Published by 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.
Listen on Apple PodcastsIn episode 27, guest host Amy Thrasher-Price, owner of D&H Quality Cabinets and CMA board member, welcomes Gary LeBlanc, organizational development manager at Richelieu Hardware, to discuss rebuilding the cabinetmaking talent pipeline. Gary shares how career and technical education launched his own career before exploring the challenges facing today's workforce, including declining awareness of skilled trades, an aging workforce, and the need to attract the next generation of talent. He offers practical strategies for engaging students through school partnerships, shop tours, internships, and career development programs, while highlighting the growing role of technology, specialization, and industry collaboration in strengthening the future of cabinetmaking. PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings .
In episode 26, guest host Gregory Paolini, founder of Gregory Paolini Design and board member of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), sits down with Gary Balcom, president of Atlanta Cabinet Shop Inc. in Buford, Georgia, to explore his journey from hobbyist to industry leader. Balcom reflects on learning woodworking as a teenager in Western New York, inspired by his father and PBS icons like Norm Abram and Roy Underhill, and how an early silhouette business sparked his entrepreneurial mindset. He traces his path from Niagara Falls to a high-end conference table shop in Vermont, and eventually to Georgia, where he now leads a commercial millwork operation focused on panel processing for spaces like medical and dental offices. The conversation dives into the balance between high-tech manufacturing and traditional craftsmanship, with Balcom leveraging CNC-driven equipment at scale while maintaining a personal passion for hand-tool woodworking. He also shares how lean principles and Kanban systems support continuous improvement in a high-volume, data-driven environment, and why hiring for attitude, attention to detail, and aptitude often outweighs prior experience. They also highlight the value of the Cabinet Makers Association as a trusted network for collaboration, learning, and problem-solving within the industry. PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings .
In Episode 25, guest host Terry Steffey of Dibbleville Woodworks and the Cabinet Makers Association sits down with Skylar Faria and Hannah Khalaf of SurfPrep to explore the company’s evolution and mission in the woodworking industry. They share how SurfPrep grew from a 1985 sales business into a family-owned manufacturer of innovative sanding systems designed to reduce strain on craftspeople, and discuss plans for a new 60,000-square-foot North Carolina facility that will expand production and create hands-on training opportunities for students and the community. The conversation also highlights veteran outreach inspired by the Purple Heart Project, ongoing product innovation including AI-enabled robotics, and the value of CMA membership in building connections and industry learning. PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings .
In Episode 24, guest host Amy Thrasher-Price, owner of D&H Quality Cabinets and CMA board member, sits down with Rachel Cervos, founder of Cervos Kitchen Academy, to explore her decade-long journey in the cabinet and kitchen design industry. Rachel shares her experiences across stone importing, fabrication, installation, and sales, and how those roles inspired her to create Cervos Kitchen Academy—an interactive online training platform designed to fill a critical educational gap in the industry. Together, they discuss what it means to build a career as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, highlighting the power of education, collaboration, and resilience. Rachel also reflects on the strong sense of community within the Cabinet Makers Association and her vision for empowering more women to enter, grow, and lead in the trades. PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings .
In episode 23, guest host Randy Niewind, president of Randy’s Cabinets and Woodworks and the Cabinet Makers Association, sits down with AJ Durkton, co-founder of Live Oak Fine Cabinetry & Millwork in San Rafael, CA. AJ shares the story behind starting the company, its growth through a partnership with Julian Gaul who formerly owned Halocline Studio, and how that collaboration has boosted both capacity and efficiency. The discussion dives into operations, from outsourcing and project management to going paperless after being inspired by another shop. AJ also spotlights a large-scale project that pushed their systems to the limit, reflects on the value of CMA membership and industry events, and gives a preview of exciting new business expansions on the horizon. PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings .
In Episode 22, guest host Amy Thrasher-Price, owner of D&H Quality Cabinets and CMA board member, talks with Connor Allen, manager of software and process at Boxwood Cabinetry in Oklahoma City. Connor shares the story of his family’s business, founded by his father in 1993, and how multiple family members play a role in its success. He dives into Boxwood’s unique operations, and how automation, bots, and data analytics are transforming their workflow. From his career shift in software development to leading process innovation at Boxwood, Connor reflects on balancing tradition with tech and the value of CMA membership in shaping the future of cabinetry. PRO Cabinet Maker is produced by Association Briefings .
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 Briefing s.
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 .