Have you ever noticed that the more you learn, the less you feel you know?

It sounds strange, but it's a sign that you’re truly growing and learning.

In this article, let’s explore why expanding your knowledge often leads to feeling like there’s so much more to learn.

Understanding Your Knowledge Base

Think of your knowledge on any topic as a small circle. This circle represents everything you know. Around it are idea receptors—like vacuum tubes—ready to absorb new information. As you learn, your knowledge base grows, and so do the number of these receptors. This means that the more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know.

Learning More, Knowing Less

When you first start learning something, your knowledge base is small. Every new piece of information feels significant and builds your confidence. However, as you continue learning, you uncover the subject's complexity and depth. Your growing knowledge base exposes you to more unknowns, which can feel overwhelming.

This phenomenon is known as the “paradox of expertise.”

Here’s how it works:

The Initial Confidence Boost

When you first start learning something new, the initial steps are often straightforward. You might feel a rush of confidence as you quickly grasp the basics. This is a natural part of the learning process—early progress is often noticeable, and it feels good to understand something new.

For example, when you first learn to use a new tool or software, like Cabinet Vision, you might quickly get the hang of basic functions. This initial confidence can make you feel like you’ve mastered the tool.

The Discovery of Complexity

However, as you continue to learn, you start to realize just how complex the subject really is. Suddenly, the basic knowledge you’ve gained seems small compared to the vast amount of information that’s still out there. You might start to feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

In the case of Cabinet Vision, as you explore more advanced features, you may find that there are countless techniques, shortcuts, and settings that you didn’t even know existed. This can be both exciting and daunting—it’s a reminder that there’s always more to learn.

The Expansion of Your Knowledge Base

As your knowledge base grows, you begin to see connections between different pieces of information. You understand how various components work together, and you start to appreciate the nuances of the subject. But with this deeper understanding comes the realization of how much you still don’t know.

This expanding awareness is a sign of true expertise. The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is to learn. Your growing knowledge base brings with it a broader perspective, which helps you see gaps in your understanding that you weren’t aware of before.

Embracing the Feeling of “Not Knowing”

This feeling of “not knowing” is actually a positive sign. It means you’re pushing the boundaries of your understanding and challenging yourself to go beyond what’s comfortable. “Experts” in any field often describe feeling like they know less as they learn more because they are aware of the infinite depth of their subject.

Why This Matters

Understanding the paradox of expertise is crucial for anyone committed to lifelong learning. It helps you stay humble and open-minded, knowing that no matter how much you learn, there’s always more to discover. This mindset is especially important in fields that are constantly evolving, like cabinetry and manufacturing, where new materials, techniques, and technologies are always emerging.

In the end, the key is to embrace the journey of learning, knowing that it will always be a work in progress. The feeling of “knowing less” isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign that you’re growing, exploring, and becoming more knowledgeable every day.

My Example

For anyone publicly sharing knowledge with a group of people, this is a very real thing. You can quickly flip back and forth from being overly confident in your skillset to feeling like an imposter because you start to realize how much you have to learn.

This idea of self-humbling learning applies to any topic.

For me, there are two obvious topics in my life that stand out.

The first one is Cabinet Vision. While I have learned a lot over the last few years, there is still so much potential to uncover.

Some of you might read this and think to yourself, wow, why would I even want to begin learning something so complex.

To answer that question, I would ask you this: Would you rather invest in a software/technology and hit the limits of what you can learn within a month or a year, or would you rather choose software/technology that is only limited by you and your team's learning abilities?

For true growth and scalability options. That’s an easy answer for me.

I don’t consider myself to have mastered Cabinet Vision, but I have learned enough to know that just about anything is possible. I have especially learned that there is still so much potential for me to improve and learn new tactics.

The other example of self-humbling learning is the Bible. This book is the most incredible thing I have ever read. You can dedicate your entire life to one book of the Bible and continue learning new things about the same words that were written. Part of that is because this idea of learning actually exposes more things that we don’t know, and the other part is that the Spirit of God speaks to us differently as we read depending on what we need.

Just because I will never understand everything in the Bible definitely doesn’t stop me from reading and wanting to learn everything I can about it and who God is.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed reading about the interesting topic of learning.

I encourage you all to dive into something and see what all you can uncover, whether its golfing, playing guitar, or a business skill, there are few things more rewarding than being able to look back a couple of years and see the growth in an area of your life.

Take Action

• Focus Your Learning: Identify key areas where expanding your knowledge will have the most impact. Prioritize learning that aligns with your goals and passions.

• Stay Curious: Keep seeking new information and skills. Attend workshops, read extensively, and engage with other people in your field.

• Share Your Knowledge: Help others grow by sharing what you’ve learned. Whether through teaching, writing, or mentoring, your insights can inspire and educate others.

By embracing a mindset of continuous learning, you not only enhance your skills but also contribute to the growth and success of those around you. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and strive for excellence in all we do.

Last point I will make.

Learning can be humbling, but it doesn’t mean we have to underestimate ourselves. Most of the time, we know more than we give ourselves credit for.

You don’t have to become an “expert” to be able to help someone who was where you were a couple of years ago.

When building cabinets, keeping things running smoothly is critical.

One of our readers shared an idea about splitting up the production process into separate steps.

The benefits of this method will vary depending on your shop's size and production style, but it can improve your shop's efficiency and facilitate the handling of different workloads.

Everybody knows that production scheduling can be a dynamic, intricate, and unpredictable process.

Our reader discusses a big change that helps him keep his shop flowing smoothly and steadily.

Splitting Up the Workflow

Usually, making cabinets follows a step-by-step order, which can cause slowdowns and waiting times.

For example, if you always run jobs together through the shop, what happens if a job gets delayed right before you are ready to build it? Now, you have to scramble to prepare an entirely new order to try to keep the shop busy that day.

By splitting the process into different steps, you can handle each part based on what your shop needs at the moment. Here’s an example from our reader:

1. Toekicks: These are the fastest to make, so you can focus on them during busy times to keep things moving.

2. Drawers: These take a bit longer, so you can schedule them based on your shop’s workload to keep things steady.

3. Cabinets: These need more time and materials, so you can plan them to avoid slowdowns.

4. Doors: These take the longest, so you can make them during slower times to balance the work.

Once you have defined your different steps, it's important to organize the paperwork and files so that each step can be run independently from the rest of the steps.

This is where your software comes into play.

Instead of sending out one huge pack of drawings and cultists, now you will have to separate them.

For example, let’s say we are working on the Smith job.

We need to be able to run the Smith drawers or the Smith toe kicks without sorting through and separating them from the other steps.

The Benefits

1. Better Workflow Management: By splitting production into steps, you can adjust your work based on real-time needs. This helps you maximize and balance productivity.

2. Keeping the Shop Busy: This method helps keep the shop busy instead of stopping and waiting for the next job. Having different parts ready at different times keeps the workflow smooth.

3. Combining Like Jobs: You can work on similar tasks for multiple jobs at once. For example, you can build drawer boxes or doors for several jobs together, which saves time and reduces repetition.

4. Tracking Production Time: Splitting production into steps makes it easier to see how long each part takes. This can be hard when looking at the whole job at once, but by breaking it down, you can better understand your schedule and pricing.

5. Flexibility and Quick Response: This method gives managers the flexibility to respond to how the shop is doing, making sure work keeps flowing without unnecessary delays.

6. Less Downtime: With different parts ready at various stages, you can avoid the entire production line stopping because of a delay in one area.

The Cons

1. More to Track: By splitting jobs into steps, you run the risk of getting ready to load the job into the trailer and realizing you forgot to make the toe kicks. This, of course, can be resolved with some organization and checklists, but it is a possibility.

2. Increased Waste Percentage: The more parts you have when you nest a job on your CNC, the better yield you will have in most cases. By separating steps, you will likely increase the amount of waste you have.

3. More Paperwork/Cutlists to Lose: It’s hard enough to keep the job paperwork around, but now you have to make sure that they not only can find the Smith job, but they need the Smith job toe kick papers.

Tailoring the Approach

While our reader’s example includes toekicks, drawers, cabinets, and doors, remember that the steps might be different for each shop. Here’s how you can adapt it to your shop:

1. Look at Your Current Workflow: Find out the current order of operations and spot any slowdowns or waiting times.

2. Define Your Steps: Clearly define and separate the production steps based on your shop’s needs. This could include other stages, such as finishing, cutting shelves, or assembly.

3. Train Your Team: Make sure your team understands the new workflow and the importance of handling each step independently. Train them on how to prioritize tasks based on the shop’s workload.

4. Monitor and Adjust: Start with a test run of the new workflow. Watch the results, get feedback from your team, and make any necessary changes to improve the process.

Conclusion

Using a segmented production workflow by separating key steps can greatly improve your shop’s efficiency. By managing each step independently and adjusting based on real-time needs, you can reduce downtime and boost productivity.

The big requirement for pulling this off is to be able to shift from thinking that the entire job has to go through the shop at exactly the same time.

Thanks to our reader for submitting his idea on how he helped manage production at his shop.

Submit the idea that has helped your shop here.

After consistently writing 50 weekly newsletter articles, it has been almost 2 months since my last newsletter…… My apologies for the missed expectations on the weekly newsletter.

The good news is, I’m ready to get back to it.

While I can certainly say that life has been busy the last two months, we all know that 'busy' is just a fancy word for juggling priorities.

I’ve certainly missed the interaction and replies from all of you.

If I could give an excuse, I would say that building an online course takes a really really long time.

But it has been good, and I am pleased to announce that my new course Zero to Hero with Cabinet Vision is live on the website and ready for purchase and it’s $250 off normal price for the first couple of weeks.

Those of you who are interested can check it out here.

