fox, owner and president of Fox Woodworking at Darkhorse Woodworks in Phoenixville, PA, takes the hosting helm. He engages in a lively discussion with Jenny Rhead, Project and Marketing Manager at Designs of Distinction by Brownwood Incorporated in Chicago. Together, they delve into the recent success of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) held in Las Vegas, exploring its appeal to the woodworking industry, uncovering the latest trends in kitchen and bath design, and pondering the future of KBIS.
 
PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

Crafting Closet Excellence: Exploring Trends, Design, and Industry Insight

In episode 15, we give the hosting reins to Chris Dehmer, owner of Darkhorse Woodworks in Atlanta and past president of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Mike Carson, owner of Inspired Closets Chicago. The two talk about the closet market, including the differences between closets and cabinets, project turnaround times, design elements, how to get started, standards, and a preview of the upcoming Closets Conference & Expo in Chicago.
 
PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.
 
Show notes
For more information about the Closets Conference & Expo, visit closets.org.

Creating Employee Value Propositions: Marketing for the Current Workforce

In episode 14, we give the hosting reins to Lois Snyder, founder, designer and leader of Periwinklers, and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. She chats with Marc Sanderson, president of Wilkie Sanderson, one of the most profitable millwork companies in the U.S. The two talk about the current workforce issues and strategically thinking about recruitment and retention, creating an employee value proposition, and differentiating yourself from your competition. Sanderson also provides an 8-point problem solving rubric and explains how to apply that rubric to millennials in the workforce. 

Benefits of Outsourcing: Improving Quality and Efficiency

In episode 13, we give the hosting reins to Randy Niewind, president of Randy's Cabinets and Woodworks and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Mark Elliott, CEO of Elliott Woodworking, about the benefits of outsourcing, how it can help with quality, and finding the right fit for both small and large shops. 

Investing In Your Shop: Managing Growth and Quality

In episode 12, we give the hosting reins to Gregory Paolini, founder of Gregory Paolini Design and secretary of the board for the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Andy Wilzoch, president and founder of Premier EuroCase, about growing a business, building relationships, finding a niche market, investing in technology, and successfully managing the business.
 
PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings. 

The Future of Business Operations: Using AI in Your Cabinet Shop

In episode 11, we give the hosting reins to Matt Wehner, co-owner of Cabinet Concepts by Design in Springfield, MO, and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Jeff Langford, co-owner of Outlaw Woodworks, LLC in Three Forks, MT. The two talk about integrating AI into your cabinet shop’s business operations, mitigating risks, and the future of AI in business.
 
PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

Increasing Production: How to Expand Your Business

In episode 10, we give the hosting reins to Terry Steffey, owner of Dibbleville Woodworks in Fenton, MI, and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Marcus Waterworth, president of Waterworth Woodshop in Viking, MN. The two talk about Marcus’ career path in woodworking and entrepreneurship, finding and hiring the right people, marketing your business for growth, and his shop’s future plans.
PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

Women in Woodworking: Diversifying the Industry

In episode 9, we give the hosting reins to Lois Snyder, founder, designer and leader of Periwinklers, and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. She chats with Tracy Schroeder, owner and COO of Westside Custom Cabinets in Washington state. The two talk about Tracy's career path in woodworking, rebuilding a business after a tragic fire, finding the right people to hire, and getting more women into the trade.