PRO Cabinet Maker

In episode 21, guest host Randy Niewind, president of Randy's Cabinets and Woodworks and president of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Bobby Miller, a dedicated woodshop teacher from Coon Rapids High School in Minnesota. Bobby shares how his program goes beyond the basics, guiding students from beginner projects to advanced builds like entertainment centers and instruments. They dive into the power of hands-on learning, real-world industry exposure through events and tours, and how today's students value workplace culture just as much as pay. Bobby also discusses how he brings tech, business, and networking into the shop to help students find purpose.   PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

In episode 20, Gregory Paolini, founder of Gregory Paolini Design and secretary of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), takes over as host to chat with fellow board member Jason Norvell, owner of Norvell Inc. in Slidell, Louisiana. Jason shares the journey of his family-owned shop, founded in 1978, and how implementing a CNC router transformed efficiency. They discuss the value of CMA membership, best practices for employee management, navigating market challenges, and the role of SOPs in ensuring consistency. Whether you're a seasoned CMA member or exploring the organization, this episode is packed with insights to enhance cabinet shop operations and business growth.   PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

In episode 19, 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 fellow board member Amy Thrasher-Price,  owner of D&H Quality Cabinets in Lindale, Texas.  Amy shares her inspiring journey in the woodworking industry, including taking over her family's cabinet business in 2018. Since then, the company has grown significantly, now operating across two buildings with a combined 16,500 square feet and a team of 24 employees. Amy opens up about the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, the value of mastering every aspect of the business, and her insights as a new board member of the Cabinet Makers Association.   PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

In episode 5, 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 Doug Tatum, chairman of Newport LLC and speaker at CMA's National Conference, about how to succeed in business, making the decision to remain a "small giant" in business or scale, managing overall growth of your shop, and teaching valuable employees how to run the business without you. 

In episode 4, 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 Paul Downs, president of Paul Downs Cabinetmakers and speaker at CMA's National Conference, about developing a company culture, why it's important, and the challenges of hiring the right people for your shop's culture.   Show notes Paul Downs started making custom furniture in 1986, after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in engineering. Mr. Downs has only one line on his résumé, but he has a wide variety of skills gained in 30 years of running his business. His clients range from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, all branches of the military, and domestic and foreign governments.  His company employs 20 superb craftsmen, producing all of their work in a 35,000 square foot shop in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania. Mr. Downs is also an accomplished author.  He started his writing career in The New York Times' “You're The Boss” blog, and is the author of “Boss Life:  Surviving My Own Small Business”, published in 2015 by Blue Rider Press.  He currently blogs on Forbes.com Mr. Downs is an experienced public speaker.  He has given educational presentations at the AWFS show in Las Vegas, at the Cabinets & Closets convention, and gave the keynote address at the Cabinetmakers Association convention in 2018.  He has also entertained audiences in numerous talks about his life, his books, and his work.   This episode is produced by Association Briefings.

In episode 3, we give the hosting reins to Brian Clancy, president of Clancy Woodworking in Sherman, CT, and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Kevin McNulty, opening keynote speaker for CMA's National Conference, about personal growth, transitions and the importance of networking in the woodworking industry.

In this episode, 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 Tim Coleman of SCE Unlimited about year-end financials and focusing on your shop's magic number. Show notes Tim Coleman founded his Closet Organization company in 1988 and ran his business for nearly 30 years. He sold his successful company in 2017 and was asked by that buyer to stay on to run the closet division, which he did for 3 years.  In October of 2020 Tim was delighted to take the helm of SCE Unlimited in the Chicagoland area, which is owned by Installed Building Products, a publicly traded $2.5 billion company. SCE offers both Wire & Solid Systems from melamine to veneered wood, Shower Doors & Mirrors, and Bathroom hardware. Tim has run the business gamut from being a one-man shop to working with a team of over 50 employees. He was a Hunter Douglas Blinds, Shades, and Shutter dealer for 14 years and works with homeowners, custom builders, commercial developments, and retirement living centers. Tim believes that sharing knowledge and consistently seeking to learn new information is the only way people evolve and grow, and he endeavors daily to do both.    This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

In our inaugural episode, we give the hosting reins to Ken Kumph, founder and president of Premier Builders in Georgetown, MA, and president of the Cabinet Makers Association. He chats with Kelly Victor-Burke, CEO of Burke Architectural Millwork in Livonia, MI, about the workforce challenges impacting the woodworking industry and starting an apprenticeship program for your shop. Show notes Kelly Victor-Burke is an entrepreneur, woodwork manufacturing advocate & professor emerita who taught for 30-years at Eastern Michigan University as co-director of the Geotourism & Historic Preservation Bachelor of Science Program until her retirement in April 2020 to concentrate on her growing woodwork manufacturing business, Burke Architectural Millwork (BAM). Kelly and her husband/business partner Barry founded BAM in 2016 to disrupt the status quo in the woodwork industry and bring positive recognition to the field of architectural millwork manufacturing. BAM is Michigan's first and only WBENC Certified WBE in custom architectural millwork. While Kelly spends the majority of her time on administrative tasks & sales and is the company's social media guru, she really loves being on the shop floor working on projects. Ken Kumph Ken is president of Premier Builders and has an active role in the day-to-day operations with sales, estimating, and business management. He has been a team leader and frequent volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, is an active member of the Cabinet Makers Association, the National Association of Homebuilders, and a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. He is a continued supporter of local youth sports teams and educational endeavors. Ken currently serves as the President of The Cabinet Makers Association This podcast is produced by Association Briefings.

The Cabinet Makers Association presents the all-new PRO Cabinet Maker podcast. Join various hosts from CMA as they chat with leaders in the woodworking industry about issues and challenges impacting their businesses, as well as success stories to inspire. Check out the trailer for season one!