P.S. You just might find some information about a few FREE course giveaways if you look closely enough.

Now, on to a big announcement for the newsletter.

Idea-based newsletter articles

So far, you have mostly been reading my thoughts and ideas on different topics in the cabinet industry, and there will still be plenty of that.

But I want to take it a step further.

As a Cabinet Vision consultant/trainer/educator/jack-of-all-trades, I am exposed to many different shops and how they do things. I see many brilliant people doing absolutely brilliant things.

I know there are people who are subscribed to this newsletter and reading it right now who share my passion for staying curious and always learning new things.

I also know that those people have a lot of good ideas that they haven’t had the nerve to post publicly about.

I am offering you access to my audience.

Use this newsletter platform to share something that has helped your shop or your career in the cabinet industry.

Before you immediately stop reading and think to yourself that you could never write an article…….. Don’t worry.

Just give me the details and I’ll put it into an article for you in my own words.

You can choose to remain anonymous or have your name included in the article.

How do I know if I have a good idea?

If you know of something that you or your shop has done that has been a game-changer, you just might have a good idea.

This could include:

• implementing new software

• adding a new piece of machinery

• using a new accessory or hardware

• finding a new process in the shop

• building something smarter

• automating processes

• finding customers

• training your team

• avoiding mistakes

• installation tips and tricks

• encouraging growth

• finally figuring out a good way to price cabinets

• or anything in between

How do I submit an idea?

If you think you have a good idea that others need to know about, click here to be directed to a form.

This is not connected to my business CRM and I am not using your information for anything shady. It is simply a form to collect submissions and store them in a spreadsheet.

What should I expect?

1. Fill out the form to submit your idea.

2. I will review your idea. (this might take a few weeks)

3. If I think your idea is beneficial to the group, I will contact you to ensure I fully understand it.

4. I will write a rough draft and send it to you

5. After you approve it, we will schedule it to be published.

Thanks for reading and for subscribing.
Myron

In our cabinet businesses, we talk a lot about becoming more efficient, time-saving software, strategies, and frameworks.

It's easy to get caught up watching videos, reading booking, and listening to inspiring speakers on those topics, and forgetting about a core part of business

This week, I want to remind you of this fundamental purpose as I was reminded of it while my wife and I are traveling in Vietnam.

Serving people.

And not just serving people, but serving them well in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

I have been to Asian countries in the past but I especially noticed it this week. There were countless occasions when I was blown away at how people went out of their way to help us and make sure we had what we needed. This included hotel staff, restaurant staff, or anyone in particular.

For example:

Our hotel staff getting to know us and offering us recommendations for the rest of our trip, helping us catch a cab, and offering to store our luggage even after we checked out and were no longer staying there.

The coffee shop we went to took the time to draw our faces in our egg coffee! Surprisingly accurate faces actually.

These types of interactions are what leave lasting impressions.

In America, we get so accustomed to the cold culture that it catches us off guard when someone goes out of their way to serve us. Too often, we are only willing to help people when they are paying us for that specific thing.

Business is an opportunity for us to use our creative and unique skill sets to impact our customers' lives.

What if we became less transactional in our interactions and more caring and helpful?

Would it make us more money?

It probably would if you consider the number of raving fans of your business that you would have, but that is not the point...

So here is a question for you to consider.

Are you more concerned about getting another job out the door, or how your customer feels after the job is completed?

Caring about people can quickly become a lost art in our bustling enterprise of business.

Think about one way you can catch your next customer off guard with your unexpected act of caring.

As the heartbeat of your cabinet manufacturing operation, your software holds the key to efficiency, precision, and profitability. Picture this: years of painstakingly curated construction methods, meticulously cataloged materials, and hard-earned innovation—all gone in an instant.

The thought sends shivers down your spine, doesn't it? Yet, the reality is that without scheduled automatic backups, this nightmare scenario isn't just plausible; it's a ticking time bomb waiting to detonate.

We all like to think we will remember to run the backups manually… but we all know how that goes.

As I work with more and more shops, I’m reminded of the importance of this. Just yesterday, I had an incident happen and we had to lose a week of work.

It could have been worse, but honestly, we got lucky that we happened to run a backup a week ago.

In this article, I am going to talk about setting up scheduled backups in Cabinet Vision, but for the rest of you using Mozaik or other production-critical software, may this be a good push for you to double-check that your files are being backed up regularly in a safe place.

Creating Scheduled Cabinet Vision Backups

Lets talk about the way that most people run backups in Cabinet Vision. I think for a lot of people. It goes something like this:

Hmmm, its been awhile since we ran a backup.. maybe I should run one today.

With that mindset, it will likely go months between backups because, well, everybody is busy, and it's hard to remember trivial tasks like that when things are working well.

There is a better way.

Server Versus Standalone

I will explain the steps below but first things first, lets determine what type of install of Cabinet Vision you are using so you know where to run this schedule task.

SERVER: If you are utilizing a server install of Cabinet Vision, this should be done on the server itself, not on one of the workstations.

STANDALONE: If you are utilizing a standalone install, the same instructions but you will run the task directly on your computer.

Step 1 - Find the CV Backup Tool Location

Search for “backup cv” in your windows search bar.

Be sure to click on the right year. You might see 2022, 2023 and other version of CV in this search.

Do not open the app. Instead, click on the Open File Location button highlighted in the image below:

This will open your File Explore to the path where the backup tool is stored.

Step 2 - Get the Backup “Target” Path

Now take your mouse and right-click on the file called “Backup CV 2023 Settings”. (There will be 8-10 other files in this folder)

Click Properties in your mouse right-click menu.

You will see a Windows popup like the one in the image below:

Take your mouse and select all the text in the highlight box labeled “Target”

Copy it to your clipboard by clicking Crtl+C.

We will use this Target path in a later step.

Step 3 - Open the Windows Task Scheduler

Search for “task scheduler” in your windows search bar.

Open the Task Scheduler app.

Step 4 - Create Basic Task

After you have Task Scheduler open, open the Action dropdown in the top menu.

Click on “Create Basic Task”

Give your task a recognizable name.

Example: CV 2023 Daily Backups, CV 2023 Weekly Backups, etc

You can leave the description blank.

TRIGGER STEP

Now it’s time to choose how often you want to back up.

Weekly is probably often enough…. but, in the event of needing to restore, you will be much happier if you have daily options.

Storage is the only reason to not do daily backups.

I’m going to choose daily in this example.

The next step is to choose what time it runs.

This isn’t too critical because this task will run in the background without interrupting anyone.

However, I would recommend choosing a time when people are not using Cabinet Vision.

Early mornings or late nights would be preferred.

ACTION STEP

The action we want to perform is to “Start a program”

On the next page, it will ask us for the Program Path.

This is where we need the Target path we copied in Step 2.

Click in the Program/script field and paste the Target path.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

In the Add Arguments fields, type “/g”

This allows the backup program to run silently in the background without disturbing anyone.

Don’t miss that step.

Your last screen should look like this:

For the final step, simply click Finish.

And for the final, final step…. go check the backups folder the next day after you set this task up and make sure it created a CV backup when you set your task to run.

That’s it. Now you can relax and know that if you ever need to go back, you can choose exactly the day you want to restore from.

Thanks for reading,
Myron

This week, I want to talk write a quick article about the Windows Clipboard History feature.

I’m sure at least half of you have already found this and use it all the time, but I’m always amazed at how many people don’t know it is available when I am remoted into their computer.

I always turn it on for them if they are not using it. 🤣

So what is Clipboard History.

It was actually released on October 2018 for Windows 10.

Here is a screenshot of how it looks.

I use Clipboard History all the time when I am writing a Cabinet Vision UCS or writing a custom report for Cabinet Vision.

It allows me copy multiple parameters or sections of text and then go paste all of them on my new page without switching back and forth between apps.

Another great reason to use it is when you forget a parameter or formula that you had used, you can open your Clipboard History and see the last 25 things you copied to your clipboard.

Super handy.

How To Enable and Use Clipboard History

1. Enable Clipboard History:

Press Windows logo key + V to turn on clipboard history for the first time.

Clipboard history gets cleared each time you restart your PC, except for the items you’ve pinned.

2. Access Clipboard History:

Press Windows logo key + V to open the clipboard history.

Click any item to paste it into the current program.

3. Clear Individual Items:

To remove a specific item from the clipboard history, follow these steps:

Press Windows logo key + V.

Next to the item, select See more (…) and then choose Delete.

4. Sync Clipboard Items Across Devices: (optional)

To sync clipboard items across devices, ensure the sync feature is on.

Go to Start > Settings > System > Clipboard.

Set the Sync across devices toggle to On.

Select Automatically sync text that I copy.

Use the same login information on all your devices.

Remember that your clipboard history is limited to 25 entries, and older items (unless pinned) are automatically removed to make room for new ones. So go ahead, explore clipboard history, and make your copy-paste tasks more efficient! 📄✂️

January 13, 2023, one year ago. I wrote my first article for Tech-Forward Cabinetmaker.

I sent it to 20 people that I thought might be interested in reading it.

I remember thinking when I was writing this first article, how am I possibly going to come up with new topics every single week.

As it turned out, topics came pretty easily once I got started. As it is with a lot of things, getting started is often the hardest part.

I did miss a few weeks over the past year, but I was able to write 45 out of the 52 weeks.

Beehiiv, the software I use to write my newsletters just gave me a popup that said I wrote 40,000 words this year.

Hopefully, a least a small percentage of those words were useful. 😁

I want to say a special thanks to those of you who have been reading from the beginning and also thanks to those who have joined in recent months. I am honored.

To look back over a year of articles, here are some of my favorites.

