Ever wondered how other shops would approach a unique build, how much you should charge? Do you spend too much time looking for XYZ material, hardware, parts. Looking to buy the CNC or bander you need, but don't know what you don't know? Come and see where the movers and shakers in the custom cabinet industry are going to get their information.
Join the CMA celebrate our 20th anniversary. You do not want to miss out on this!
Agenda
The event will kick off with a networking reception at 6 pm on February 28.
Thursday, March 1
Opening Keynote Address:The Struggles of Running a Small Shop [Paul Downs]
Paul Downs started his business from a wish to “just make furniture” in 1986. Since then, Paul has grown his company from a single-man shop to 19 employees and he’s never made a kitchen. He will tell you what factors have led to his success including how to market over the Internet, how he hires, what he pays and how much money he takes home.
Panel Discussion The CMA: Glancing Back & Surging Ahead [moderated by Will Sampson]
The “founding fathers” of the CMA will look back to that cold, January day in Chicago when the CMA was created. They will share their initial vision for the CMA and how well we’ve met their expectations over the years. Finally, they will suggest ways we can meet the demands of today and tomorrow’s workforce.
Building a Valuable Business [Jim Thomas]
Are you thinking about your exit strategy? Do you know what your business is worth? Often, shop owners who are ready to get out of the business just opt for selling off their equipment at auction and leave it at that – this presentation will get you thinking about how to set your woodworking business up for eventual sale and maximizing its value. This expert attorney will discuss what banks and buyers will be looking for; how to get it all in order; valuation methods; timelines; real-world expectations and common pitfalls.
Case Study Transitioning to CNC [Chris Dehmer - interviewed by Will Sampson]
Chris Dehmer will share his story of taking the leap and buying his first CNC. He’ll share what he learned, what he wishes he had known and what he'd do differently if he had to do it again. This session will cover it all – selection, negotiation, financing, moving, set-up, processes, compressed air, power, dust collection, tooling, the learning curve and all of the surprises that come with integrating a CNC machine into your shop.
​Plant tours of Premier EuroCase and TruStile Doors
Friday, March 2
Technology Tools for Today's Woodworker [Christian Zorio]
Mission Bell is a high-end architectural woodworking company located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Given their location, they have access to and awareness of a wide variety of technology tools. Christian will share what tools they are currently using as well as what they are researching for future implementation.
Panel Discussion Practical Solutions for Finding Employees [Greg Larson, Jason Worthington, Dean Mattson, Scott Robinson, Christina Relyea - moderated by Adria Torrez]
We all are aware that there is a nation-wide challenge to finding skilled workers. This panel discussion will inform you what others are doing to develop their future workforce. Learn from what they’ve done and take away key tactics to implement in your own business.
The Art of Pricing Profitably [Sean Benetin]
This session addresses the nuts and bolts of how to make a profit. Many veteran and new business owners say it was the turning point in finally realizing the profits they hoped for when they created their businesses. Attendees will leave with spreadsheets and pricing structures that past attendees have used as a springboard to profitability.
Panel Discussion The Cabinet Industry Supply Chain: A Look Ahead [Todd Vogelsinger, Ken McFadden, Jesse Collins, Gary Leblanc - moderated by Don Schalk]
Retail – how people buy things – is changing and we need to change our marketing channels. This lively panel discussion of cabinet industry suppliers will share their vision for the future of the supply chain. The group will admit known issues with the current state of the supply chain and present ways they are trying to resolve them to keep pace with the changing marketplace.
Closing Keynote Address From Estimate to Implementation: Improved Communications for Presenting Face-Based Materials [Henry "Dutch" Hempel]
​Learn how to communicate effectively throughout the entire sales process. Dutch will help business owners gain a better understanding of their customers, develop a business and marketing strategy to communicate their unique value, and develop the leadership skills needed to see the job through to completion.
We aim to conclude by 4 pm on Friday afternoon.
This will not be your typical association meeting - we promise to deliver an exceptional experience that will both educate and inspire you.
We've chosen a theme that's very much in keeping with this beautiful city in the Rockies: Elevate. Join us to find out how you and your business can soar to new heights.
Location
Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center
15500 East 40th Ave.
Denver, CO 80239
Learn More
Search #CMA20 on Twitter to learn more about what we will be doing to celebrate in Denver.
Spread the Word
Non-members will get a one-year CMA membership as part of their registration, which will provide them with a great opportunity to get to know our community and see what they’ve been missing. CMA members often tell me that they wish they had known about the association sooner, so I hope you’ll help us get the word out about this special opportunity to get two great experiences for the price of one!
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Reference #CMA20 when you share news about this conference.