November 15, 2023

Great Lakes Stainless & Millwork: A Journey of Collaboration

35 minutes

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In this episode, Michael DeBry, the President of Great Lakes Stainless, and Travis Dolloway, Business Development Manager, discuss their experiences in the metalwork industry and changing marketplace. They share how Great Lakes Stainless entered the millwork industry, its prolific growth from making up less than 5% of their work to nearly 50%, and their various strategies in developing business relationships. They also discuss different trends they've observed, successful endeavors in producing their products, and the benefits of being part of the AWI (Architectural Woodwork Institute). Towards the end, they provide valuable insights on the challenges and future of the millwork industry and share advice for non-traditional millworkers and suppliers on diving into the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:35 Origins of Great Lake Stainless
02:51 Transition into Millwork Industry
03:38 Identifying New Market Opportunities
04:49 Building Relationships and Business Development
09:47 The Role of Personality in Business
12:58 Membership and Involvement in AWI
17:31 Working with Millwork Companies
20:31 Exploring New Product-Based Endeavors
22:26 Introduction to Kick Too with Different Finishes
22:59 Discussion on the Success of the Product
24:13 Exploring the Market and Customer Base
24:46 Learning and Evolving in the Industry
25:11 Importance of Relationships in Business
25:31 Strategies for Offering Value to Customers
26:59 Challenges and Opportunities in the Millwork Industry
28:59 Predictions for the Future of the Industry
29:43 Discussion on the Current State of the Industry
30:35 Exploring Opportunities and Challenges in the Market
33:05 Advice for Newcomers in the Industry
34:51 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

https://duckworksmw.com/podcast/great-lakes-stainless-millwork-a-journey-of-collaboration