TFC #01 - Why Your Cabinetshop Can't Afford to Miss Out on a Google My Business Page

I like this one because it was my very first article and it was easy for me to write. Google My Business is one of the most effective ways to get found online. It is wise for people to take advantage of it.

TFC #05 - Balancing Convenience and Cost for Credit Card Payments

My wife and I love to travel and we are able to do it because of credit card points. I enjoyed writing this article because I basically got to talk about credit card points while still trying to educate you on the best practices of accepting credit cards.

TFC#11: The Advantages of Sharing a Catalog

I received a lot of feedback from this article and this is something I still think about a lot on a regular basis. There has to be a smarter way than everyone spending hours of time and thousands of dollars trying to replicate essentially the same thing….if only…

TFC #15: Should I Outsource?

This article was timely because a lot of people was asking me my opinion on the idea of outsourcing at this time. As a shop gets bigger, its a good idea to bring more things in house, but for a lot of people, outsourcing is a good way to grow.

TFC #16: Who Is Your Customer?

This is one of my favorite articles and is crucial for every business to understand, including my own business.

TFC #20: The Relationship Between Price and Quality

This article was a fun parallel between golf and cabinets that focuses on how some people can charge more for practically the same thing.

A lot has changed for me in the last year as I am sure it has for you too.

Some of the big things for me in 2023 were:

• leaving my full time job

• starting my own consulting business, Cabinet Explore

• taking a serious interest in creating content for cabinetmakers

• hiring one of my best friends, Shannon Fleagle, to give me a hand with my new business

• starting an online store for easy Cabinet Vision package downloads

• making slow and methodical progress and on my Cabinet Vision course that I announced way to early 🤣🤣 

I certainly plan to continue to create more content for you all in 2024.

I would love to hear from you.

Which articles did you enjoy?

What would you like to hear more about?

What are some things you have learned this year in your shop?

What are you hoping to learn more about this year?

This is part two of this topic on dealers versus homeowner models.

Read part 1 here.

Part 1 focused on a direct-to-homeowner shop switching to a dealer/wholesale shop.

This week, we reverse the roles and look at a dealer/wholesale shop switching to a direct-to-homeowner shop.

Definition

What is a dealer/wholesale shop?

This can look several different ways, but generally, a dealer/wholesale shop will do most of the following.

• focus on volume

• build cabinets off of order lists or drawings

• let the dealer handle all of the end-customer interaction

• build what the dealer has designed

• find ways to give dealers choices of styles rather than limitless options

Keys To A Smooth Transition

So for the dealer/wholesale shop that decides to switch to a direct-to-homeowner model, here are a few key things for you to consider.

Marketing and Branding Realignment

Shift from B2B (business-to-business) to B2C (business-to-consumer) strategies.

Revamp branding, messaging, and promotional materials to resonate with homeowners.

Before, you could rely on your dealer network to send you ready-to-build jobs; now, you need to be able to attract potential clients to your business.

Yes, doing good work will pay off, and people will naturally find you. However, that can be a slow process and not one that is predictable.

The first thing you have to get nailed down is who your customer is. Will they want modern, traditional, farmhouse, affordable, expensive, or unique cabinets?

It doesn’t mean you can’t sometimes go outside of that box, but your marketing and branding becomes much easier when you decide who you serve.

Once you can get a mental picture of what your ideal customer looks like, now you can focus on putting a couple of things in place to start your marketing strategy.

• optimized Google My Business listing

• a nice website

• post project photos. or style inspiration on social media

• collect reviews and show them off

• add branding to cabinets (drawer boxes, labels, etc)

Strategic Partnerships

As an addon to the marketing section above, you can give yourself a huge boost if you focus on developing relationships with key people in the construction industry.

For example, talk to realtors, contractors, builders, and other people in the process and offer them something in return for sending customers your way.

Strategic partnerships are the best way of getting customers in my opinion. It is the quickest way to see results and is often cheaper than other forms of advertising.

Customer Meetings

Homeowners who buy direct will likely want to come to your showroom and choose their colors and styles.

These meetings can take hours and feel like a waste of time.

However, this is an important part of your new business model. This is where decisions get made.

Find ways to make this experience valuable for your customers. Give them style suggestions and have a well laid-out showroom to be able to visually explain their options.

It works great to have their job designed before they arrive so you can impress them with photo-realistic renderings, walkthroughs, job drawings, and a clean proposal.

Pricing

Don’t sell cabinets for the same price you sold cabinets to dealers.

You are adding a lot of responsibility to your company, and that needs to be accounted for in your prices.

A lot of people think dealers mark up cabinets way too much, but you will soon find out why they do.

You now need to cover marketing costs, job measurements, customer meetings, endless revisions, and salespeople.

Conclusion

It is probably a little easier to make this jump to homeowners than the one I wrote about last week with switching to dealers.

You have less of a mountain to climb.

I don’t mean that this model is necessarily easier because there will still be plenty of hurdles for you to overcome when switching to a direct-to-homeowner model.

Thanks for reading,
Myron

Ever caught yourself staring at the neighbor's lawn, certain it's greener?

Making the move from a direct-to-homeowner model to a dealer/wholesale approach can feel like peeking at that lush greenery. (or vice-versa)

But how can you make sure that this new way is actually better than what you had before?

What's the secret to successfully navigating this change and ensuring it's an improvement?

First note to make.

I’ve talked to shops on both sides of this model and it seems like most of them are always convinced that the other side is better.

The direct-to-homeowner shops think that the shops that sell to dealers have it easy.

The dealer/wholesale shops think that the shops that deal directly with customers make more money.

This topic is going to be split into two parts.

In this Part 1 article, I am going to focus on a direct-to-homeowner shop switching to a dealer/wholesale shop.

Definition

What is a direct-to-homeowner shop?

This can look several different ways, but generally, a direct-to-homeowner shop will do most of the following.

• get referrals from previous customers or builders/contractors

• go to job sites to measure

• meet with the customer at a showroom

• does not have a standard catalog (is “custom”🥳)

• create detailed plans and 3D views

• deliver the cabinets

• install the cabinets

• provide countertops

• provide knobs/pulls

Keys To A Smooth Transition

So for the direct-to-homeowner shop that decides to switch to a dealer/wholesale model, here are a few key things for you to consider.

Structured Catalog

Pulling a “Standard Base” out of your manufacturing software and turning it into 1,000 different products is not going to work as well in a dealer model.

Think of it like this.

As a direct-to-homeowner shop, you are basically selling a service.

When you switch to a dealer/wholesale model, you will need to start selling products.

Dealers want to have a nice list of products they can choose from.

Most of them will be adamant that you need a PDF catalog or catalog software in order for them to buy from you.

This is going to be a dramatic change and one that looks like a mountain.

The key is to start simple and grow as you go.

Don’t try to build a massive catalog right out of the gate.

Prioritize simplicity.

Avoid the nagging thought that you are no different than a box cabinet manufacturer now as you work on your catalog. 🤣

Simple and Easy Pricing

As a direct-to-homeowner shop, you have a lot of options for pricing. You might be using Cabinet Vision’s bid center, a fancy spreadsheet, or a simple linear foot cost. All of these can work as a direct-to-homeowner shop.

However, when you decide to switch to dealer, this becomes a little bit harder to accomplish.

Some shops will ignore the inevitable and continue pricing all their jobs in-house

The thing that I see when working with dealers is this:

Most of them want to price the cabinets themselves. (my opinion)

Even if you can promise them next-day returns on quotes, it’s still too late.

My advice, ditch the complex pricing method based on material cost, cubic foot, finished area, and who knows what else.

Stick with simple product prices and allow them to add modifications to those products.

It makes it easier on everyone and the dealers are already accustomed to this style of pricing.

You can still use your fancy pricing method to calculate what those product prices need to be in order to be profitable.

Don’t let your complex pricing method be a hurdle.

Nobody likes to be confused. Keep it simple and predictable.

Prioritize Training and Support

In order for your new dealer model to be successful, you need to prioritize making sure your dealers have everything they need to properly sell your cabinets.

You need to educate them on styles, construction methods, pricing, profiles, installation, and troubleshooting.

This doesn’t mean meeting with them once and then letting them figure it out from there.

Communicate Clearly

Setup effective communication channels with your dealers.

Provide regular updates, marketing materials, and tips to help them sell your product.

You will need to respond to their inquiries quickly and provide information as they need it so they can relay it to their customer.

A lot of manufacturer>dealer relationships fail because of poor communication.

Create Contracts and Agreements

Establish a few simple documents to outline your terms, responsibilities, and expectations to avoid misunderstanding.

It's amazing what you can avoid by taking care of this first thing.

Be Flexible and Patient

One big problem that I see with a lot of shops making the transition from a direct-to-homeowner shop to a dealer/wholesale model, is they bring in a little too much of their own ego in the picture.

What I mean is this.

They approach the dealer with the attitude that they build the best possible cabinets and the dealer should feel honored to have the opportunity to sell their cabinets.

Confidence is good, but remember, you are switching to a dealer model for a reason.

Sales and marketing is one of the hardest parts of business, and you are essentially turning that part of your business over to the dealers when you switch to this model.

So before you go into a dealer and make a bunch of demands that they will have to meet, take a moment to appreciate the potential of what they can do for you and figure out how you can make it easy for them to sell your cabinets.

Be flexible, be open to feedback, and be patient.

Conclusion

I’m sure there are a few people reading this right now who have been weighing this decision for a while, maybe even years.

Hopefully this article gives you a fresh perspective of how you can approach the transition.

But at the end of the day, new information is probably not going to help you make the jump.

Here’s my advice.

It is so important that we focus on a specific type of customer in our business. We can’t just dabble here and there and expect to have as much success as someone who is giving 100% to that specific customer.

I wrote an article on this back in May 2023. TFC #16: Who Is Your Customer?

