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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The mission of the Cabinet Makers Association is to uphold the highest level of professionalism in the industry by providing its members with networking opportunities, continuing education, and ongoing professional development. In episode 8, we talk to four CMA members with a variety of experience and expertise about the value of membership. Each brings a unique perspective on how the CMA has shaped them both professionally and personally, favorite memories, the importance of mentorship within the organization, and what aspects of membership are most valuable.

A special thanks to this episode's guests: Ken Kumph, Premier Builders; Amy Thrasher Price, D&H Quality Cabinets; Jim Falk, Progressive Wood Works; and Jeff Langford, Outlaw Woodworks.

This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

In episode 7, 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 Guy Bucey, CEO of Inova Bed, about what it takes to be a great leader, hiring practices, leadership challenges, and the importance of personal goals. 

In episode 6, we give the hosting reins to Monika Soos, Chief "Fun" Officer for Sofo Kitchens and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. She chats with Dominic Rubino, industry business coach, about time management, creating efficiencies in your shop, maintaining discipline, focusing on a vision for your business, and staying consistent.