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Cabinet Makers Association

An original podcast series produced by the Cabinet Makers Association, created specifically for the woodworking industry. We bring together a pair of industry professionals to talk about issues and challenges impacting their businesses, as well as best practices to help combat those obstacles. read less
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Episodes

Building a Culture: The Whys and Hows
Feb 15 2023
Building a Culture: The Whys and Hows
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.
Help Wanted: Starting an Apprenticeship Program for Your Shop
Nov 8 2022
Help Wanted: Starting an Apprenticeship Program for Your Shop
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.