If you decide to make the transition to a dealer model, you will have to focus on dealers.

99% of shops will not be able to effectively serve these two vastly different markets.

That means, if you decide to pursue a dealer model, your direct-to-homeowner jobs CAN and SHOULD suffer as you work on serving your new dealers better.

Hope this was helpful,

If you still have a few questions on your mind, shoot me an email. I’d be happy to chat with you if you think it would be helpful.

Thanks for reading and have a great winter weekend,
Myron

Ready to rally with pitchforks over soaring software prices?

Hold off—the surprising truth might just turn your anger into applause.

Change can be frustrating, especially when it hits our pockets. However, sometimes change brings forth opportunities that, upon closer inspection, might actually be in our best interest.

Let's take, for example, when a piece of software that is critical to your business increases its price.

This could mean your manufacturing software, such as Cabinet Vision or Mozaik; accounting software, such as Quickbooks; customer management software, such as Hubspot; or anything else that helps your business function daily.

While it’s easy to perceive this as a negative move, let’s explore why this might be the catalyst for a better future for us all.

Bleak Blake

When stuff gets more expensive, our first thought is usually that the people selling it just want more money.

It's like a reflex—we see the price go up, and we think they're being greedy.

Here is how “Bleak Blake” might respond to a price increase:

Sunny Sam

When a software company raises prices, it can signify a commitment to enhancing the tools that are critical to our business.

Improvements and innovations in software don’t come without investment.

Just like our craftsmanship requires top-quality machinery, materials, and skills, developing superior software requires a lot of resources.

When a software company increases pricing, it can signal a dedication to research, development, and crucially, customer support.

Here is how “Sunny Sam” might respond to a price increase:

Conclusion

In the world of business, relying on healthy and thriving companies is crucial, especially when it concerns our critical software.

Imagine a software company barely getting by, struggling to make ends meet. Now, imagine relying on their software to drive our businesses forward.

There's a stark reality here—where there's barely any room for innovation, for improvements that can revolutionize how we work.

That's why these price increases, though initially frustrating, might be more than just a greedy decision.

They could signify a company's commitment to its growth, and to investing in research, development, and support.

We all benefit when the tools we rely on are backed by thriving companies dedicated to enhancing what they offer.

The general rule of thumb is this:

higher price = higher level of service

We expose what is more important to us by how we respond.

Choosing software based on price alone is a journey that loops in circles, never leading forward.

I’ve certainly spent a fair amount on Cabinet Vision and other software this year and I’m not even building cabinets, but I’m not upset about it. Instead, I’m glad to be supporting a company that has impressed me with its innovation, and I’m betting on them to continue to make it better and better.

Final thought I want to leave you with.

Success in software isn't about frozen prices; it's about innovation that propels your business forward.

Is your software doing that for you?

Spoiler alert, I’m guessing it is.

Thanks for reading,
Myron

High five to Cabinet Vision’s product development team!

Back in June I wrote an article called “Where is Cabinet Vision Today?”

I talked a little bit about the frustrations of major version changes and data migration.

This week, I downloaded the new 2023.3 version, and I am excited!

Although there is only a handful of changes in this build, two features really stand out to me.

#1 Assign Connections To Edges

Ever since the Connection Manager was introduced in Version 12, I have loved the layout of it but struggled to have the control I wanted outside of the normal construction method settings.

Well, no more!

2023.3 added a feature that lets you assign connections to edges.

This may not mean much to you, but trust me, this is great stuff.

You can now click on any part, and assign a connection to a specific edge. This means you can add blind dados, Cabineos, pilot holes, and dowels, wherever you want them to be.

I’ve made several UCSs over the last couple years trying to give the user the ability to add connections whenever they wanted, but it never felt like a very polished solution.

I was not expecting Cabinet Vision to build something so this was an excellent surprise.

The one thing that I am hoping for in the future is a few more system parameters to better assign and change connections via UCSs.

#2 Briefcase Mode

This is another feature that I was surprised to see, but one that could be very useful in a lot of shops.

Most shops opt for a server installation of Cabinet Vision, which means that all computers in the office share the same database. This works great until you want to take your laptop to the job or back to your house.

Previously, if you ever thought you might need your laptop away from the office, you would just install that laptop as standalone and leave the rest of the computers as server installs.

This is okay, and it works, but you have to rely on backups and restores to keep your laptop synchronized with the server.

Briefcase mode allows you to install your laptop as a server install, and then toggle back and forth between briefcase mode when you need to go offline.

Then, when you get back to the office, you simply turn off briefcase mode and enjoy a nice shared database again.

This could be a great option. I am a little curious to see how it actually works when there have been changes made on the server and on the disconnected laptop. According to their help files, it says that if there are two conflicting changes, the most recent change will take precedence.

I think if a little caution is exercised in how long you stay offline and what changes you make, this could be an excellent feature for your shop.

Development teams mostly receive criticism and complaints from their users, but I, for one, am really happy with the latest versions, and I think that Cabinet Vision is headed in a really great direction.

Thanks for reading,
Myron

Also, on the note of Cabinet Vision features, I created my first Cabinet Vision downloadable product.

A lot of people I work with use the X-Series rollout systems so I decided to create a nice configurable package that allows CV users to easily:

• add vertical pilasters to the sides of rollouts

• automatically size the width and height of the pilasters based on the opening

• add a marker dado to help your employees in the shop know where to place the pilaster

• see a report with the pilaster sizes and number of brackets for easy ordering

I sent an email out a few days ago to some of the people I have worked for in the past and had them test it out to check for any major bugs and so far it looks like it is good to go.

I’m excited to share it with you.

I have a video explaining how it works on the product page.

For all of my TFC subscribers, I’m offering you this 25% off coupon code that expires December 5, 2023.

Coupon Code: TFCROLLOUT

X-Series Bracket System - Cabinet Explore

Add X-Series pilasters to rollouts Easy rollout clearance adjustments Add a marker dado for easy placement in shop Printed report for pilasters and brackets Visually accurate rollouts

cabinetexplore.com/shop/downloads/accessories/x-series-bracket-system

For those of you who have CNC machines or are considering investing in one, this article is all about utilizing part labels with your CNC router.

I remember our discussion about buying our first CNC at a shop I worked at a few years back.

We couldn’t imagine why we would ever need to do part labels in our shop. I think in our minds, we imagined a huge factory floor with parts going in all different directions on conveyor belts.

Writing the cabinet number on the edge of the part with a Sharpie at the time seemed like a perfectly reasonable option.

The Benefits of Part Labels

The first reason is the biggest reason to use part labels. This alone makes it a no-brainer in my mind.

Easier to communicate changes to shop

Using part labels dramatically decreases the need to make detailed shop drawings for every little detail.

CNC-cut parts with holes and dadoes in the right place speak for themselves, and then if you add a part label on top of that, now you have parts going through the shop that can be easily interpreted just by looking at the part and the label.

Think about the part-specific information you could avoid calling out or printing out if your parts had labels.

• which edges get edgebanded

• what kind of edgebanding (color, thickness)

• the finish color of this part

• custom part notes added in your manufacturing software

• secondary machine barcodes/program names (another CNC, drill and dowel machine, etc)

Easier to mix parts from different jobs

Some shops are forced to run one job at a time regardless of the size because they can’t afford to risk getting the parts mixed up.

Regardless whether you want to mix jobs together, its very handy to have job name, room name, part name, and all the other details on each individual part.

Easier to do remakes

If a part gets damaged, its easy to see exactly what part it is and what size it is supposed to be.

It can be quickly re-created in the shop or it can be communicated to the CNC operator to re-run “the left finished end on cabinet #5 on the Smith job.”

I would recommend part labels for any shop using a CNC. There isn’t a shop small enough that wouldn’t see the benefit of it.

The Cost of Part Labels

There are three main costs associated with using part labels in your shop.

The software

For Cabinet Vision users, this is xLabel/Label-it. You will need to add this to your license in order to be able to print labels as the parts come of the CNC.

Some people get confused by this because they think you can do it with assembly sheets or a custom report. You can absolutely make any label you want in report center but the pros to using xLabel is you get the nice touch screen interface and you only print the parts as they are cut.

If you were using the report center to make your labels, you would have to print the whole job and then sort through it…. which would be a disaster, by the way.

With Mozaik, it's a similar process; just buy the label package they offer, and you are good to go.

The label printer

Most people buy a label printer that is able to print one label at a time rather than using the Avery full page labels.

Typical label printer brands are Dymo and Zebra.

I used to be a big Dymo guy because they were so simple, and they just worked.

BUT, you do not want to buy a new Dymo. The Dymo 550 or Dymo 5xl are a joke because they force you to use their labels. They use RFID inside of the label rolls to make sure it is there labels, and unfortunately there is no workaround for it, because there is a counter built into the RFID.

Yes I attempted to trick it by sitting an official Dymo label roll beside it….. it did work for a few labels though.

But honestly, I could write a whole article on the Dymo downfall. What a poor business decision to make people buy more labels. You should see all the public forums with angry customers.

My advice, just get a Zebra unless you can find the Dymo 450 or the Dymo 4XL for a decent price.

Its up to you which Zebra printer you get. Some people prefer the cheapest option, and others like to get industrial-built printers that offer more features. They both work fine. You might deal with dust and shorter life on some of the cheaper models but I wouldn’t be too scared of them if you’re just getting started.

The labels

This is the most important part of the decision.

Whether you buy a $200 or a $1,000 printer, make sure you buy a printer that you know you can find affordable labels for.

Try to find a generic label company that offers a removable adhesive and good bulk buys.

I typically try to be under $0.01 per label as a reference point.

With official labels, it is not uncommon for them to be $0.07 - $0.10, which makes a pretty big difference if you are printing lots of labels.

There will be lots of sizes to choose from. I typically like something at least 2” tall to make so you can see the part graphic.

Common sizes are 3×4 or 2×4 or something in that area.

Thanks for reading and have a happy thanksgiving!
Myron

After three weeks of traveling to different places and visiting a few shops, it’s good to be back home. I intended to get more guest articles scheduled in mid-November, but I didn’t get everything in place in time. Nonetheless, you’re back to hearing from me this week.

First off, random life update.

I turned 28 yesterday.

Birthdays are always good times to look back and reflect on the previous year and think about what’s ahead.

A lot has changed for me in the last year.

Last November, I was working at Cabentry trying to figure out which product features to add and how to sell software to cabinetmakers.

Now, I’m trying to figure out how to run a business, create helpful content to educate cabinetmakers, and positively impact the people I interact with throughout the day.

Thinking back over the past year, I’m incredibly grateful for the people in my life.

• First and foremost, Jesus, for absolutely everything. He has transformed my life and given me hope and joy that I want others to find.

• My amazing wife, Brianna, for being an unwavering pillar in my life and making our lives joyful.

• Heath, for mentoring me spiritually from a teenager to working side by side as youth leaders at our church.

• Roman, for putting confidence in me and giving me time and opportunity to develop my skillset in Cabinet Vision and CNC manufacturing.

• Brent, for believing in me, pushing me to become more, and teaching me so much about running a business.

• Glenn, for being a trustworthy friend who is willing to tell me the truth whenever we have conversations.

• and so many more.

If you’re still reading to see how this is all relevant, great. Thanks for sticking with me.

Here is how it applies.

It is so easy to get consumed by the pursuit of milestones in business.

• Reaching a certain revenue goal

• Building a specific number of cabinets

• Reducing mistakes

• Cutting production costs

• Entering new markets

• Developing a new cabinet line

• Adding new machinery

• Implementing new software

• etc……

All of these things are good and important.

But don’t forget to be grateful.

Gratitude will make your team feel acknowledged, valued, and inherently motivated.

It’s not just a “nice thing to do” to recognize the contribution of others.

Gratitude is incredibly powerful.

It forges deeper connections, builds loyalty, and fuels an atmosphere of working together.

Think about where you were a year ago as a business, or three years ago, or ten years ago.

How many “milestones” have you hit over the past few years?

Take a moment to reflect on the growth that has happened and how the people around you have been responsible for that growth.

Don’t stop with just thinking about it, go tell someone you are grateful for them.

Thanks for reading,
Myron

Good morning everyone!

I am going to mix things up for the next couple of weeks.

I will be out of town making several shop visits over the next few weeks, and I thought I would reach out to a couple of intelligent people I have connected with over the past few months and see if they would be interested in writing an article for you all.

So this week, I’m excited to have Jacob Edmond from DuckWorks Millwork Solutions give us some insight into the benefits of utilizing a drafting partner in your shop. As the CEO of DuckWorks, which has grown to be a successful drafting outsourcing solution, Jacob certainly has the authority to speak on the topic.

I hope you enjoy it,
Myron

The Value of a Good Millwork Drafting Partner

In the busy world of millwork and construction, getting projects done on time while keeping the quality high is a big deal. When a new project comes in, the clock starts ticking. But if your in-house engineering and drafting teams are already swamped, how do you keep up? This is where a reliable drafting outsourcing partner comes in handy.

Think of a good drafting partner as a helpful neighbor. They know your way of working, can use your templates, libraries, and software, and work well with your teams. They’re the extra hands you need when there's too much work and not enough time, making sure you don’t have to turn down new projects just because your engineering team is busy.

A drafting partner should be ready to help from day one, adapting to your systems and processes. They should be able to use your CAD templates and libraries, and be willing to talk to your team to understand how you like things done. This way, they can help make sure everything is drawn up correctly from the start, without slowing down the submission process.

The goal is simple: to help you take on the work you need, when you need it, and meet those tight schedules. A good drafting partner will adjust their team to get your client’s submission done on time, handing it over in a way that your engineering team can easily pick up from there.

Growing Your Millwork Business:

Growing a millwork business is tough. It needs a lot of different skills, from hands-on craftsmen, machine operators, and project managers, to the number crunchers in accounting and finance. Finding, hiring, training, and keeping good people in all these areas is getting harder every day. This is where a millwork drafting and design partner can help.

Working with a drafting and design partner lets you grow your business without the headaches and big costs of a full-time in-house engineering team. This partner is like an extra set of skilled hands that’s there when you need it, without all the costs and long-term commitment of hiring more full-time staff.

Teamwork, Not Replacement:

Partnering with a drafting outstaffing partner doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your internal engineering team. It's more about giving your existing staff a boost. They can get more done by using the drafting partner as extra hands, while still focusing on the high-value tasks that really need their attention. A solid drafting partner has the experience and systems to take full advantage of your team’s know-how and experience, adding their own capacity to get more done right from the start.

In short, a good millwork drafting partner is not just a service provider, but a valuable teammate. They help make sure you can take on more projects, keep your clients happy with on-time deliveries, and grow your business in a smart, sustainable way. It’s about building a long-term relationship that helps your operations run smoother and makes your business more competitive in the market.

Thanks, Jacob, for sharing some knowledge from your perspective on how outsourcing drafting can be a resource to benefit your team, not replace them

I love to see people who are willing to share their wisdom and help others.

On that note, Jacob hosts a podcast for the millwork industry called Verify in Field, that I highly recommend. You can find his latest podcasts here.

Thanks for reading,
Myron

I hear many different things from cabinetmakers as I work with them. One consistent question I get is this:

Is it normal for my drafters to make so many simple engineering mistakes? I thought buying [insert name of manufacturing software] would fix all of my problems.

Let’s acknowledge a couple of factors, and then we will dive into some ways to help limit those simple mistakes.

First off, yes, there is a difference in drafters/engineers. Some will be more thorough and detail-oriented than others.

I certainly was not one who never made a mistake. I can remember several times when I made a silly mistake and ended up costing the company several thousand dollars. In fact, overall, I was not that great at being a drafter because I struggled to stay focused and be thorough. I like the setup aspect of things too much.

Second, with the complexity of software and the amount of details your drafters have to deal with in a day’s time, I think giving some grace for mistakes is important.

One phrase that I say a lot when we are getting deep into training is, “it’s a lot of buttons”. There are so many things that have to happen in order for the entire job to be manufactured perfectly.

While you obviously have to try to limit the mistakes as much as possible, recognize that it is something that can and will happen, and you should account for it in your operating expenses rather than get upset every time a mistake is made.

Third, putting good systems in place will dramatically decrease your mistakes regardless of who your drafters are.

These systems can include things such as:

• a consistent way of getting information from customers

• a clear way of communicating orders to your drafters

• making your manufacturing software as “automatic” as possible and eliminating as much data input as possible.

How To Cut Down on Mistakes

Here are 3 tips I would recommend to help eliminate simple engineering mistakes.

Store Job Information in a Consistent Place

A lot of mistakes simply come from a lack of communication or losing a written note. With the number of tools available, you should be able to find one that you can use to store your job and project information. Whether you decide to use a full CRM, project management software, or a simple notetaking app, find a way to bring all the information together.

There is no reason your drafters should have to dig through emails, physical folders, or even make phone calls to try to figure out details for the job.

Spend Type Optimizing Your Manufacturing Software

I’ve seen people show me how easy it is for them to manually make changes in their software, and they proceed to make about 25 clicks and enter 10 numbers.

It’s great that your software is able to do it so “easily”, but this is the kind of thing that can easily be mis-typed or mis-clicked. Look for ways to cut down on manual input on some of your common modifications. This can be done by setting up automation for these time-consuming and repetitive tasks.

I wrote an article on this a couple of months ago. You can read it here.

Implement an Engineer Checklist

One of the things that helped me tremendously when I was working at a shop was to implement an engineering checklist.

Basically, rather than randomly “looking over” a job, I had a structured list of things I commonly made errors on and knew I needed to look over. I would print off my checklist for each job and physically check the boxes as I looked at each item on the list.

I thought about putting together a sample checklist but then decided not to because each shop is so different. Let me know if that would be useful for you.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article inspires you to find ways to reduce the number of mistakes in your shop.

I’m curious, what kind of errors do your engineers make most often?

Wrong door sizes? wrong color? incorrect dimensions? pantry cabinet too tall to set up in the room? forgetting to finish an end?

Shoot me an email and let me know.

Thanks for reading and hope you have a great weekend.
Myron

Building a website can seem like a daunting task.

But it doesn’t have to be.

You can hire someone to build a website for you to save time, but many tools available today make building a website a piece of cake.

In this article, I will list several website builders I have personally used over the last several years to help you better understand which one you want to try if you opt to go the DIY route.

Some of you might be asking the question, why do I need a website, rather than what platform I should use?

The huge majority of potential customers will look you up online before working with you.

Here’s a short story to illustrate that answer.

Once upon a time, in a charming suburban neighborhood, a homeowner named Sarah found herself in the midst of a significant kitchen renovation. She had entrusted her project to a skilled general contractor who had assured her that two reputable cabinetmakers were perfect for the job. After a long day of overseeing the renovation, she returned home to mull over the important decision.

Eager to make an informed choice, Sarah settled on her cozy couch, picked up her smartphone, and embarked on her quest to learn more about her potential cabinetmakers.

First, Sarah Googled the name of the first cabinet shop. To her amazement, the name appeared immediately at the top of the search results. She clicked on it and discovered a treasure trove of information. This cabinetmaker had over 100 glowing reviews from satisfied customers, each praising their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. The website was modern and updated, featuring an impressive portfolio of job pictures showcasing stunning kitchen transformations. Sarah's confidence in the first cabinetmaker grew with each click, and she couldn't help but be impressed.

Then, Sarah turned her attention to the second cabinetmaker. She entered the name into the search bar with equal anticipation. However, as she scanned the first page of the search results, nothing seemed to match her query. Undeterred, she scrolled down to the bottom of the page, hoping to find a link to the cabinetmaker's website or some mention of their work. Yet, as she reached the end of the page, she found nothing. Disheartened and pressed for time, Sarah decided not to dig deeper and gave up her search for the elusive second cabinetmaker.

In the end, it was clear who would win Sarah's business. The first cabinetmaker, with their impressive online presence and numerous positive reviews, earned her trust and made it easy for her to access the information she needed. Sarah knew she had found a cabinetmaker who would transform her kitchen and provide the peace of mind that comes with an established online reputation.

Without a helpful website, you lose that opportunity to showcase your work, provide your contact information, and build trust and credibility.

Okay, moving on to the website builders. Let’s look at some of the options that are available.

WordPress

WordPress was used on 45.8% of all websites on the internet in 2023. This is an increase from 43.2% in 2022.

That means that 2 out of every 5 websites use WordPress.

WordPress is my favorite in this list and is what I have used to build over 30 websites.

Pros:

• Customization

  WordPress provides unparalleled flexibility. You can find a plugin for anything you need to accomplish. You also have the option to custom code a solution, but so far, I have been able to accomplish everything I have tried to accomplish without getting into custom coding.

• Free and Open Source

  WordPress itself is free. Most hosting accounts provide a WordPress installation tool to quickly get up and running. Be aware, though, that a lot of the nice plugins are paid options. So, although WordPress is free, you can still get into quite a lot of cost if you are choosing a lot of the nice plugins.

• SEO Friendly

  WordPress allows you to structure your website and control how Google showcases your pages. It doesn’t happen on its own, but it gives you the tools you need to rank higher. SEO is a mysterious topic for most people and your website structure is only a small part of what goes into it, but it is important to get that right to give you a good foundation for Google to reward.

Cons

• Learning Curve

  While I think WordPress is easy to use now, there is still a learning curve for beginners. Understanding themes, plugins, and overall site management can be a bit confusing. I found that things got a whole lot simpler when I started using Elementor as a page builder.

• Maintenance and Security

  WordPress is a target for hackers because it is so widely used. It’s important to keep your plugins and themes up to date. Third-party plugins can also cause problems because it is up to each plugin developer to build a secure plugin. A good illustration of how the plugins work is to think of them like the Android app store compared to the Apple app store. There is no review process, so you could potentially install a dangerous plugin, although I haven’t had any issues with this.

• Speed

  Many people experience very slow load times with a WordPress website. I’ve spent many hours trying to figure out how to make my website load faster. Once you learn some of the tricks to manage it, you can build really fast websites, but it’s something to be aware of.

Who Should Use WordPress?

WordPress is a great option if you want a highly customizable and feature-rich website.

It’s a wonderful thing not to feel limited by your website platform.

Here’s a cliche quote to give you the full picture.

“If you can dream it, you can build it”

If you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution that isn’t going to require much of your time or brainpower, you better keep reading and look at some of the simpler options.

Feel free to reach out to me if you’re thinking of using WordPress and are curious about which themes and plugins I typically use. I may even give you licenses to some of my paid plugins for free as I have agency accounts with a high number of allowed activations.

Wix

I would consider Wix to be a good balance of user-friendliness and features.

It doesn’t get much easier than their drag-and-drop page builder. Plus, they also have a lot of great features that can easily be added to your site such as event tickets and an online store.

Pros

• Drag and Drop Page Builder

  Wix is tremendously easy to use. You don’t have to worry about themes, margins, padding, or other nonsense. You just add a widget and drag it around.

• App Market

  Like WordPress, Wix has an app market that you can use to add specific functionality to your website. It obviously doesn’t have nearly as many plugins as WordPress but it’s cool to see them allowing third-party developers. I imagine there will be more and more functionality in Wix as time passes.

• Management Dashboard

  Wix has a great backend website management dashboard. Wix is a tightly integrated all-in-one system rather than a lot of separate pieces, so the settings are well-structured and easy to find.

Cons

• Design Limitations

  Wix has a broad template and widget selection, however, there are limitations for deep customization. I find myself wanting to do more than just the few design options they give me for a certain widget.

• Mobile Responsiveness Challenges

  Although Wix gives you a mobile editor, you might find yourself making additional adjustments to ensure a seamless mobile experience.

Who Should Use Wix?

If you’re looking to build a website on your own without a steep learning curve, Wix could be the one for you.

While some might think it is not scalable and lacks features, the ease if its drag-and-drop builder is worth a lot.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a great option for want a polished and aesthetically pleasing website. I’ve never built a live website using Squarespace but I have toyed around with a few demo websites.

I found that it was easier to get a nice looking website with Squarespace than with Wix, but it also lacked features compared to other options.

Pros

• Visually Stunning Templates

  Squarespace is definitely known for being visually appealing. It is commonly used for portfolio websites. If you mainly want to put a gallery of your work online, this could be a quick and easy option for you.

• Drag and Drop

  Like Wix, you’ll have no trouble building your website with their drag-and-drop editor.

• Responsive Design

  Squarespace works great on mobile because the templates are professionally designed and you can’t really stray outside of the templates.

Cons

• Lack of Flexibility

  While Squarespace has stunning templates, you won’t be able to make many changes to the design of it.

• Limited Third-Party Apps

  Squarespace is a closed ecosystem compared to other platforms. Similar to Apple, they keep their customizations inhouse.

Who should use Squarespace?

If you consider yourself a creative person and a modern and visually pleasing website is important to you, Squarespace could be the perfect fit for you.

You won't find a better option if you mainly want a simple website that features a couple of pages and a gallery of your work.

Some people have been able to use it for more complex projects but I believe there are better tools available once you need more complex features.

GoDaddy

Yes, GoDaddy does more than just domain names. They offer a super simple website builder tool.

I would only recommend this if you don’t currently have a website and want to get a simple website live as soon as possible.

Pros

• Super Easy

  While Wix and Squarespace are marketed as easy to use, GoDaddy is even more so. There are only a few options available so there is not much to learn.

• Mobile Optimization

  GoDaddy uses templates to ensure your website will always look good on mobile

Cons

• Limited Design

  You will be able to match the website to your branding, but don’t expect major customization.

• Scaling Challenges

  While GoDaddy is great for getting a website live quickly, you will quickly reach its maximum when you try to start adding things to your wbesite.

Special Mentions

There are two other website builders that are very intriguing to me that I want to mention here.

Bubble and Webflow.

They probably won’t be a good fit for most cabinet shops because they will be more difficult to use for a typical business website. However, if you like being in control of every button click on your website and need very advanced functionality, these two platforms are incredible.

Basically, you can build your own complex automation without using code.

Let’s say you want to build your own job tracking portal so your customers can see where their job is. With these platforms, it’s easy to create a database and build the logic to control what happens.

Would I recommend building something like this from scratch? Probably not, but it sounds fun and it is so doable.

If you’re looking for a fun side project and have a cool web app idea, try these platforms.

Conclusion

For most of us, we can’t solely be craftsmen in wood.

We also need to be artisans of our own digital presence.

A website is one piece of your overall online presence.

Whatever platform you choose, choose a platform that allows you to showcase your craftsmanship and expertise.

Let your website be the always-open storefront that enables customers to find you and build trust in you.

Happy building!

Thanks for reading,
Myron

Achieving a hidden fastener on finished ends can be a tricky situation. Many shops opt for an applied end on every finished end to avoid this issue.

Some shops would argue that applied ends that are flush with the doors are “high end” or “custom” compared to a single finished end. I agree that this style of cabinetry can be really sharp. It can resemble an inset look after it’s installed if you add trim to the top and bottom.

However, I don’t like the idea of being forced to do it on every frameless job simply because we are not able to hide our fasteners.

Sometimes, having a clean, frameless, full overlay look is nice.

This article will discuss ways to avoid being trapped in this applied end dilemma without getting into complex horizontal boring.

If you have the capability of doing horizontal boring, good news, you have a lot more options to choose from.

If you are using non-CNC machinery or using a 3-axis CNC machine, we will explore the options that are available for you.

Non-CNC Options

Here are some typical ways of doing finished ends without a CNC machine.

Veneer

Veneering finished ends is our first method of avoiding applied ends. It is one of my least favorite due to it being difficult, time-consuming, and messy to do, but it can be a viable solution for the right shop.

Basically, you use your typical fastener, apply a piece of veneer on top to cover your fasteners, glue it, and then trim it to size.

Pocket Holes

This is a go-to solution for a lot of shops because it is a quick and easy solution.

However, pocket holes are not a total solution to the applied end situation because this only works when one side is not exposed such as the bottom of a base cabinet or the top of a wall cabinet.

If you have a wall cabinet or shelf, you won’t be able to do pocket holes without them being visible.

P-System by Lamello

Lamello connectors such as the P-14 are a great way to achieve a truly hidden fastener.

However, these require horizontal boring with their special tool. I like the idea of using these connectors in special applications but it doesn’t seem very efficient to put these on every finished end.

These are also brilliant for on-site miters and connections.

Biscuits or Dominos

Biscuits are a less complex alternative to the Lamello P-System, however, it still requires a special tool to do the horizontal boring.

You can get these from Lamello or Festool or others.

3-Axis CNC Options

Surface machining means you can do all of your operations on a typical 3-axis CNC without needing special machinery or aggregates.

Qualified Blind Dado

A qualified blind dado works best when it can have a screw or other fastener holding things in place. Some shops are comfortable with gluing their blind dados without using a fastener on finished ends but I think that can be a bit risky.

Cabineo 8/12 by Lamello

Cabineos can be an excellent solution for shops with a 3-axis CNC machine. It does not require any horizontal boring.

I typically refer to a Cabineo as “Snowman”.

These are not truly hidden fasteners. You can buy different colors and find different color caps but technically one side of your panel will have these snowmen exposed.

Note: The difference between the Cabineo 8 and 12 is simply how thick your adjacent panel is.

Ovvo Connectors

There are several types of Ovvo connectors available. Most of them will require horizontal boring and special machinery. They have some great choices for flat pack furniture.

For this article, I am going to mention their surface boring connector, the PN12 the RN12. The PN12 is permanent and the RN12 is removable.

This is not truly a hidden fastener either because it will show on one side of the panel similar to the Cabineo.

ZipBolt FastFit

ZipBolt is a surface machining connector that is similar to the Cabineo and the Ovvo we mentioned above.

Titus System 2

You will start to notice a lot of these surface machining connectors look very similar. Titus is another brand that makes multiple types of cabinet connectors. This connector is specifically for surface machining applications.

Horizontal Boring Options

Having a machine capable of doing horizontal boring opens a lot of doors. Your options go from 5 or 6 average options to a whole list of options, which includes regular dowels, Lockdowel, Fastenlink, Ovvo, and many more.

My Take

If I had a shop with a 3-axis router and no horizontal boring. I would want the capability to do several of these methods such as pocket holes, Lamello P-14s, Cabineos, and qualified blind dadoes. Then, I could use a mix of these options to get what is needed for each situation.

For example, I would go with a qualified blind dado with predrilled holes for screws on unfinished ends and sub ends. Then, if the end was finished, I would use Cabineos.

In my opinion, the cover caps are not too intrusive, especially if you mount the caps flush and get a matching color. However, you can put them on the exterior in some places to avoid them being seen if that is important to you.

From there, I could mix in Lamello P-14s if it was critical to have a totally hidden fastener on a fixed shelf or something.

Everyone has their own unique ideas and there is not really a one-size-fits-all construction method.

The key is finding a system that doesn’t limit your design options and is easy to accomplish in your software.

So what’s your take?

Do you use applied ends on all of your frameless jobs?

Do you sometimes wish you could do a simple full overlay frameless box?

Or do you have a brilliant construction in place that I should learn more about? Let me know. 😁🤣

Thanks for reading, have a blessed weekend!
Myron

Software has become an integral part of every industry, including cabinetmaking. Mastering your software is no longer just a luxury; it has become a necessity for running a successful business.

I was recently on a podcast with Jacob Edmond from Duckworks. We had a great conversation about software and technology in the millwork industry.

You can check it out here: Watch/listen to podcast

Toward the end of that podcast, Jacob asked me what I anticipate changing in the millwork industry over the next 5-10 years.

The last several years have been a machinery and technology boom and there has been a tremendous amount of great additions to the industry.

I predict the next 5-10 years will be all about software in two ways.

First, it will become increasingly critical to master your software to be able to utilize the best technology and machinery.

Secondly, the word “integrations” will be key. The people who find ways to make their data talk to all their different software solutions will do well.

A Leaders Role In Software Adoption

Here is my advice for the person who isn’t sure how to get their team excited about software adoption.

Articulate the Vision

Clearly articulate how the software aligns with the shop’s long-term vision and strategic goals. Illustrate the positive impact it can have on operations, efficiency, and the achievement of key objectives.

Don’t give any room for your team to get discouraged by “another thing” they have to do.

Show Your Commitment

Showcase unwavering commitment to the software adoption process. Demonstrate personal buy-in by actively engaging with the software, attending training sessions, and participating in discussions about its benefits.

This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the software every day, you have plenty of other responsibilities. However, if you’re trying to launch a new solution, it’s important that the team sees that you are committed and engaged.

Trust Your Team

Be willing to allow your team (your best people for this task) plenty of time to learn and successfully implement the software. Recognize that software is an ongoing project and give them time each week to spend on improving or researching ways to become more efficient and successful with the software.

I’ve seen plenty of examples of shop owners who were disappointed because they spend thousands of dollars on software and it’s not magically “doing the work” for them.

What they fail to realize is, that the team is the heartbeat of success. While software serves as a powerful tool, it's the collective skills, dedication, and collaboration of team members that truly drive achievement.

The software is a facilitator, an enabler—empowering talented individuals to create, innovate, and excel.

Don’t hold back your team by loading their plate with so many responsibilities that they don’t have time to be creative and find better ways of utilizing the software.

Address Resistance Promptly

Your team may not always share your vision.

It’s important to show your commitment to the software, however, this doesn’t have to mean firing anyone who isn’t on board.

Create an open space where people can talk about their concerns with the new solution and actively listen to their feedback.

Focus on understanding where their concern is coming from. It might be fear of change, concerns about increased workload, or uncertainty about the benefits of the new software.

Try to help the individual connect the dots to how this will help them personally by making tasks more efficient, less time-consuming, or contributing to their professional growth.

Be willing to admit if the resistance has grounds. Sometimes, as leaders, it’s easy to get excited about new “shiny objects” and not visualize how they might negatively impact the current processes.

Tip: Identify opportunities for small wins or quick wins that demonstrate the positive impact of the software. This helps shift the narrative from resistance to success, building confidence and enthusiasm among the team.

Encourage Continuous Learning

Cultivate a workplace culture that values learning and growth. Emphasize that learning is a continuous journey and not just a one-time event.

Promote the idea that everyone, regardless of their current proficiency, can benefit from ongoing education.

Provide easy access to a variety of training resources. This might include online courses, webinars, tutorials, and documentation related to the software. Ensure that team members have the tools they need to expand their knowledge at their own pace.

Encourage mentorship and peer learning within the team. Establish a mentorship program where experienced team members can guide those who are less familiar with the software. Peer learning not only strengthens team bonds but also enhances knowledge transfer.

Dedicate time and resources specifically for learning. This could involve setting aside regular "learning hours" during work hours or providing a budget for team members to attend external workshops, conferences, or other online training.

Encouraging continuous learning is not just about adapting to a specific software tool; it's about fostering a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience.

By investing in ongoing learning opportunities, leaders contribute to the overall growth and adaptability of the team, positioning them for sustained success in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

I wrote a similar article a couple of months ago about how education drives success that you can check out if you want to read more.

TFC #25: How Education Drives Success in Today's Cabinetmaking Industry

Bridge the knowledge-technology divide and drive success in your cabinetshop.

techforwardcabinetmaker.beehiiv.com/p/education-drives-success-for-cabinetshops

Conclusion

In conclusion, the landscape of the cabinet industry is undergoing a transformative shift where the mastery of software is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity for running a successful business.

My advice for those seeking to inspire their teams towards software adoption is centered on key principles.

• Articulate the vision clearly, aligning the software with the long-term goals of the shop.

• Showcase unwavering commitment, demonstrating personal engagement with the software.

• Trust your team, allowing them the time and space needed for learning and successful implementation.

• Actively listen to concerns and focus on understanding the root of resistance.

• Encourage continuous learning by fostering a culture that values ongoing education.

Set your shop up for success by nurturing a team culture that is not just about adapting to software tools but rather, about nurturing a mindset of curiosity and resilience.

The people who do that well will have no problem staying ahead of the curve with ever-changing technologies and software.

What do you think the next 5-10 years will hold for your shop?

Are you actively planning and researching how you will adapt?

Thanks for reading.

Also, I want to extend a special welcome to all of the new subscribers in recent weeks. I’m honored that you signed up for my newsletter and I hope to provide you with content that challenges you, encourages you, and educates you.

I’m always open to replies and I very much enjoy hearing from you.

Keeping your cabinet-making business's financial house in order is vital to success in your business.

Just as precise measurements are crucial in cabinetmaking, accurate financial tracking is critical. Every dollar in and out should be accounted for, ensuring you cut costs wisely and boost profits.

Your financial statements are like a novel, telling the tale of your business's journey. Whether it's a triumph or a challenge, your numbers narrate the story. Understanding them empowers you to write the next chapter with wisdom and foresight.

Let's dive into the world of numbers and dollars, and help you choose the perfect tool to streamline your financial tasks

For a lot of you, the choice will be a no-brainer.

Quickbooks has a market share of over 80%. Basically, that means the huge majority of small businesses use Quickbooks. The large user base means your tax preparer will likely be familiar with Quickbooks and there will be a lot of integrations already built.

If you’re just starting out or thinking about switching, this article will help you quickly compare the top 6 accounting software options.

Quickbooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop is a robust accounting software that's been a trusted name in the business world for years. For cabinetmakers, its strengths lie in its extensive features, including job costing, inventory management, and detailed financial reporting.

QuickBooks Desktop is ideal for medium to larger cabinetmaking businesses that need comprehensive accounting tools. However, it's a desktop application, meaning you'll need to install it on your computer. this makes sharing and data backups a little more difficult.

Overall, Quickbooks Desktop is the favorite option for the majority of small businesses.

• Features:

  • Job costing

  • Inventory management

  • Advanced financial reporting

  • Offline access

• Pricing:

  • It used to be easy to purchase new versions of Quickbooks Desktop for a fixed cost, but now they seem to prefer the subscription model for this desktop options also.

  • Pricing varies based on the number of users and specific requirements, but it typically starts at approximately $50/month.

Quickbooks Online

QuickBooks Online offers the same powerful accounting capabilities as QuickBooks Desktop but with the convenience of cloud-based accessibility. This means you can access your financial data from anywhere with an internet connection, making it suitable for cabinetmakers who require flexibility and collaboration.

This all sounds great, however, after using Quickbooks online for several years, I was disappointed at the higher cost and lack of features. I would consider this a very different product than Quickbooks Desktop as far as features are concerned.

• Features:

  • Cloud-based access

  • Invoicing and expense tracking

  • Financial reports

  • Integration with other apps

• Pricing:

  • Simple Start: Starts at approximately $25/month.

  • Essentials: Starts at approximately $50/month.

  • Plus: Starts at approximately $80/month.

Wave

Wave is a free accounting software option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious cabinetmakers. It provides essential features like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic financial reports. While it's a cost-effective solution, it may lack some of the advanced features found in paid software options. Wave is best suited for smaller cabinetmaking businesses with straightforward accounting needs.

I actually use Wave for my business accounting needs and I have been so pleased with the results. I can manage my chart of accounts, categorize transactions, create invoices, allow customers to pay online, and manage payroll.

• Features:

  • Invoicing

  • Expense tracking

  • Basic financial reports

  • Free accounting software

• Pricing:

  • Wave is free to use, with optional add-ons like payroll and payment processing for additional fees.

Zoho Books

Zoho Books offers a comprehensive suite of accounting tools, including invoicing, expense management, inventory tracking, and financial reporting. It's an all-in-one solution for cabinetmakers looking to streamline their financial operations. With its intuitive interface and scalability, Zoho Books caters to both small startups and larger cabinetmaking enterprises. However, its pricing structure may become less favorable as your business grows.

This can be an attractive option if you are using the rest of the Zoho suite of products because of the integrations available.

• Features:

  • Invoicing and expense management

  • Inventory tracking

  • Financial reports

  • Scalability

• Pricing:

  • Basic: Starts at approximately $9/month.

  • Standard: Starts at approximately $19/month.

  • Professional: Starts at approximately $29/month.

Sage 50

Sage 50 is a robust accounting solution designed for businesses with complex needs. It provides advanced features like detailed financial analysis, inventory management, and payroll processing. Cabinetmakers with intricate financial requirements may find Sage 50 to be a valuable asset. However, its learning curve and cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses.

• Features:

  • Advanced financial analysis

  • Inventory management

  • Payroll processing

  • In-depth reporting

• Pricing:

  • Pricing varies based on the number of users and specific requirements, but it typically starts at approximately $50/month.

Freshbooks

FreshBooks is known for its user-friendly interface and simplicity. It's an excellent choice for cabinetmakers who prioritize ease of use and time-saving features. FreshBooks excels in invoicing, expense tracking, and client management. However, it may not offer the depth of features needed by larger or more complex cabinetmaking businesses.

• Features:

  • User-friendly interface

  • Invoicing and client management

  • Time tracking

  • Basic financial reports

• Pricing:

  • Lite: Starts at approximately $15/month.

  • Plus: Starts at approximately $25/month.

  • Premium: Starts at approximately $50/month.

Conclusion

In the world of cabinetmaking, precision is the cornerstone of craftsmanship. Just as you meticulously measure and cut to create impeccable cabinets, the same level of attention is crucial when it comes to your finances. Your business's financial health is a narrative waiting to be written, and understanding the numbers empowers you to craft a prosperous story.

Ultimately, the choice of accounting software depends on your specific cabinetmaking business's size, needs, and preferences. Consider the features that matter most to you, your budget, and the level of accessibility required. It's essential to explore free trials and gather insights from other cabinetmakers in your network to make an informed decision. With the right financial tool in hand, you can craft a path to success as precise and impeccable as your cabinets.

Selecting the right accounting software for your cabinetmaking business is a decision of paramount importance. It's not a choice you'll want to change frequently.

The consequences of an ill-suited software can include disrupted financial operations, loss of data, and a considerable waste of time and resources. Transitioning from one system to another can be a daunting task and may lead to inaccuracies in your financial records.

Therefore, the initial decision should be made diligently, considering your current and future needs. The goal is to find a solution that will grow with your business, ensuring smooth financial management without the need for constant software upheaval.

In other words, choosing wisely from the start can save you significant headaches in the future.

Thanks for reading!
Myron

Do you ever lose track of jobs, struggle to keep tabs on where they stand in your pipeline, or, perhaps, find yourself forgetting to follow up on important quotes?

If these challenges sound all too familiar, fret not, for there's a game-changing solution that can transform your workflow. Enter the world of Kanban boards – a visual, intuitive tool designed to bring order and efficiency to your projects.

Some of you may already have software in place to accomplish this level of visibility, but for the rest of you, this article is going to explain how you can utilize Kanban boards to help keep track of things in your shop.

What is a Kanban board?

A Kanban board helps you see what you have to do, what you're doing right now, and what you've finished.

It's like a cool way to keep track of your work and make sure you don't forget anything important.

Here is an example of a simple 3-column Kanban board.

To-Do Column: This is where you put all the things you need to do, like making a list of your homework or chores.

Doing Column: When you start working on something, you move a card from the "To-Do" column to the "Doing" column. It's like saying, "I'm doing this now!"

Done Column: When you finish a task, it goes to the "Done" column. This is where you celebrate because you're all done with it!

Kanban for Cabinetmakers

So how could a Kanban board help a cabinetmaker?

You could use a simple version like I described above, however, the real power of Kanban boards come when you customize the columns to fit your processes.

For example, lets say you want a Kanban board to keep track of your jobs in the office so each person can see where a job is in the pipeline.

Look at the example below.

This should help you get an idea of why Kanban boards are so useful. Everything is visible from one page. In most Kanban boards, you can easily click and drag the boards around as they move from column to column.

With this in place, if Mrs. Brown calls in to the office, you don’t have to go digging trying to figure out where her job information is in your messy desk.

You could also have different boards for different uses in the shop, you could have one boards specifically for the sales process, another for the production process, and maybe one for your accounting process.

Even if you don’t have a CRM, ERP, or any other fancy acronym for software to help you run your shop, you can put a Kanban board into use without a lot of setup and for little to no cost.

How do I start using a Kanban tool?

Starting to use Kanban boards today is easier than you might think! Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

Choose a Tool: You can start with physical Kanban boards using a whiteboard and sticky notes or go digital with software. (I will list some software example below)

If you already have a customer database or CRM, check to see if it already has a Kanban option so you don’t have to enter your data twice.

Set Up Your Columns: Create columns to represent different stages of your work or projects. Common ones are "To-Do," "Doing," and "Done," but you can customize them to fit your needs, like "Lead," "Quoted," "Engineered," "Ordered," "WIP," and "Delivered" for cabinetmaking.

Add Cards: Add each job as its own card or project. Each card represents something you need to do.

Move Cards: Start by placing your cards in the "To-Do" column. As you work on them, move the cards to "Doing" and finally to "Done" when completed.

Visualize Progress: Your Kanban board now shows what you're working on and what's finished at a glance. It's a great way to stay organized!

Regularly Update: Remember to update your board regularly as you start, work on, and finish tasks. This keeps everything current and helps you stay on top of your work.

So, grab your preferred tool, set up your Kanban board, and start using it today. It's a fantastic way to boost your productivity and keep your tasks and projects in order, whether you're a cabinetmaker or tackling any other kind of work!

What software should I use?

A lot of CRM software platforms include a Kanban board, so the first step is to check and make sure your existing software, if you have any, doesn’t come with a Kanban board.

Otherwise, here is a list of common tools in no particular order that include a Kanban board.

1. Trello:

   • Trello is a user-friendly Kanban tool known for its simplicity. It uses cards and boards to help you manage tasks and projects with ease. It's a great choice for those new to Kanban.

2. Monday.com

   • Monday.com is highly customizable and offers visually appealing Kanban boards. You can tailor your boards to fit your specific workflow, making it a versatile option for various industries.

3. ClickUp:

   • ClickUp is a powerful project management tool that includes Kanban boards. It provides flexibility and customization, making it suitable for small teams and large organizations alike. It also offers additional features like time tracking and goal setting. It is a little more complicated than some.

4. Notion:

   • Notion is an all-in-one workspace that includes Kanban board functionality. It's highly customizable and can be used for a wide range of tasks, from project management to note-taking and collaboration. You can build an entire all-in-one software using Notion but it can be very complicated to setup.

5. Cabinetshop Maestro:

   • Cabinetshop Maestro is a software for cabinetmakers that includes Kanban board functionality. It offers several other features as well, but the main Kanban board is very nice and customizable. I used it quite a bit several years ago.

Conclusion

If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by the chaos of cabinetmaking projects, struggling to keep track of jobs, or forgetting to follow up on crucial quotes, Kanban boards can be your guiding light towards order and efficiency.

These visual tools are not just for tech wizards; they're simple, adaptable, and can be tailored to your unique workflow. Whether you're a seasoned cabinetmaker or new to the craft, Kanban boards offer a streamlined way to manage tasks and projects. From the "To-Do" column where everything begins to the satisfying "Done" column marking completion, Kanban boards help you visualize your progress effortlessly.

For cabinetmakers, customizing the columns to fit your unique processes brings the true power of Kanban boards to life. You can effortlessly track jobs in the pipeline, manage sales, production, and accounting processes, all from a single, organized page.

And the best part? You don't need fancy software or complex setups. A whiteboard and sticky notes can do the trick, or you can explore digital tools like Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, Notion, or even specialized software like Cabinetshop Maestro if you're in the woodworking industry.

So, whether you're managing a small shop or a bustling woodworking business, take the plunge into the world of Kanban boards.

Start today, and watch as your cabinetmaking projects flow seamlessly, with every task and project right where you need it.

With Kanban, organization and efficiency are at your fingertips, making your woodworking journey smoother and more enjoyable than ever before.

Happy cabinetmaking, and happy Kanban-ing!
Myron